The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Sleep wrinkles are real. Here’s how they leave their mark

  • Written by Yousuf Mohammed, Dermatology researcher, The University of Queensland
Sleep wrinkles are real. Here’s how they leave their mark

You wake up, stagger to the bathroom and gaze into the mirror. No, you’re not imagining it. You’ve developed face wrinkles overnight. They’re sleep wrinkles.

Sleep wrinkles are temporary. But as your skin loses its elasticity as you age, they can set in.

Here’s what you can do to minimise the chance of them forming in the first place.

How side-sleeping affects your face

Your skin wrinkles for a number of reasons, including ageing, sun damage, smoking, poor hydration, habitual facial expressions (such as grinning, pouting, frowning, squinting) and sleeping positions.

When you sleep on your side or stomach, your face skin is squeezed and crushed[1] a lot more than if you sleep on your back. When you sleep on your side or stomach, gravity presses your face against the pillow. Your face skin is distorted as your skin is stretched, compressed and pulled in all directions as you move about in your sleep.

You can reduce these external forces acting on the face by sleeping on your back or changing positions frequently.

Doctors can tell which side you sleep on by looking at your face

In a young face, sleep wrinkles are transient and disappear after waking.

Temporary sleep wrinkles can become persistent with time and repetition. As we age[2], our skin loses elasticity[3] (recoil) and extensibility (stretch), creating ideal conditions[4] for sleep wrinkles or lines to set in and last longer.

The time spent in each sleeping position, the magnitude of external forces applied to each area of the face, as well as the surface area of contact with the pillow surface, also affects[5] the pattern and rate of sleep wrinkle formation.

Skin specialists can often recognise this. People who favour sleeping on one side of their body tend to have a flatter face on their sleeping side and more visible sleep lines.

Can a night skincare routine avoid sleep wrinkles?

Collagen and elastin are two primary components of the dermis (inner layer) of skin. They form the skin structure and maintain the elasticity of skin.

Skin structure
The dermis is the inner layer of skin. mermaid3/Shutterstock[6]

Supplementing collagen through skincare routines to enhance skin elasticity can help reduce[7] wrinkle formation.

Hyaluronic[8] acid is a naturally occurring molecule in human bodies. It holds our skin’s collagen and elastin in a proper configuration, stimulates the production of collagen[9] and adds hydration, which can help slow down wrinkle formation. Hyaluronic acid is one of the most common active ingredients[10] in skincare creams, gels and lotions.

Moisturisers can hydrate the skin in different ways[11]. “Occlusive” substances produce a thin layer of oil on the skin that prevents water loss due to evaporation. “Humectants” attract and hold water in the skin, and they can differ in their capacity to bind with water, which influences the degree of skin hydration.

Do silk pillowcases actually make a difference?

Bed with silk sheets and pillowcases
Can they help? New Africa/Shutterstock[12]

Silk pillowcases can make a difference in wrinkle formation, if they let your skin glide and move, rather than adding friction and pressure on a single spot. If you can, use silk sheets and silk pillows.

Studies have also shown[13] pillows designed to reduce mechanical stress during sleep can prevent skin deformations. Such a pillow could be useful[14] in slowing down and preventing the formation of certain facial wrinkles.

Sleeping on your back can reduce the risk of sleep lines, as can a nighttime routine of moisturising before sleep.

Otherwise, lifestyle choices and habits, such quitting smoking, drinking plenty of water, a healthy diet (eating enough vegetables, fruits[15], nuts, seeds, healthy fats, yogurt and other fermented foods[16]) and regular use of sunscreens can help improve the appearance of the skin on our face.

References

  1. ^ squeezed and crushed (academic.oup.com)
  2. ^ age (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  3. ^ loses elasticity (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  4. ^ ideal conditions (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  5. ^ affects (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  6. ^ mermaid3/Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
  7. ^ help reduce (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  8. ^ Hyaluronic (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  9. ^ collagen (www.mdpi.com)
  10. ^ active ingredients (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  11. ^ different ways (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  12. ^ New Africa/Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
  13. ^ shown (academic.oup.com)
  14. ^ could be useful (www.scirp.org)
  15. ^ fruits (www.tandfonline.com)
  16. ^ yogurt and other fermented foods (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Read more https://theconversation.com/sleep-wrinkles-are-real-heres-how-they-leave-their-mark-217380

The Times Features

From Classic to Contemporary: 5 Timeless Costumes for Any Party

When it comes to dressing up for a costume party, you want to choose something that is not only fun but also memorable. Whether you're attending a Halloween event, a themed gathe...

Action Figures as Art: The Growing Trend of Custom Figures and Modding

Action figures have long been regarded as collectible items, valued by enthusiasts and fans for their connection to popular culture. However, in recent years, a growing trend has...

The Ultimate Guide to Securing Grants for Your Small Business in Australia

Running a small business in Australia comes with both opportunities and challenges. While it can be rewarding, funding your business through the early stages or periods of growth...

Men’s Guide to Styling Suits with Sweaters for the Ultimate Winter Look

Winter brings a unique set of challenges when it comes to maintaining a sharp and stylish wardrobe. While suits are a staple of a well-dressed man’s closet, staying warm during t...

Discover the Charm of a Girl's White Dress

Key Highlights Timeless elegance: White dresses feel pure and have classic charm. They are perfect for many types of events. Versatile styles: You can pick from lace, embroid...

Top Medical Grade Red Light Therapy Devices in Australia

Key Highlights Lumitter™ has advanced red light therapy devices that combine new ideas with wellness. Red light therapy helps lower pain and swelling and boosts skin health. ...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping