Duo Digest: Does Sleeping Position Affect Wrinkles?
You might already know that lifestyle choices like sun exposure and skincare habits impact ageing, but have you considered how your sleep position affects your skin? If you frequently wake up with pillow creases, those lines may become permanent over time. Let’s break down the connection between sleeping posture and wrinkles—and how to protect your skin while you rest.
1. Why Side-Sleeping and Stomach-Sleeping Can Lead to Wrinkles
When you sleep on your side or stomach, your face is pressed against the pillow for hours. This prolonged pressure can lead to the development of sleep wrinkles—fine lines and creases caused by repeated compression and friction.
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Increased Pressure on the Skin: When your face is smooshed against a pillow, it creates folds in the skin, leading to permanent etching over time.
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Collagen Breakdown: Repeated mechanical stress can weaken collagen and elastin fibres, accelerating sagging.
- Pillow Friction: Cotton pillowcases can tug at the skin, causing unnecessary stretching and irritation.
2. The Best Sleeping Habits to Prevent Wrinkles
While you can’t stop aging, you can adopt better sleep habits to minimise its effects:
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Sleep on Your Back: This reduces skin compression and prevents overnight creasing.
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Use a Silk or Satin Pillowcase: These materials create less friction, reducing tugging on the skin.
- Elevate Your Head Slightly: This helps prevent fluid retention, reducing puffiness and morning lines.
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Invest in a Skin-Friendly Pillow: Some pillows are designed to support back sleeping and reduce facial pressure.
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Apply a Hydrating Night Cream: Keeping skin plump overnight helps counteract the effects of compression wrinkles.
While your sleep position won’t cause wrinkles overnight, habitual pressure on the skin can contribute to fine lines in the long run. The best solution? Try training yourself to sleep on your back and incorporate skincare products that support overnight recovery. After all, beauty sleep isn’t just a saying—it’s science.
