Making sure that you get enough sleep every night isn't just beneficial for your overall health, but for your skin, too. It's been well-documented that not getting enough sleep can lead to premature signs of aging, like wrinkles and sagging skin.
But did you know that certain sleeping styles can contribute to those things as well? Meaning, you may not actually be getting as much out of your beauty sleep as you could be.
So, to make sure that your nightly ZZZs are doing as much good for your complexion as they are for your overall health, we asked the experts about how your sleeping style can impact your skin — and the things you can do to keep those sleep wrinkles at bay.
Expert-recommended night cream$46.50$58.00
What are sleep wrinkles?
“If you are a face sleeper, somebody who sleeps on their right or left side or directly on your face for a prolonged period of time, there’s pressure compressing your skin,” explains Dr. Erum Ilyas, a dermatologist in Pennsylvania. “So there’s a crushing effect that occurs. With that element of crush that’s consistently there, your skin can start to break down some collagen localized in those regions to sometimes etch in lines.”
And these lines tend to show up around the base of the jawline and neck, as well as the cheek and crow’s feet region, Ilyas says.
Can sleep wrinkles be reversed?
For the most part, when you wake up, those lines and wrinkles that you notice (which we often consider to be the sign of a good night's rest) will start to go away as you go about your morning routine. But if you sleep in the same position night after night, eventually, they can start to become more permanent.
"Just like facial expression lines that become etched into the skin over time with repeated use of facial muscles, sleep lines get drawn into the skin because they are formed repeatedly over the years," explains Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.
What causes sleep wrinkles?
We have some bad news: The way that you sleep can contribute to these lines and wrinkles — and the most common sleeping positions tend to be the worst offenders.
“When people tend to dominate a certain side of their face, because of gravity and how the skin folds when you put your face down, it will kind of fold over and create a crease," explains Dr. Angela Lamb, a New York-based dermatologist at Mount Sinai Dermatology.
How to prevent wrinkles while sleeping
Given all that, the best sleeping position is flat on your back. Though Ilyas adds that she doesn’t know “many people who can get away with” sleeping on their back. That's why our experts shared some other strategies that you can try before bedtime and during the night to help minimize sleep wrinkles
- Fill the gap: "Some of it is just ergonomics," Ilyas says. Side sleepers often have a gap between your neck and your shoulder where they're not supported. "If you have something to fill that area in a little bit more uniformly, like a neck pillow or body pillow, theoretically, you won't crush all the way down and then have all those lines in your neck."
- Try an anti-aging pillow: If you don't typically sleep on your back, you can upgrade your pillow to help keep you in that position overnight. "Anti-aging pillows are designed to support your head on either side and keep you in a supine position as you sleep," Camp says. "This may prevent you from rubbing and compressing your face against the pillow as you sleep."
- Use a silk pillowcase: Many people have raved about the benefits of using a silk pillowcase for your hair, but the experts say that it can be helpful for your skin, too. Because the material is smooth, "there's less of a friction coefficient between your skin and the pillowcase," Ilyas says. "So, theoretically, when there's less friction, there's less drag so your skin isn't pulled in one direction versus another and uniformly settles in." While silk pillowcases can sometimes be expensive, Ilyas says that any material with a smooth texture, like sateen, will also serve the same purpose.
- Focus on anti-aging formulas: If changing your sleep setup or position seems daunting, we get it. Thankfully, experts say that simply maintaining a skin care routine can be super helpful for preventing wrinkles overnight. "Applying skin care products at night with anti-aging ingredients can help prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. For example, retinol products encourage the formation of collagen and can minimize the features associated with aging skin."
- Hydrate: When it comes to taking care of your skin more generally (or if you'd rather not try retinol), Dr. Andy Goren, Professor of Dermatology at the University of Rome G. Marconi, Rome, Italy, recommends drinking water and applying lotion. "Hydration of the skin is one thing because if your skin is more hydrated, and it has better elasticity to it, it actually recovers much quicker," Goren adds.
With the expert's recommendations in mind, we found some top products that could help you make the most of your beauty sleep and avoid those dreaded sleep wrinkles.
Products to help prevent wrinkles while you sleep
Bedsure Satin Pillowcase
- Prevents frizz
- Soft and comfortable feel
- Elegant look
- Colors may differ from picture
Colorways: 37 | Best for: Skin, hair protection | Material: Satin
A satin pillowcase, like this one, is one of the most affordable ways to make your sleep routine a little more skin-friendly. The bestselling pillow case has more than 226,000 perfect five-star ratings from shoppers who say that they've noticed benefits for both their skin and hair.
In fact, associate editor Kamari Stewart says using these pillowcases completely changed the look of her skin. "Within a few weeks, I noticed that I was breaking out less — with no change to my diet, exercise habits or skin care routine, just using [these] satin pillowcases," she says.
Frownies Forehead & Between Eyes Wrinkle Patches
- Helps keep forehead smooth
- Ease of application
- Some say there's an odor
Best for: Skin protection | Material: Kraft paper, water activated starch based adhesive
According to the brand, these forehead patches hold facial muscles in place in a relaxed position, helping you avoid repeated facial expressions that can lead to wrinkles. When it comes to sleep wrinkles in particular, they can also act as a barrier against the pillows or blankets that we often rub our faces on overnight.
“They’re basically almost like a sticker that keeps wrinkles up," Lamb explains.
I wore these nightly for a while a noticed a big difference in how my skin looked when I woke up in the morning. The fine lines that were normally on my forehead and between my eyes were much less apparent. I thought taking them off would be tricky but they come right off with water in the morning! While I don't wear them as much anymore, as I realized how ridiculous I looked when I went to bed, I do occasionally still break them out for special occasions.
Zimasilk 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
- Zippers easily
- Good value for quality
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Some wish they could be machine washed
Colorways: 38 | Best for: Skin, hair protection | Material: Silk
This is another top-rated option that’s perfect for anyone looking to swap their current pillowcase for a silky version. According to the brand, it’s made from 100% mulberry silk, so it not only has benefits for your skin but your hair as well.
"Save My Face" Le Petite Pillow
- Helps decrease facial creases
- Great to add on top of pillows
- Can slide from underneath you
Colorways: Three | Best for: Limiting side sleeping | Material: Down alternative fill, satin lining
TODAY style editor Bobbie Thomas previously shared that this pillow was her secret weapon. And it's not hard to see why! While it may look funky, the unique shape is said to help "pillow face" aka the morning wrinkles and puffy eyes that some side sleepers experience. According to the brand, you can use it alone or place it on top of your normal pillow to keep your face elevated throughout the night.
Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Radiance Renewal Night Cream
- Moisturizes skin overnight
- Smooths skin
- Doesn't feel heavy or greasy
- Some don't love the scent
Best for: Skin hydration | Ingredients: Super lotus, peach leaf extract, vitamin E, polyglutamic acid
Up the hydration of your skin with this overnight cream. According to the brand, it works overnight to help your skin visibly recover from daily stressors.
"Lotus, peach leaf extract, and vitamin E provide antioxidant protection from oxidative stress, and polyglutamic acid helps retain moisture in this rich, hydrating overnight cream," Camp shares.
Famedio Adjustable Cervical Pillow
- Combats neck pain
- Holds head in comfortable position
- Some say it takes some getting used to
Colorways: Five | Best for: Limiting side sleeping | Material: Memory foam fill, mesh lining
This is another option that’s designed to provide support for your neck and head to prevent any gaps. If you find that it’s not the right size for your sleeping style, it has a removable memory foam insert that you can take out for a more comfortable feel.
Osea Hyaluronic Body Serum
- Boosts skin hydration by 161%
- Visibly plumps skin
- Sustainably packaged
Best for: Skin hydration | Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vegan peptides, green microalgae, blue-green algae, aloe
Another great skin care product that promises an improvement to your natural moisture barrier is this body serum that promises 24-hour non-stop moisture. "I have been a long-time fan of this brand because it really hydrates my skin without leaving it irritated," says social editorial assistant Annie Shigo, adding that she's seen a noticeable difference.
Osteo Cervical Pillow
- Provides neck and back support
- Not too stiff or too soft
- Breathable cover
- A little high for some
Best for: Neck support, limiting side sleeping | Material: Memory foam, polyurethane (PU) foam
Without proper neck support, you may notice some lines popping up in the area. Upgrade your pillow with this bestselling (and editor-approved) product that features a hollow center that cradles your head and creates proper neck alignment, the brand says, to keep you comfortable.
As a side sleeper, I find that this pillow does a good job of filling in the gap between my neck and shoulders to help prevent some of those dreaded neck lines. Not only that, but I find that it helps prevent neck pain — and now when I sleep without it, I often wake up sore.
YourFacePillow Beauty Pillow
- Helps you cozily sleep on back
- Can prevent sleep wrinkles
- Stacks on other pillows
- May feel tight upon first use
Best for: Limiting side sleeping | Material: Memory foam fill
Not a back sleeper but wish you were? This pillow is designed to cradle your head and support your neck so you can sleep comfortably on your back. The brand says that it's cooling too, so it's great for hot sleepers.
Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase
- Machine washable
- Soft against hair and skin
- Some colors don't match photo
Colorways: Eight | Best for: Skin, hair protection | Material: Mulberry silk
If you're looking for true silk fabric, Slip pillowcases are made of 100% mulberry silk. While it may be more on the expensive side, the brand says it's dermatologist-loved and went through a clinical-grade testing process where users saw a decrease in creases and lines.
Dosaze Contoured Orthopedic Pillow
- Provides neck support
- Limits side sleeping
- Some say it's a little flat
Best for: Limiting side sleeping | Material: Polyester, recycled bamboo, memory foam fill
"Contoured to cradle your neck, this memory foam pillow is designed to reduce neck and back pain and may help limit side sleeping and wrinkle formation," Camp says.
It has a removable cover for easy washing and the brand offers a 60-night sleep trial
Sealy Molded Bed Pillow
Real Simple voted this the "Best Memory Foam Pillow" in their Sleep Awards.
$55.95
Amazon
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team spoke to four dermatologists to better understand what sleep wrinkles are, what causes them and how to prevent them. Using their recommendations, we searched for the best products to help avoid the formation of overnight creases and wrinkles.
Meet our experts
- Dr. Erum Ilyas, MD, is a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Pennsylvania. She focuses on adult and pediatric medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology and skin cancer treatment.
- Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. His expertise lies in managing medical conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis, as well as performing cosmetic treatments, including Botox, fillers, lasers and more.
- Dr. Angela Lamb, MD is a New York-based dermatologist at Mount Sinai Dermatology. In addition to working as the Director of the Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology Faculty Practice, she's also an Associate Professor of Dermatology and the Medical Director of the Mount Sinai Doctors Patient Access Center.
- Dr. Andy Goren, MD is a Professor of Dermatology at the University of Rome G. Marconi, Rome, Italy. He has over two decades of experience in research, developing clinical genetic tests for a number of skin and hair-related diseases.
