If you find yourself frequently waking up with creases formed into your skin from your pillow, it’s time to alter your sleep habits. Sleep creases can have long-term effects on your appearance, and prevention is critical in ensuring fine lines and wrinkles don’t become permanent.
Read on to learn the most damaging sleep habits, and what you can do to avoid them, so your skin continues to look young and radiant.
If You’re Sleeping On Your Stomach Or Side
It’s difficult to know exactly which positions you sleep in throughout the night, and some sleep positions are more damaging to your skin than others. Sleeping on your stomach or side can leave a lasting impression on your skin by promoting fine lines and wrinkles. Sleeping face down or on your side, pushes your skin into the sheets, which causes the skin to fold and crease. Over time, these creases become permanent features on your face. Sleeping on your back is always the best practice for preventing wrinkles while getting a restful night’s sleep.
If You’re Not Removing Your Makeup Before Bed
After a long day, your skin is covered with makeup, oil, environmental pollutants, and harmful free radicals, which can seep deeply into your pores and cause acne and speed up the aging process. Not washing your face before bed can also lead to dryness, irritation, and infection. If you frequently find yourself falling asleep before you’ve finished your bedtime routine, try keeping makeup remover wipes on your bedside table. While this isn’t a complete skincare routine on its own, quickly wiping away the day is better than letting it sit on your skin overnight.
If You’re Not Frequently Washing Your Bed Linens
Your skin and hair leave oil and buildup behind on your bed linens that can cause breakouts, inflammation, and irritation. To avoid the transfer of bacteria, oils, and other impurities that your skin has collected throughout the day, always strive to wash your sheets at least once a week.
If You’re Drinking Alcohol Before Bed
Indulging in a glass of wine before bed after a hard day’s work can quickly become an everyday habit that isn’t the best for your skin. Drinking alcohol too close to bedtime is one of the major causes of disrupted sleep cycles. Always aim to switch to water three to four hours before bedtime to help your body rest, relax, and recharge.
If you’re Using the Wrong Pillow
One of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to their sleep habits is using the wrong pillow type. Side sleepers should always sleep with an extra-firm pillow. Strategically position your head, so the lower half of your face is off the pillow. Doing so will ensure that your skin isn’t contorted into wrinkled positions while you sleep.
If You’re Not Getting Enough Quality Sleep
40% of Americans claim to get less than seven hours of sleep a night. Not only does quality sleep help to prevent you from looking and feeling tired the next day, but a restful night sleep prevents your skin from swelling and showing signs of dark circles under your eyes.
A restful night’s sleep can improve circulation and promote collagen production. Help your body recharge by creating a relaxing sleep environment and aiming for seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
If You’re Not Using a Night Cream or Overnight Serum
Never skip the all-important step of applying skincare products before bed. After all, this is one of the most accessible opportunities to rejuvenate and refresh your appearance. Nighttime products are specially formulated to support your body’s natural renewal processes. These products also contain higher concentrations of anti-aging ingredients that specifically target concerned areas while you sleep.
October is our post-summer skin repair month at Radiance Skincare & Laser Medspa, and we want to help you look and feel your very best. Schedule a consultation appointment today to discuss treatments and services that can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles that have formed from your bad sleeping habits, sun damage, or from the hands of time.