What Can Happen to Your Skin If You Start Sleeping Without a Pillow

Choosing to sleep without a pillow might seem uncomfortable at first, but it can benefit your health in many ways. And it’s not just your back pain that can go away. In fact, you may wake up looking more refreshed. We use so many beauty products to keep our skin silky and smooth, but the last thing we assume is that our bedding can actually help improve our complexion.

We at Bright Side were surprised to find out that something as simple as forgoing your pillow may be the secret to waking up with clearer and younger skin. And don’t forget to check out the bonus section at the end of the article.

1. It might reduce wrinkles.

It’s not only a lack of sleep that can make you look older — as it turns out, your pillowcase might also be aging you as well. Most pillowcases are made of cotton, and although it might feel comfortable, this material causes friction against your skin, leading to dryness. Skin that lacks moisture is more prone to fine lines, and dryness makes all existing wrinkles more visible too. Sleeping without a pillow takes some getting used to, but it will benefit your skin in the long run.

2. Your skin will look smoother.

Your body needs to be hydrated to feel its best, and so does your skin. Cotton pillowcases zap your skin of moisture and essential oils it needs to stay youthful and plump. This, in turn, can result in scaling and peeling, making your skin less healthy over time.

3. It may prevent skin irritation.

If you have sensitive, acne-prone skin, sleeping on a cotton pillowcase might not be the best choice. Cotton is too rough on the skin, and the friction from it can irritate delicate skin, worsening the existing skin conditions. Because your pillow can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria, sleeping with your face pressed against it can result in more breakouts.

4. It will help your skin recover more quickly.

When you’re sleeping, your whole body goes into recovery mode, and it’s time for your skin to repair itself. Your pillow accumulates oils and makeup residue from your face night after night, and sleeping with your face squished into it can turn beauty sleep into a nightmare.

5. It can brighten your skin.

Sleeping on a pillow that is too soft may reduce blood flow to the head. This can result in neck pain, headaches, and can make your skin appear dry and dull. Poor blood circulation might lead to various skin problems, including discoloration, rashes, and flakiness.

6. You’ll get fewer “sleep creases.”

If you’ve ever woken up with annoying sleep lines on your face, your pillow might be to blame. When you turn in your sleep, the thick cotton pillowcase causes creases to form on your skin. And although these lines will gradually disappear throughout the day, repeated damage might eventually lead to permanent wrinkles. Choosing to sleep without a pillow may give your skin a healthier look and keep it smooth and supple.

Bonus: pillowcases that can benefit your skin

If you find it impossible to part with your favorite pillow, opt for pillowcases made from fabrics that are softer on your skin.

• Silk: Silk is gentler on the skin than cotton, it absorbs less moisture, and can even help you get rid of acne breakouts.
• Copper: Sleeping on a copper pillowcase can help you heal acne, prevent wrinkles, and even reduce the appearance of existing fine lines.
• Déjà pillowcases: This creative invention allows you to “peel” a new layer of fabric to sleep on every night, and as an added bonus, it makes doing laundry a lot easier.

Do you agree that pillowcases can damage your skin? Would you be able to sleep without a pillow for the sake of flawless skin?