With beauty trend-lines changing constantly, it seems that every month comes with a new plan to reduce visible signs of aging. On social media, face taping has developed into the most recent trend with claims that it smoothens wrinkles and instantly, if not permanently, lifts the skin using tape. So what is face taping, and why has it become such a viral sensation on the internet?
In essence, face taping is simply a simple approach: In other words, adhesive tape is employed to provide an immediate lift to the skin. Dermatologist Dr. Anetta Reszko from New York states that face taping is a way to quickly eye-improve the skin, smoothing or lifting it, which is why it is a hit at party or photo time. On TikTok, this trend has exploded as influencers show their transformative before-and-after shots gaining users’ attention every time they watch them.
Two predominant methods to perform face taping have blossomed. The first step is to put tape on foreheads and areas around a person’s mouth and other places of the face that tend to wrinkle with repeated movement. The main objective is to limit movement of the skin so that dynamic wrinkles are hardly seen. According to a plastic surgeon Dr. Kristy Hamilton from Texas, “This strategy aims to condition facial muscles to contract less exclusively; thus, the dynamic wrinkles and those caused by habitual facial expressions are reduced.”
Product on Amazon: BLUMBODY Face & Forehead Wrinkle Patches – Anti Wrinkle Facial Patches to Smooth Eye, Mouth, Forehead Wrinkles – Non-Silicone Face Tape for Fine Wrinkles between Eyes & Face – Patches (30 day supply)
Brand: BLUMBODY
Price: 25.99 USD
Rating: 3.7 Total reviews: 10,515
Shopping on Amazon >>
The second approach is inclined towards a cosmetic kind of outcome, with the use of transparent tape, which is subtlety applied at temples, cheeks, and jawline. Connecting the tape to an elastic band at the back of the head generates the illusion of higher bucked brow, lifted cheeks, and tightened jowls. By means of this approach, you can get the short-term surge in appearance that is handy for special occurrences and photographs.
As attractive as the consequences on camera may be, it is important to understand that face taping provides only the short-term solution. According to Dr. Reszko, “It offers instant smoothing and lifting effects that are completely cosmetic”. Although it gives the temporary feeling of fewer wrinkles, it doesn’t address the deeper causes of aging such as collagen eradication of sagging skin.
Those wishing to tape face should be keen on which type of tape to use. For the skin, medical-grade silicone-based tape has emerged as a favorite among specialists when it comes to skin health and comfort. According to Dr. Reszko, silicone is ideal because it is skin-friendly, reusable and not irritating to the skin. Many of the face tape kits available for sale over Internet connections feature pre-cut clear adhesive strip that is designed to be used in facial aesthetics. A few products have skincare supplements, such as peptides or niacinamide, in order for you to enjoy two-in-one benefit of improving skin health while taping.
Despite the current widespread use of face tape, it’s important to factor in its possible side effects. A big fear is that, if tapes that are not appropriate for the skin are used, there is a risk for unwanted harm. Dr. Reszko suggests, “Incorrect choice of tape may damage the barrier of skin, and this could result in irritation or contact dermatitis in tender parts like eyes and mouth”. Dr. Hamilton also advises against the regular use of face taping making it clear that it can cause gradual sagging in future.
So, when is face taping applicable? Those who look for a common quick fix to enhance their appearance for a particular occasion with minimal risk can turn to face taping. Putting on face tape for rare occasions is a good way to reduce wrinkle formation during night. But, specialists advise that face taping should not replace a more lasting cure. For people who want long-lasting effects, Dr. Hamilton advises getting treatment, such as neuromodulator injections, Botox, or Dysport – injections that make muscles that cause wrinkles relax. In addition, there are such options, as in-office therapies, as well as high-quality medical skincare to promote collagen production and skin cells regeneration.
In the end, face taping captures the aspect of novelty and practicality typical for beauty traditions: This method brings together inventive technique and ease of use, it also gives a simple way to personalize your appearance. Never forget to keep your objectives realistically and your skin’s well-being ahead. In its essence, beauty is a balance between skin support and enhancing the skin’s look.
While face taping attracts many because of its immediate effect and ease of application, it’s important to take the opinions of dermatologists on its practicality, possible downsides, and the ability for daily use.
We start with addressing the main question: Is taping of the face an effective wrinkle treatment method? From the point of view of the dermatologists, the efficiency of face taping will largely depend on what you want to achieve. For those who aim for a short-term, eye catching effect, face taping happens to be a valid option. “Face taping may achieve an illusion of smoothing and lifting, but the effect is not permanent and artificial,” explains Dr. Reszko. In actuality, face taping is closer to a cosmetic repair than to an actual solution. In order to reduce the visual impact of sleep creases or the impact of habitual facial gestures, sleeping or relaxing with tape can have an effect. However, this approach does not explain the main causes of aging, including the loss of collagen and the weakening of the elastic nature of the skin.
Yet, it is getting more and more troubling to think of how often contact with those substances might affect the health of the skin in the long run. “Normal repeated tension on the skin can cause early skin laxity,” warns Dr. Hamilton. Taping the face only gives a false impression of improvement, as stretching might aggravate the underlying condition. As well, skin irritation from this practice is also possible. The application of tapes that contain non-suited or inferior adhesives may break the protective function of the skin resulting in redness, sensitivity, or contact dermatitis. Such considerations underline the importance of selecting only reliable and approved by dermatologists products. The face tape option, according to Dr. Reszko, requires that you use the medical-grade silicone tapes which are designed with a gentle skin care in mind and are particular that they are designed for facial applications.
But what about the alternatives? More often than not, experts mention successful and scientifically proven treatments focusing on immediate and ongoing elimination of wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles–the wrinkles that occur because of muscle movement- are effectively treated with neuromodulators such as Botox and Dysport; continuing to rank among the best solutions in dermatology. These treatments temporarily relax facial muscles to encourage the creation of smoother skin and prevent the creation of other deep wrinkles in the process. Those who are searching for gentle alternatives can use skincare products with proven active ingredients, like retinol, peptides, and hyaluronic acid which can help to have visible results in time. Those who have Dr. Hamilton explains that medical grade skincare can actually help with creating collagen production and cellular regrowth which is at the level of what causes skin to age. Also very promising are clinically applied procedures.
Product on Amazon: Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment Cream with Peptides, Vitamin C & Licorice Extract, Anti-Aging & Wrinkles
Brand: Paula’s Choice
Price: 52 USD
Rating: 4.3 Total reviews: 4880
Shopping on Amazon >>
Factors such as lasers, chemical peels and micro-needling are accurate approaches for skin restoration and collagen production. Since they are more costly and could require them to stand down, such treatments tend to deliver a longer duration and better outcome than using simply face tape. “Consider this as a long-term health program for your skin,” Dr. Reszko counsels.
Wrinkle patches, being a milder alternative to face taping, have been attracting attention owing to their more discreet methodology. While made of silicone bases or fortified with useful ingredients, wrinkle patches offer instant relief for dryness and surface smoothing. Unlike face tape, wrinkle patches are targeted out to alleviate specific facial wrinkles like those around the eyes or at the corners of the mouth. Although the effects are fleeting, the use of skincare ingredients such as niacinamide or retinol transforms these patches into much more efficient products. By incorporating wrinkle patches, overall effectiveness of skincare can be elevated as De Dr. Reszko’s remarks. These patches provide both plumping and moisturizing effects, and are therefore perfect for when you feel like you need something sleek and fresh.
If you still want to try face taping, please make sure to use it extremely well and with the proper expectations. Clinicians agree that face taping should only be retained for special occasions at which time short-term advantage is most prioritized. Cleanse your skin thoroughly before using tape and don’t forget to use moisturizer to replenish the amount of hydration in your face. Terminate use of face tape as soon as reddening or irritation appears.
A larger lesson to take away from this is that tendencies such as face taping, for example, tend to become popular based on their fresh appearance and interesting presentation. Yet they are not free from their limitations too, though may sound attractive at first. Adventure in the form of trying out fresh techniques can be fun but individualized approach to your skincare, using both new ideas as well as proven cures, are essential to make the results long-lasting.
Ultimately, it is a choice you’ll have to make regarding whether to try face taping or any other of today’s beauty trends. Don’t lie to yourself about realistic results you can accomplish using this approach. Regardless of whether you use its confidence-boosting attributes for special occasions, or incorporate it as a preventer before bedtime, it is vital to know that healthy skin is the basis of beauty. Don’t shy away from searching for new ways of skin care, but don’t ever forget to be gentle with your skin.
Related posts:
Do Wrinkle Patches Work? Derms Weigh In On the Skin Care Trend
Most Wrinkle Patches Don’t Work. These Do
What is Face Taping?
