The lowdown on what you need to know about exfoliating with silk cocoons
There are some potent ingredients and practices in skincare that have been used for centuries and passed down through generations due to their beneficial properties. Silk cocoons and copper are two such examples that aid in the maintenance of healthy and youthful looking skin.
Metallics in skincare aren't new. Gold, diamond and silver have all been used in some way to help with our skin. The hero in metallic ingredients however is copper, or to be more specific, copper peptides. The use of copper as a skin restoring ingredient has ancient precedents going as far back as Ancient Egypt. In fact, the use of copper compounds for beautification and healing was cited in the Ebers Papyrus, the world's oldest known book, written in approximately 1550 B.C. Copper is a natural biocide and as such has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which is why the Egyptians, along with the Greeks, have used it for healing wounds and infectious diseases for thousands of years.
In India, Vedic texts attribute many therapeutic benefits to Tamra (the Hindi word for copper) and encourage its daily use to balance the body’s doshas (according to Ayurveda, the three forces/ energies believed to circulate in the body). Thus, the widely acclaimed benefits of this particular metal have been around and used by mankind for centuries.
In more modern times, biologically-effective copper peptides have been found to help in the regeneration of collagen and elastin, which improves skin elasticity and firmness. Copper peptides also help increase the production of water-holding glycosaminoglycans, which helps moisturize the skin, increase natural defenses against oxidative damage and repair damage to the protective skin barrier.
As far as silk cocoons are concerned, their use stretches back to the very conception of sericulture, over 5,000 years ago when the Chinese found uses for the cocoon beyond just fabric. Even today, in almost every Asian country, you will find women using cocoons for help with their anti-aging, hydrating and exfoliating rituals.
As a protein fiber, silk is chemically quite similar to human skin, which is why it is often referred to as “second skin”. While there are many different types of silk available, one of the finest is the silk produced in Assam, in India’s northeast. Assamese silk is primarily produced from three different types of wild silkworms: Muga, pat and eri. Among these, Muga is the most highly prized for the fiber’s natural golden gloss and fine texture, which is what makes it one of the most expensive varieties of silk. There are two proteins in silk - sericin and fibroin – both of which have skin benefits. Sericin forms a layer of protection over the skin and helps promote hydration. Fibroin may help repair skin cells and balance moisture levels, and is also known for its purported ability to boost collagen. In addition, cocoons have gentle exfoliating properties that leave skin feeling baby soft, while also reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots.
While it comes as no surprise that silk cocoons are gaining ground globally as a gentle and effective way to exfoliate, it is important to use them the right way.
1. Before use, soak the cocoons in warm water for a few minutes.
2. Once soft, place on your forefinger and scrub your washed face in gentle circles.
3. Focus on your nose, chin, lips and forehead.
4. Repeat the process once or twice a week.
5. Remember to throw away the cocoons after 2-3 uses and replenish/hydrate your skin right after.
When gently massaged onto your face, the silk cocoons release sericin, which helps make your complexion clearer and smoother. Stick to this routine for at least four weeks (that’s how long it takes for skin to renew itself) and you will experience softer and plumper skin, with spots and lines gradually decreasing.
See the benefits for yourself with our Amrutini® Luminosity Dewdrops Serum, a hyper-hydrating elixir that comes with four copper crusted silk cocoons. Exfoliate regularly with the cocoons and replenish with the Luminosity Dewdrops – your skin will feel discernably softer, plumper and more hydrated.