Photo: @poppymarchh

Waking up with wrinkles? But they don’t seem to go away throughout the day? Let’s get into why this happens and how to prevent sleep wrinkles.

Does Sleeping on Your Side Cause Wrinkles?

You've probably heard the rumor that sleeping on your side can lead to wrinkles, but is there any truth to it? The short answer is yes, but it's not as straightforward as it may seem. When you sleep on your side, especially if you're a dedicated side sleeper, your face can be pressed against the pillow for hours at a time. This constant pressure on your skin can indeed contribute to the development of sleep marks over time.

However, it's important to remember that not everyone who sleeps on their side will automatically develop wrinkles. Genetics, skin type, and overall skin health play a significant role in the process.

Sleep wrinkles are a specific type of wrinkle that develops due to the repetitive compression of your face against your pillow. Unlike expression lines, which result from muscle movement, sleep wrinkles are caused by mechanical factors. Over time, this compression can break down collagen and elastin fibers, leading to the development of fine lines and wrinkles. Moreover, the friction between your face and the pillowcase can further exacerbate the problem.

Do Sleep Wrinkles Go Away?

This is the question on everyone's mind, “does side sleeping lead to permanent sleep wrinkles?” We will get right to the good news: sleep wrinkles are typically temporary and can be improved or prevented with some adjustments to your sleeping habits and skincare routine. Read on below for our tips on how to prevent sleep imprints and wrinkles.

How to Prevent Sleep Wrinkles

Sleep on Your Back

When it comes to preventing sleep wrinkles, your sleeping position matters! One of the most effective ways to avoid wrinkles while sleeping is to sleep on your back. Why? Sleeping on your back reduces the contact between your face and the pillow, minimizing the chances of your skin being compressed and creased during the night. This position allows your skin to stay smooth and free from the pressure that can lead to wrinkles.

If you're not used to sleeping on your back, adjusting may take some time. Try using extra pillows to elevate your upper body slightly, making it more comfortable. Additionally, consider placing a small pillow or cushion under your knees to reduce pressure on your lower back. With practice and patience, you can train yourself to sleep on your back and protect your skin from sleep wrinkles.

Use a Satin or Silk Pillowcase

It’s not just your sleep position you must worry about; you can also develop wrinkles from your pillow! The type of pillowcase you use can make a significant difference in preventing sleep wrinkles.

Cotton pillowcases, while comfortable, can create friction and lead to skin creasing during the night. Switching to satin or silk pillowcases can reduce this friction, allowing your skin to glide smoothly as you sleep. These materials are gentler on the skin and less likely to cause wrinkles.

Bonus! Satin and silk also have the added benefit of preserving your hair's health and shine, preventing hair breakage and frizz. So, investing in a satin or silk pillowcase not only promotes skin health but also contributes to better hair days.

Stay Well-Hydrated

Hydration is a fundamental aspect of maintaining youthful and healthy skin! When your skin is adequately hydrated, it is more supple and less prone to developing wrinkles and sleep lines on the face. To ensure your skin stays well-hydrated, focus on internal and external hydration.

Start by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and skin hydrated from the inside out. Additionally, incorporate a high-quality moisturizer into your nighttime skincare routine. A nourishing night cream like Clarasome can help replenish your skin's moisture levels and create a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss during the night.

Limit Sun Exposure

Sun exposure is one of the primary causes of premature skin aging, including the formation of wrinkles. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can break down collagen and elastin fibers, essential components for maintaining youthful-looking skin. To prevent sleep wrinkles, protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is essential.

Wear sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection daily, even on overcast days. Reapply sunscreen as needed, especially if you're spending extended periods outdoors. Consider wearing sun-protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses to provide additional protection. Minimizing sun damage can maintain smoother, more youthful skin and reduce the risk of developing wrinkles.

Choose Smart Ingredients

Combatting sleep wrinkles starts with choosing skincare products enriched with key ingredients known for their wrinkle-fighting properties:

Retinol: This powerful ingredient stimulates collagen production and cell turnover, promoting smoother skin and reducing wrinkles.

Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating superstar. It locks in moisture, plumping up the skin and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Antioxidants: Antioxidants like vitamins C and E protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals, helping to prevent premature aging and wrinkles.

Peptides: Peptides are amino acids that support collagen and elastin production, maintaining skin's firmness and elasticity.

Maintain a Skincare Routine

Dermaclara makes setting a skincare routine easy and effective. Follow our guide below for the perfect skincare routine.

1. Cleanse with Claraprep

Gently cleanse your face to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities.

2. Apply Silicone Patches

Apply our SILICONEFUSION™ Face Rejuvenation patches for a complete facelift, or opt for a targeted approach with our forehead patches for wrinkles. Wait 15 minutes for the magic to set in, then gently peel off, wash, and reapply to the backing card. Dermaclara medical-grade silicone patches can be reused up to 30 times!

Our medical-grade silicone patches create a microclimate between the seal and the skin, locking in moisture and increasing collagen production and elastin. The result is a boost in elasticity and buoyancy. With consistent use, Dermaclara rolls back time, clearing fine lines and wrinkles, erasing stretch marks, and tightening loose skin.

3. Tone

Continue your skincare regimen as usual* and apply a toner to balance your skin's pH levels.

*You can also choose to sleep in your Dermaclara patches to increase their effectiveness and for added protection against wrinkles.

4. Apply Serums

Apply any serums containing retinol, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, or peptides.

5. Apply Daily Restorative Oil

Our Daily Restorative Oil provides a concentrated dose of essential fatty acids, omega-rich nutrients, and free-radical fighting antioxidants proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Our oil helps prevent transepidermal water loss, rebalance the skin, repair damage, and restore a healthy complexion.

6. Finish with Clarasome

Finish strong with a strong moisturizer! Our hyaluronic acid moisturizer penetrates deep to smooth, tone, and hydrate dry or damaged skin.