Does Sleeping On Your Side Cause Wrinkles?

There's a rumour in the beauty world that a dermatologist can tell which side you sleep on, just by looking at the wrinkles forming on your face.

Could this really be true?

According to Dr Natasha Cook, Sydney-based dermatologist and founder of Dr Natasha Cook Cosmeceuticals, this is a real thing. Sleeping on the same side every night can exacerbate wrinkles forming on your face. Although, it's not the sole cause.

"Our faces are naturally asymmetrical," Dr Cook explains. "We have a 'high' side where are bones are more developed and prominent.

This is usually the side that we photograph 'better' on." On the other hand, one side is slightly flatter. This side tends to wrinkle more when we sleep on it because it has less underlying support. "But it's not sleep alone," says Dr Cook.

With that in mind, it begs the question: What can we do to stop wrinkles from forming on the 'lower side'?

Silk pillowcases claim to prevent wrinkles and according to Dr Cook, they're not a wrought: "Silk pillow cases may help as they don't put as much 'traction' onto the skin." Try The Goodnight Co. Silk Pillowcase, $79.95 at Ry.com.au or Go-To Face Case silk pillowcase, $65 at Go-To.

However, the most effective method is something a little bit more invasive: hyaluronic acid fillers.

The best treatment is to repair the underlying volume loss which leads to increased wrinkling using injections with hyaluronic acid fillers," explains Dr Cook. "Then the overlying skin is more supported and less likely to crease."

Main image credit: Getty

What side do you sleep on? Can you notice it in your own face?

Words by Erin Cook

5 Member Comments

BeautySwan88 30 Nov 2020 6:30 PM

Lucky I got mine a week ago.

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Arty Girl 18 Nov 2020 6:31 PM

Which side I sleep on depends on whether the edge of the bed is to the left or right of me. I find that I sleep facing away and outwards; not towards the middle of the bed. This is very logical especially when there is one other person in bed with you.

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Gathered Pieces 17 Nov 2020 12:59 PM

I sleep with silk pillow slips on my pillow with no creases or messy hair. Just love it...

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wandus 12 Nov 2020 1:03 PM

One of the articles I have a problem digesting. Some "facts' are very unbelievable...

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Yohanna 11 Nov 2020 1:07 PM

I use buckwheat pillow, it is so good! Adjustable to cradle my head when sleeping on side, so there is zero mushing and falling of the head into the pillow. I have no wrinkling =D