Medically Reviewed By:
Dr. Hema Sathish, MBBS, DD (UK)
Cosmetic Dermatologist
Co-Founder cum Organic Skincare Formulator, The Good Hygiene Company
After a long night’s sleep, you might have woken up, glanced in the mirror, and spotted some subtle lines on your cheek or forehead. While they frequently disappear in a few hours, these lines occasionally remain around—and over time, become permanent. Are those sleep wrinkles, or are they just the early signs of aging from all the smiling, frowning, and everyday expressions we make?
Not all wrinkles are created equal. Some wrinkles form when you move your face, while others can show up even when you’re completely still—especially while you’re sleeping. Knowing the difference between expression wrinkles and sleep wrinkles, you can choose the prevention measures and treatment plans easily.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes these two types of wrinkles different—and find out what science suggests you can do to naturally reduce them.
Are Sleep Lines Here to Stay—Or Just a Temporary Visitor?
When your face presses against the pillow for hours every night, the skin is repeatedly folded and compressed. These lines, which appear on the sides of the cheeks, forehead, and chest, are known as sleep wrinkles.
Unlike expression lines that develop from muscle movements, sleep wrinkles are caused by the pressure and stretching of the skin while you sleep. Over time, this constant pressure can weaken collagen and elastin—the proteins that keep your skin looking firm and youthful.
Common characteristics of sleep wrinkles:
- More likely in persons who sleep on their side or stomach
- Worsens when collagen production reduces with aging
- Found mostly on the cheekbones, jawline, and temples
So, are they permanent? Not at first. When you’re younger, your skin’s elasticity allows those lines to fade away just a few hours after you wake up. However, these folds can develop into permanent facial wrinkles that are more difficult to remove as you age and your collagen levels drop.
How to get rid of sleep wrinkles
What is the good news? You may significantly reduce the look of sleep wrinkles and prevent new ones from developing by making simple lifestyle and skincare changes.
1. Change your pillow
Consider getting an anti-wrinkle pillow or a memory foam contour pillow. These can help support your neck and keep your face from pressing against a flat surface while you sleep.
2. Switch your sleeping position
Compression, shear, and stress forces act on the face in lateral or prone sleep positions. (1) Sleeping on your back is the easiest way to reduce facial pressure. Consider using a silk or satin pillowcase, as it helps decrease friction and pulling on your skin.
3. Apply the Right Skincare Products Before Bed
Use a hydrating serum that contains peptides, ceramides, and retinol. These ingredients work to boost collagen and help repair your skin while you sleep.
Expression wrinkles: the ones you earn from living fully
Every smile, grin, or frown engages dozens of facial muscles—and after years of repetition, those motions form tiny marks on the skin known as expression wrinkles.
When expressing feelings like fear, concern, excitement, sadness, or surprise, dynamic wrinkles show up. As you age, collagen production decreases, causing the skin to lose softness. As a result, dynamic wrinkles like smile lines around the nose and mouth will gradually turn into static wrinkles.
How to get rid of expression wrinkles naturally
You can’t stop smiling, right?. You can prevent expression wrinkles with some habits and treatments.
1. Protect your skin from the sun
UV rays are one of the leading causes of collagen degradation. (2) Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every day to stop the formation of new facial wrinkles.
2. Facial relaxation techniques
Chronic strain in the face muscles increases wrinkle growth. Gentle facial yoga or acupressure massages can help calm tired muscles and promote circulation.
3. Moisturize consistently:
Anti-aging lotions containing retinol, niacinamide, or peptides can help with cell turnover. Night creams with antioxidants can also help to minimize oxidative stress.
Keep in mind that expression wrinkles are a natural part of life. Rather than trying to eliminate them entirely, focus on keeping your skin healthy and vibrant.
Are sleep lines the same as expression lines?
This is where the misunderstanding usually arises: while both types of wrinkles may appear alike, they actually have very different causes.
| Feature | sleep wrinkles | Expression wrinkles |
| Cause | Mechanical pressure during sleep | Muscle contractions from facial expression |
| Common areas | chest, cheeks, temples | forms around facial muscles |
| Prevention | hydration and changing Sleep position | Relax muscles and limit uv exposure |
| Focus points | skin hydration | collagen stimulation and muscle relaxation |
FAQs
1. Are sleep lines permanent wrinkles?
Wrinkles from sleep are common. They go away quickly when we're young, but as we get older, they might become more noticeable.
2. What is the best treatment for deep wrinkles?
Doctors prescribed anti-wrinkle products like creams, serums, and Botox injections.
3. What is the difference between expression lines and wrinkles?
Expression lines are the fine lines that show up when you smile, laugh, or frown. In contrast, wrinkles are deeper and can appear as creases, folds, or ridges on your skin.
Final thoughts: It's never too late to start caring for your skin
Wrinkles are a natural part of life, but knowing the difference between sleep wrinkles and expression wrinkles enables you to age gently and safely. Both can be managed and even reversed with a combination of lifestyle changes, proper guidance, and a combination of skincare.
Thus, as you go to sleep tonight, keep in mind that how you sleep can literally make a lasting impression.
References:
1. Sleep Wrinkles: Facial Aging and Facial Distortion During Sleep - Sep 2016 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27329660/
2. UV Damage of Collagen: Insights from Model Collagen Peptides - Oct 2011 - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3299808/
