Is how you are sleeping ageing you? (and how to fix this)
by Dr Caroline Warden NHS GP, cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic doctor in Hale, Cheshire
Think wrinkles only come only from sun exposure, ageing, or repeated expressions like smiling and frowning.
But there’s another culprit: your sleeping position.
Yes, sleep wrinkles are real. Side-sleeping skin damage is a proven factor in visible ageing. The good news? If you really care to, you can prevent them with small changes to your sleep routine and bring back BEAUTY SLEEP.
What Are Sleep Wrinkles?
Sleep wrinkles (sometimes called sleep lines or nocturnal wrinkles) are creases caused by pressure, compression, stretching, or friction while you sleep. When your face is pressed against the pillow night after night, temporary lines can eventually become permanent.
Unlike expression wrinkles, which come from muscle activity, sleep wrinkles come from external forces on the skin while it rests.
These line are often vertical lines on your forehead that remain post botox.
Why Side Sleeping Can damage Skin
Sleeping on your side or stomach may feel comfortable and i’m definitely in that category (!) but it puts uneven stress on your face. Here’s why:
Continuous compression – Cheeks, jaw, and lips are pressed against the pillow, causing collagen breakdown.
Age-related elasticity loss – Young skin bounces back quickly, but with age, sleep lines set in.
Friction – Rough pillowcases create shear forces that make wrinkles worse.
Asymmetry – People often sleep more on one side, so wrinkles develop unevenly.
Pillow pressure – Firmer or larger pillows increase skin distortion.
The Science Behind Sleep Wrinkles
Research confirms that sleep wrinkles are real:
Poljsak et al. (2012): Visualised facial distortion from pillow pressure.
Baek et al. (2012): Copper pillowcases reduced crow’s feet depth.
Anson et al. (2016): Found sleep wrinkles are linked to facial compression, not muscle movement.
Clinical pillow trials: Anti-wrinkle pillows reduced wrinkle density by up to 67% in middle-aged adults.
How to Prevent Sleep Wrinkles
Here are practical, proven ways to reduce sleep lines:
1. Sleep on Your Back
Minimises pillow contact and reduces compression. Use support pillows to keep from rolling onto your side.
2. Use Anti-Wrinkle or Ergonomic Pillows
Memory foam or specially designed “beauty pillows” reduce skin distortion.
3. Switch to Silk or Satin Pillowcases
Smooth fabrics reduce friction and tugging.
4. Support Skin with Night Skincare
Hydrated, nourished skin is more resilient. Use serums with hyaluronic acid, peptides, or retinol (if tolerated).
5. Protect Collagen with Lifestyle Habits
Daily SPF, no smoking, nutrient-rich diet, and quality sleep all maintain skin elasticity.
6. Make Environmental Adjustments
Keep bedrooms cool, use body pillows, or apply silicone pads to delicate areas for added protection.
What Doesn’t Work (On Its Own)
Silk pillowcases: Helpful for friction, but don’t stop compression.
Botox: Works on expression wrinkles, not sleep wrinkles.
Youth: Younger skin bounces back, but prevention matters for long-term results.
The Good News
Even if you already have sleep wrinkles, you can improve them:
Retinoids, peptides, and collagen-boosting products.
Non-invasive treatments (e.g., laser resurfacing, fillers).
Anti-wrinkle pillows and sleep position changes to reduce further damage.
Make Sleep Part of Your Skincare Routine
Preventing sleep wrinkles isn’t about perfection — it’s about consistency. Try one change tonight: a silk pillowcase, a retinol serum, or back sleeping.
Remember: your pillow is not just for comfort — it’s part of your skincare routine.
Case Study: Reducing Sleep Wrinkles With a Special Pillow
Background:
’Sarah’, 46, a side-sleeper from Altrincham, began noticing deeper lines on the left side of her face, especially around the eye and cheek. Despite using quality skincare and daily SPF, she felt her skin looked uneven.
Approach:
She took part in a 12-week trial using the Sleep & Glow Omnia Pillow, designed to reduce pressure on the face during sleep. Her skin was analysed before, during, and after the trial using a 3D imaging system (LifeViz® Micro + Dermapix®).
Results:
Wrinkle depth reduced
Overall improvement in wrinkle appearance.
Sarah also reported fewer “sleep lines” on waking and felt her skin looked smoother and more balanced.
Key Takeaway:
This case shows that even non-invasive, lifestyle-based interventions, like changing your pillow, can make a measurable difference to skin ageing. Combined with skincare and sun protection, it’s a powerful way to protect collagen and reduce wrinkles naturally.
Book a consultation today
Dr Caroline Warden is an experienced NHS GP and aesthetic doctor. She has been a medical doctor for over 18 years. Her Skin and Aesthetic Clinic is located in Hale, Cheshire
Whether you're new to aesthetic treatments or ready to refine your routine, her bespoke skin assessments are the best place to start. She’ll design a tailored plan based on your skin goals, lifestyle, and timeline.
Book your consultation at the clinic in Hale, Cheshire and experience aesthetic medicine, with a lighter, more personal touch
Our main Hale clinic is local To:
Alderley Edge, Altrincham, Bowdon, Bramhall, Hale Barns, Knutsford, Manchester, Mobberley, Sale, Timperley, Urmston, Wilmslow, Handforth, Poynton, Cheadle, Didsbury, Warrington
Our satellite Disley clinic on Thursday nights at Scott, Skin & Co, is local to:
New Mills, High Lane, Marple, Mellor, Whaley Bridge, Hayfield, Stockport
References
Baek, J. H., Yoo, M. A., Koh, J. S., & Borkow, G. (2012). Reduction of facial wrinkles depth by sleeping on copper‑oxide‑containing pillowcases: a double blind, placebo controlled, parallel, randomized clinical study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22938003/
Anson, G., Kane, M., & Lambros, V. (2016). Sleep Wrinkles: Facial Aging and Facial Distortion During Sleep. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27329660/
Borkow, G., & del Carmen‑Elías, A. (2016). Facial Skin Lifting and Brightening Following Sleep on Fabrics That Liberate Copper Ions. Cosmetics, 3(3), 24. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/3/3/24
Borkow, G. (2014). Using Copper to Improve the Well‑Being of the Skin. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4556990/
The Aesthetic Society. (n.d.). Study shows stomach and side sleeping positions cause facial distortion and wrinkle‑forming compression. https://www.theaestheticsociety.org/media/press-releases/study-shows-stomach-and-side-sleeping-positions-cause-facial-distortion-and
FAQs About Sleep Wrinkles
Are sleep wrinkles real?
Yes. Research shows that side or stomach sleeping causes facial compression, which leads to wrinkles over time.
Do silk pillowcases really prevent wrinkles?
They reduce friction and tugging, but they don’t eliminate compression from side or stomach sleeping.
What is the best sleeping position to avoid wrinkles?
Sleeping on your back is the most effective way to prevent sleep wrinkles.
Can sleep wrinkles go away?
In younger skin, temporary sleep lines may fade. With age, they often become permanent. Treatments like retinoids and laser resurfacing can help.
Do special anti-wrinkle pillows really work?
Yes. Clinical studies show that specially designed pillows can reduce wrinkle depth and density, especially for side sleepers.
At what age do sleep wrinkles start?
They can appear at any age but are more likely to become permanent after your 30s as skin loses elasticity.
Key Takeaway
Sleep wrinkles are real but preventable. By combining smart skincare with better sleep habits, you can slow one of the lesser-known causes of facial ageing.
Your future skin will thank you.
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