Aging Lines Vs. Sleeping Lines

Wrinkles from aging are typically horizontal lines that are caused by repetitive muscle movements, such as raising your brows. This wrinkle formation can also occur as the skin loses collagen and elasticity as we age. As the skin’s collagen breaks down and natural volume decreases, these facial wrinkles become more noticeable, especially around the forehead, eyes, and mouth. Aging skin wrinkles can be treated with Botox or Dysport to relax the facial muscles, which will prevent the wrinkles from deepening and setting in. They can be great additions to any skincare routine and work well alongside dermal fillers containing hyaluronic acid to restore lost volume and smooth out deeper skin folds.

Sleeping lines or sleeping wrinkles are different. They are vertical lines caused by prolonged pressure to the side of the face in certain sleep positions. These temporary sleep wrinkles happen when we squish our faces into our pillows at night. As we lose collagen and skin elasticity over the years, more visible sleeping lines can linger throughout the day and stay longer than they did when we were younger.

Sleeping Lines: A Different Cause of Wrinkles

Sleeping lines or sleeping wrinkles are different. They are vertical lines caused by prolonged pressure to the side of the face in certain sleep positions like side sleeping. These temporary facial wrinkles happen when we squish our faces into our pillows at night. Over time, and especially as we lose collagen and skin elasticity, more visible sleeping lines can linger throughout the day and stay longer than they did when we were younger.

These wrinkles are most often found on the cheeks, jawline, and chest area, and can become more difficult to fade over time. Unlike aging lines, they don’t result from repeated facial expressions, which makes treatment and prevention unique.

Why Is This Important?

Well, sleeping lines, unfortunately, DO NOT go away with Botox or Dysport because they are not caused by repetitive muscle movements. Cosmetic treatments, such as fillers with hyaluronic acid, or collagen-producing treatments like lasers and microneedling, can help smooth out the skin and enhance skin elasticity. However, prevention is key when it comes to these lines.

Sleeping on your back is the best way to prevent sleep wrinkles from forming. For those who find it difficult to stay on their back throughout the night, I recommend silk pillowcases and/or beauty pillows that reduce the amount of pressure on the face during the night and help minimize sleep-induced facial wrinkles.

And don’t forget, beauty sleep isn’t just a saying. Getting adequate rest allows your skin to repair itself and can enhance the results of your cosmetic treatments.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

With over 15 years in practice and over 100,000 treatments performed, Dr. Greene and Holly are known for creating natural results for their patients. Whether you’re noticing skin folds from aging or persistent sleep lines, our team can help you find the right treatment plan. Call or text us at 954.651.6600 to learn more or to schedule your appointment.