Silk and sleep wrinkles
What are sleep wrinkles?
Sleep wrinkles are the wrinkles that appear when the face is pressed against the pillow – typically when sleeping on the side. Unlike regular wrinkles, which mainly arise from ageing and facial expressions, sleep wrinkles form due to repeated pressure and rubbing against the skin while we sleep.
When the skin is pressed into the pillow night after night, temporary folds and lines can appear. Over time, this repeated pressure can develop into more permanent wrinkles, which are also visible when awake.
Sleep wrinkles usually occur on parts of the face that come into contact with the pillow, such as cheeks, forehead, or chin. They can be more pronounced and take longer to fade compared to temporary wrinkles caused by facial expressions like smiling or frowning.
While sleep wrinkles usually disappear during the day, repeated formation of these wrinkles over time can contribute to the development of more permanent wrinkles and signs of ageing in the face. Therefore, using soft and smooth materials like silk pillowcases can help reduce friction and pressure on the skin during sleep and thus lessen the occurrence of sleep wrinkles.
How do you avoid sleep wrinkles?
There are several ways you can try to avoid or reduce the occurrence of sleep wrinkles. Here are some tips:
Choose the right pillowcase: Use silk or satin covers instead of cotton covers. Silk and satin have a smooth surface that reduces friction against the skin and thus lessens wrinkle formation. Silk is the best choice because it is a natural and breathable material that is both softer and gentler on the skin than synthetic satin. At Cillouettes, we offer a wide range of silk pillowcases. You can find them all right here.
Sleep on your back: Sleeping on your back instead of on your side or stomach can help reduce pressure and rubbing against the face and thus lower the risk of sleep wrinkles. It may be a habit that takes time to get used to, but it can be worth trying.
Use a silk or satin pillow: Besides the pillowcase, you can also consider using a whole pillow made of silk or satin. These materials provide a smooth surface that reduces friction and pressure on the skin.
Pay attention to pillow height: Choose a pillow that gives enough support to the neck and head, but avoid a pillow that is too high, as this can create more pressure on the face and thus increase the risk of sleep wrinkles.
Try facial exercises and massage: Regular facial exercises and possibly massage can help increase blood flow and relax the facial muscles. This can help reduce tension and lessen wrinkle formation.
Skincare before bedtime: Apply a moisturizing night cream or serum before bedtime to hydrate and nourish the skin. This can help keep the skin moist and elastic, which can help reduce the visibility of sleep wrinkles.
Avoid pulling the skin tight: Try to avoid putting pressure on or pulling the skin while you sleep. Avoid sleeping with your face pressed against the pillow or with your hands under your head, as this can increase the risk of wrinkles. At Cillouettes, we sell our popular anti-wrinkle pillow. A pillow specially designed to help you practice sleeping on your back and keep the face completely free when sleeping on your side.
Be aware that although these tips can help reduce the occurrence of sleep wrinkles, they cannot completely prevent them. Sleep wrinkles are a natural part of ageing and will appear in most people over the years. However, it is possible to reduce their visibility by taking some of the above precautions.
