Silk has long been associated with beauty. For centuries, it has symbolized luxury, softness, and refinement. But what you may not know is that
silk has also played a powerful role in the history of skincare and healing
.
At Doré, we were drawn to silk not just for its elegance, but for its scientific potential. Our latest innovation, BioComplexe PX, is powered by natural silk peptides that are both bioactive and skin-supporting. To understand why this matters, we looked to the past.
Here’s a closer look at how silk has been used across history to care for the skin.
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Silk in Ancient Medicine
The story of silk in skincare begins thousands of years ago. In
ancient China
, where silk production originated, this natural fiber was more than just fabric. Silk threads were used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat wounds, calm inflammation, and support skin healing. Healers observed that silk workers often had exceptionally smooth and youthful hands, despite long hours of labor.
This observation led to the early belief that silk contained healing properties. Physicians began to apply silk fibers directly to injuries to promote repair and reduce scarring. Even the byproducts of silk production, like sericin (a protein found in silk cocoons), were collected for medicinal use.
The Beauty Rituals of Royalty
Silk was also embraced in royal beauty rituals. In Japan, geishas and noblewomen used finely milled silk powder to create a smooth, luminous finish on the skin. The powder offered a soft, mattifying effect while also protecting the skin from the sun and environmental elements.
In Korea, silk was used in facial masks and body scrubs, often soaked in herbal infusions to promote radiance. These early skincare traditions recognized silk’s ability to soften, soothe, and protect.
The Science Catches Up
It wasn’t until the modern era that scientists began to understand why silk worked so well on the skin. Silk is rich in amino acids, the building blocks of proteins that support the skin’s structure and function.
Through biotechnology, researchers discovered that silk peptides—short chains of amino acids derived from silk—could be used in skincare to help retain moisture, improve elasticity, and support the skin barrier. Unlike harsh actives that can irritate or strip the skin, silk peptides are biocompatible. That means they are naturally recognized and accepted by the skin.
This discovery opened a new chapter in skincare, one that blends ancient wisdom with modern science.
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