Sleep wrinkles: Healthy diet, satin pillowcase and retinoid creams are ways to get rid of them

Specially designed pillows support your head and neck without putting pressure on your face. These pillows can help distribute weight more evenly, reducing the formation of sleep wrinkles. (Image: Canva)

Sleep Wrinkles are lines and creases that develop on the face from prolonged pressure and compression of the skin against a pillow or mattress during sleep. These wrinkles become more noticeable with age as the skin loses its elasticity and ability to recover from repeated pressure.

Causes of sleep wrinkles

Pressure and compression: Sleeping on your side or stomach causes your face to press against the pillow, resulting in creases and lines due to sustained pressure and compression.

Repeated facial distortion: The continuous distortion of facial skin during sleep can damage collagen and elastin, leading to permanent lines over time, says Delhi based dermatologist and founder of Dermavive Pooja Nagpal.

Aging skin: As skin ages, it loses elasticity and volume, making it less resilient to pressure. The dermis (The middle layer of the skin) becomes thinner and less capable of snapping back to its original state, increasing the visibility of wrinkles.

Sleep position: Sleeping on your side or stomach is more likely to cause sleep wrinkles compared to sleeping on your back, says Nagpal.

Ways to prevent and reduce sleep wrinkles

Sleep on your back: Training yourself to sleep on your back can help minimise skin compression and reduce the formation of sleep wrinkles. This position prevents your face from being pressed against the pillow, which is the primary cause of sleep lines.

Use a silk or satin pillowcase: Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase can significantly reduce friction on your skin compared to cotton pillowcases. These smoother materials allow your skin to glide rather than scrunch up, minimising the chances of wrinkles forming.

Invest in anti-wrinkle pillows: Specially designed pillows support your head and neck without putting pressure on your face. These pillows can help distribute weight more evenly, reducing the formation of sleep wrinkles.

Keep skin hydrated: Well-moisturised skin is more resilient and less prone to wrinkling. Use a good quality moisturiser before bed to keep your skin hydrated. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid can help plump and hydrate the skin, making fine lines less visible.

Use retinoid creams: Retinoids can help boost collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles over time, says Nagpal. Incorporating retinoid creams into your nightly skincare routine can be beneficial in combating sleep wrinkles.

Maintain a healthy diet: A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats supports skin health and can reduce the formation of wrinkles. Nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining skin elasticity and overall health.

Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin hydrated from the inside, maintaining its elasticity and reducing the risk of wrinkles. Proper hydration helps skin retain its plumpness, making it less likely to develop lines and creases.