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Prévention rides du sommeil.

How can we prevent wrinkles while we sleep?

The position assumed during sleep is significant and can influence the development of so-called sleep wrinkles. How can the formation of these marks be avoided? Discover in this article the various ways to prevent sleep wrinkles.

Summary
Published January 30, 2025, updated on January 30, 2025, by Marie, Scientific Editor — 5 min read
Rides du sommeil
Skin aging
Wrinkles

Advice #1: Sleep on your back.

The primary method of preventing sleep wrinkles is to sleep on your back. Indeed, when one sleeps on their side or stomach, skin folds inevitably form on the face due to direct contact with the pillow and the pressure exerted by the head. Over time, these compressions alter the structure of the dermis by changing the orientation of the collagen and elastin fibers, which are essential for skin flexibility and elasticity. These mechanical stresses, combined with the natural decrease in the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and hyaluronic acid with age, limit the skin's ability to regain its original shape upon waking. The result is the gradual appearance of sleep wrinkles, particularly on the cheeks, forehead, and décolletage, which become more pronounced over time.

Sleeping on your back significantly reduces friction and compression of the face, which can help prevent sleep wrinkles.

Note : By limiting the stagnation of fluids, this position could also help to prevent under-eye bags.

Advice #2: Use a suitable pillow.

It appears that sleeping on one's back is the ideal position to prevent the formation of sleep wrinkles. However, many people find it difficult to adopt this position and prefer to sleep on their side or stomach. To address this issue, a study was conducted on the impact of a pillow specifically designed to limit sleep wrinkles. The shape of this pillow allows it to redistribute mechanical stresses during sleep. Over a month, fifteen women aged between 23 and 55 tested this pillow. The density of wrinkles was evaluated by computerized analysis of 2D images at the beginning of the study (T0), after 14 days (T14), and at the end of the study (T28).

At the conclusion of the study, a significant reduction in wrinkle density was recorded around the eyes, cheeks, and mouth. However, the results were not particularly indicative on the forehead, given that this part of the face is less affected by positioning during sleep. Overall, a decrease of about 12% was recorded across all studied areas. The pillow thus appears to have helped balance the distribution of pressure that the face undergoes when lying on the side, compared to a traditional pillow.

Despite these initial promising results, further studies are still needed regarding these new pillows.

Advice #3: Choose a specific type of pillowcase.

Interesting results were also noted in a study by BEAK, in which the fibers of a pillowcase were infused with copper. According to this research, copper could positively regulate the secretion of extracellular skin proteins and stabilize the extracellular matrix once formed. The study was conducted on 60 individuals aged between 30 and 60 years and lasted eight weeks. The results from the 3D analysis showed a reduction of about 9% in crow's feet wrinkles after eight weeks. The roughness of the skin was also improved. It thus appears that the copper-infused pillowcase had an effect on sleep wrinkles.

However, this is only one study. Additional research is necessary, particularly to better understand the mechanism of action of copper pillowcases, before we can assert that they contribute to preventing the formation of sleep wrinkles.

Sources

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