Silk face mask guide

In 2020, the covid-19 health crisis made the wearing of masks compulsory from the age of 6 in enclosed areas open to the public and on the streets of certain towns. There are several types of mask available from drugstores, boutiques and online retailers: FFP2 masks (designed to protect the wearer), surgical masks (anti-projection) and washable fabric masks for the general public. The latter are the most ecological and economical in the long term.

With the new regulations, many people have to wear a mask for days on end at school or work. However, prolonged wearing of the mask prevents the skin from breathing, leading to skin problems such as pimples, irritation and dryness. The term Mascné "born from the contraction of the words "masks" and "acne" or " Maskné "has recently appeared and is used regularly in the press and on the Internet.

Silk, the best fabric for protective masks

The ideal mask needs to be comfortable, breathable and able to repel moisture. In fact, the French health authorities and AFNOR (Association Française de Normalisation) recommend changing masks when they become wet or "dampened by use (breathing, perspiration, etc.)", as this makes them less effective.

So which fabric mask best meets these requirements?

Laboratory tests

A study published on September 22, 2020 by researchers at the University of Cincinnati in the USA claims that, thanks to its benefits, silk is the most suitable fabric for making protective masks.

Patrick Guerra, the author of this research, is a biologist and senior lecturer at the university. As a butterfly specialist, he has a thorough understanding of the natural properties of the silk worms produce to make their cocoons. Together with his Postdoctoral Researcher Adam Parlin, they carried out laboratory tests on different fabrics such as cotton and polyester, and were able to demonstrate the effectiveness of silk.

Copper against viruses

Studies have shown that copper has antiseptic properties that are particularly effective against bacteria and viruses. Mulberry silk naturally contains copper, thanks to the worm that feeds on mulberry leaves.

The exceptional properties of silk

Silk is not only naturally antiseptic, but also antibacterial and antiviral.

Breathability

The breathability of a fabric is its capacity to eliminate water vapor. We know that humidity reduces the filtering power of masks. Silk has the ability to absorb moisture and evacuate it rapidly. It also has the advantage of drying very quickly.

What's more, the primary mode of coronavirus transmission is via respiratory droplets, and silk is hydrophobic.

Comfort

Silk is the softest material available for fabric masks. Its softness makes it more comfortable to wear than any other material. Being thinner than cotton or polyester, it allows the wearer to breathe better behind the mask.

The benefits of silk for the skin

Silk is naturally hypoallergenic, preserving skin moisture and allowing your skin to breathe, thus limiting the appearance of pimples or other irritations. As it absorbs creams less than cotton, for example, your face care products can work more effectively.

To avoid mascné and limit skin eruptions, opt for a silk mask.

Silk masks: the new fashion?

With the latest studies claiming that the best fabric for face masks is silk, many brands and boutiques have started selling these products.

We would like to draw your attention to the fact that since 2009, Maison de la Soie has been selling bedding, linen and fashion and beauty accessories in silk. We've known about the virtues of this natural fiber for many years. So it's only logical that on our website you'll find silk face masks from €19.90, carefully crafted by our best partners.