Sleep wrinkles: the positions that promote their appearance.

The position in which we sleep can have an impact on the appearance of our facial skin and on skin ageing. Indeed, during sleep, depending on the position adopted, the facial tissue is subjected to mechanical forces of shearing, compression, and tension. These forces become significant when considering the time spent sleeping. Moreover, with the more or less frequent changes in position during the night, the skin is stretched in several directions, which can lead to the formation of sleep wrinkles.

• Sleeping on one's side.

  Sleeping on one's side is often cited as a position to avoid if one wishes to prevent sleep wrinkles. Indeed, in this position, one side of the face, the one in contact with the pillow, is subjected to a constant pressure which could lead to a more pronounced marking of the wrinkles and fine lines. The skin also undergoes expansion on the pillow, promoting its deformation. It can also be assumed that blood circulation on the side of the face is slowed down, due to the compression forces exerted there.

  A study by KOLTUS sought to determine whether there was a link between the sleeping position and the intensity of facial wrinkles. To do this, 64 volunteers, either sleeping on their left or right side, were recruited and the depth and appearance of their wrinkles were examined. However, no significant difference was observed between the left and right sides of the participants' faces. Thus, even though it would seem logical that sleeping on one's side would promote sleep wrinkles, this study did not scientifically demonstrate this. Nevertheless, as this is only one study, further research is still needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

• Sleeping on the stomach.

  Sleeping on one's stomach appears to present the same drawbacks in terms of accentuating wrinkles as the lateral position. Indeed, the prolonged contact of the face with the pillow exerts continuous pressure on the skin, promoting skin folds which, over time, could transform into permanent wrinkles. Moreover, this position imposes a heightened twist at the neck level, which could not only lead to muscular and joint tensions, but also affect blood and lymphatic circulation. A disruption of this circulation could, in theory, reduce the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells, which would promote skin ageing.

  However, it is important to note that no scientific study has yet explored the impact of sleeping in a prone position on the development of wrinkles. Therefore, further in-depth research on this topic is still necessary to better understand the effects of sleeping on one's stomach on the formation of sleep wrinkles.

Are there certain positions to favour to avoid sleep wrinkles?

Conversely, sleeping on your back could be one of the positions that help combat sleep wrinkles. Indeed, in this position, the face is not subjected to any pressure and both blood and lymphatic circulations are promoted, especially if the head is elevated. Moreover, sleeping on your back allows the neck to have a better posture, which can assist in case of tensions. Lastly, if a night treatment is used, this position avoids the risk of transfer onto the pillow, allowing serums, creams, and lotions to effectively work on the skin.

• KOLTUS B. & al. Effect of Sleep Position on Perceived Facial Aging. Dermatology Surgery (2013). 

• LAMBROS V. & al. Sleep wrinkles : Facial aging and facial distortion. Aesthetic Surgery Journal (2016). 

• MOHIUDDIN AK. & al. Skin Aging & Modern Age Anti-Aging Strategies. International Journal of Clinical Dermatology & Research (2019).