We’ve all been there. But why does it happen?

Sleeping Beauty had a curse that kept her asleep for a hundred years — but for some of us, just a few hours are enough to wake up with swollen eyes, an aching back, and a face marked by pillow lines. Some people struggle just to fall asleep, never mind worrying about how they look when they wake up (spoiler: probably not like a Hollywood movie star).

But back to the point: what does it mean when you wake up, glance in the mirror, and find your face covered in creases? Are we getting older? Did we sleep too deeply? Or did some mischievous elves work their magic on our skin overnight?

How Can a Pillow Leave Such Deep Marks?

It mostly comes down to uneven pressure on your face while you sleep. When certain areas are compressed against the pillow for hours, your skin can crumple and hold those folds for a while.

Is There Anything We Can Do About It?

Actually, yes.

The material of your pillowcase makes a difference — rougher fabrics are more likely to leave imprints, while smooth materials like silk or satin are gentler on the skin. Your sleeping position matters, too. If you’re a stomach or side sleeper, you’re more prone to pillow marks. (But hey, no one ever died from a few sleep lines.)

That said, you might wonder:

Could Repeated Pillow Compression Damage Our Skin?

Short answer: no serious damage. Longer answer: it could speed up the visible signs of skin aging.

Sleeping Positions and Aging

As we age, our skin naturally loses collagen and elasticity, making it more prone to wrinkles — including those caused by sleeping. Repeatedly pressing the same areas against the pillow can impair blood flow and contribute to the formation of permanent lines over time.

And how quickly those sleep creases fade after waking up can tell you a lot about your skin’s health. If marks stick around longer than they used to, it could be a sign of decreased skin elasticity and slower regeneration. In that case, using a good moisturizer or targeted serums might help.

If you can, training yourself to sleep on your back is a great way to protect your skin. If that’s not realistic, even switching to an ultra-soft, smooth pillowcase — ideally fragrance-free to avoid irritation — can make a real difference.

Supporting Healthy Skin Overall

Consistency is key. Stick to a solid morning and evening skincare routine, use sunscreen daily, choose products that support collagen production, stay hydrated, and drink plenty of water. Your skin will thank you — and you’ll likely see fewer pillow marks in the mirror.