Hollywood celebrities and makeup artists have spoken of using it, as well as the drag community. This trend is actually only new to some and has been around for a while. So the question arises: can face taping actually improve the appearance of wrinkles, or is it just another silly trend to go down in beauty history? To answer this, we looked to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ivy DeRosa, to learn all there is to know about “wrinkle taping”.

What is it?

Simple put, face taping is the recent (and not so recent) trend of putting tape on one’s face to reduce wrinkles. This is also called ‘wrinkle taping’, hints the name. It seems silly but some swear that it indeed works. The object is to stop the formation of new wrinkles. 

According to DeRosa, “It is essentially what the name implies: a tape or adhesive is put on the areas that are prone to lines, like the forehead, under the eyes, cheeks and decollete.” People use a variety of products for this, such as Scotch tape, Frownies and Sio Beauty patches.

How it Works

Face taping is mostly done at night while sleeping. Many believe that sleeping with tape on the face can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, both new and existing, by providing a temporarily lifted and smoother appearance. This is because during sleep, we tend to move around while disturbing the skin and potentially causing wrinkles. Some people swear by the overnight effects of this method, while others use the face tape for more instantaneous results like taping before an event. 

The Benefits

Experts agree that wrinkles and fine lines can be temporarily concealed with the use of beauty tape. However, this method does not really provide any long-term improvement. It can, however, be used for special occasions in order to cover signs of aging and give the face a quick lift.

Using face tape is similar to applying makeup in order to conceal blemishes–it is only a short-term solution. According to DeRosa, “These can give a brief improvement in the look of fine lines but it will not last.” For those who wish to reduce wrinkles, specialists recommend laser therapy, chemical peels, and other in-office treatments.

Potential Side Effects

According to DeRosa, regular use of tape can be bothersome for most people, regardless of the material it is made of. She adds, “The areas where tape is applied are usually the most delicate, especially around the eyes and on the chest. The adhesive used to stick the tape can damage the skin and lead to irritation, dryness, and even worsen the appearance of the skin over time.” Rossi further mentions that if the tape is left on for too long, its occlusive nature might result in blocked pores and acne due to the sweat and sebum accumulation.

Is it Worth it?

Bottom line, face taping overnight in order to prevent wrinkles is a waste of time. When it comes to special occasions or filming, it may be alright to use a product that is essentially a “facial Spanx”, however it’s important to note that this will not help cure or prevent wrinkles. In fact, it can cause dryness and irritation.

According to De Rosa, it’s just not worth it to follow the trend in this context. Scientifically, the things that are best for your skin have remained unchanged. The most reliable way to keep your skin healthy and delay the process of aging is to apply a broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen in the morning and a retinoid in the evening.