Does Sleeping on Your Side Contribute to Wrinkles?

The bedtime myth and mystery that leaves you eying your pillow with absolute doubt

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For the longest time, many beauty aficionados have always said that, ‘you must only sleep on your back or suffer   years of wrinkles or aging.’

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No wonder many people are worried about sleeping positions and often ask many questions about the best sleeping positions to help avoid putting pressure on the face, and avoid developing wrinkles.

Is it still true that this could be the reason why many beauty enthusiasts are so choosy when it comes to types of pillows and materials too?

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However, is there any truth to these claims or are they just another hox, buzz or myths and mysteries exploding online?

This is the reason why Beauty Trends editors went out of their way to speak with researchers and dermatologists in an effort to decode this alleged mystery.

In particular, the research is mostly pegged on side sleepers (who form the highest percentage of people globally) and the chances of developing wrinkles and thus end up aging faster than back sleepers.

Preliminarily, researchers presented theories and assumptions that border on the fact that Maby side sleepers end up putting pressure on the sides of their faces for many hours in the night, and end up leaving marks that last forever.

What are dermatologists saying?

Dermatologists state that, prolonged sleeping on the side, thus mounting pressure on the facial skin for long, leads to folds, lines and facial wrinkles that may remain permanent for long.

They continue to say that facial lines or wrinkles caused by continued pressure on the facial skin as a result of side sleeping, are totally different from the ones that come from squinting, frowning or smiling (also known as expression wrinkles).

While the facial skin can bounce back from the face lines or wrinkles, especially in young people, continued exposure to the same pressure on the face, especially up to old age, may lead to permanent wrinkles.

Dermatologists say that this is as a result of collagen and elastin weakening with time.

Why is it that some people have a high tendency of developing sleep wrinkles?

To start with, not everyone has a high likelihood of developing sleep marks or wrinkles.

While some do develop sleep wrinkles, others don’t and this is because of the following reasons:

• Elasticity of the skin and age
• Genetical factors or relations
• Exposure to sunlight
• Smoking habits and tendencies
• General skin care routines
• How hydrated a person is
• The time taken as a side sleeper in terms of years

This explains why a young person of about 20 years may develop pillow marks after waking up and the marks may end up disappearing in a few minutes. However, a 55 to 60 years old person and above may end up developing pillow marks over time, which may end up as permanent wrinkles.

Does the pillow matter?

It is so surprising I know, but the truth of the matter is that your pillow matters a lot. In fact, your pillow plays part in developing wrinkles on your face.

This explains why many beauty experts and professionals advise on using silky smooth pillows that will prevent tagging and dragging of your facial skin, further causing wrinkles or marks the next morning.

Does silky smooth pillows prevent traces of facial Wrinkles?

The hardest truth is, NO!

If indeed silky pillows developed no trace of wrinkles or facial marks after you wake up, then every pillow would be silky and most of all expensive on that note.

However, silky pillows help to lower the effects, increase sleep comfort but cannot prevent entirely.

Must you result in back sleeping?

Even as back sleeping is referred to as the beauty sleeping position, it is not always the preferred option for many people. Moreover, not many people can comfortably sleep in this position, instead many people find side sleeping easier, comfortable and easy to breathe or have snoring toned down.

What does Dermatologists say work best in lowering facial wrinkles?

Stay away from smoking

• Maintain a hydrated routine like a few glasses of water per day
• Apply sunscreen where necessary to protect your facial skin from direct sunlight
• Getting sufficient sleep
• Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet
• Adhering to a strict skin care routine
• Applying recommended moisturizers to keep your face always moisturized

Dermatologists have realized that side sleeping has a less significant effect on your facial skin and does a little less when it comes to developing facial wrinkles as compared to direct sunshine.

Direct sun rays have always been the leading skin damage

What is the final verdict?

Even though side sleeping may cause facial wrinkles, it is one of the many other possible causes of facial wrinkles you must consider, including direct sunrays.

The most important thing to do to prevent early aging or facial wrinkles is leading a healthy lifestyle, with healthy eating, applying sunscreen and enjoying quality sleeping/rest.

So, if you enjoy your side sleeping, just get yourself a fluffy pillow, a silky-smooth pillow case and sleep like a baby.