Silicone Patches Are Key To An Unexpected Anti-Aging Hack

Another day, another TikTok skincare hack. This time, it's silicone patches that can reportedly help to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. These little miracle patches have been dubbed Botox patches by many because they're meant to accomplish the same results as the in-demand injections at a fraction of the price. Whenever a new social media beauty trend emerges, it's hard to discern whether it's worth a shot. 

TikTok hacks have been notoriously hit or miss in the past, with some damaging your skin while others, like hydrocolloid bandages, make acne treatments more accessible. It's safe to say that TikTok has disrupted how we buy beauty products, as Elle UK points out. In fact, according to a Jungle Scout Report for December 2022, 52% of millennials and 71% of Gen-Z members are likely to buy a beauty product they first discovered on TikTok. 

Dr. Dendy Engelman, a New York-based dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, admitted to The New York Times that her patients are often reluctant to try out treatments that she's recommended to them, but when something is given the seal of approval by TikTok, they're more than happy to jump onboard. So, should you give the TikTok-recommended anti-wrinkle silicone patches a try? Or are they best avoided? 

Just like the name suggests, silicone patches are strips of adhesive medical-grade silicone, per Everday Health. Silicone patches typically have a specialized application that's targeted toward an area like the eyes or the neck, but they can also be general facial patches. Either way, silicone patches are designed to be worn throughout the night while you sleep. 

Although silicone patches have exploded in popularity in recent times, they've actually been around for decades, with so-called "Wrinkle Eradicators" hitting the market as early as 1889 (via Global Cosmetic Industry magazine). Plenty of people claim that the patches have worked wonders for their skin. For instance, Mamamia reported that they were especially great for reducing the appearance of chest wrinkles. 

Elsewhere, Dr. Caroline Robinson, a board-certified dermatologist, explained how silicone patches work to CNN, noting: "The pads help prevent transepidermal water loss — locking in moisture so the skin will be better hydrated and will be better able to repair itself and produce collagen. And the pad also keeps the skin flat, so this helps prevent the creases that form during sleep." 

If you're looking for a long-lasting solution for aging skin, silicone patches may not be the best option because the results are short-lived. Dr. Howard Sobel, a cosmetic dermatologist surgeon, spoke to this point with Everyday Health. He clarified: "Wrinkle patches appear to work by constricting the ability to make deep facial expressions, which exacerbates the appearance of wrinkles." 

However, as Dr. Sobel also noted, "Rest assured, the wrinkle-reducing results are temporary and will only last a few hours at most." He suggested using silicone patches as a beauty hack for special occasions rather than as a permanent anti-aging solution. Further, Dr. Caroline Robinson confirmed to CNN that wrinkle patches have shown no long-term results in the reduction of existing wrinkles or the prevention of future ones. 

Thankfully, silicone patches are non-invasive so they don't have the capability to cause too much harm. But it's important to read the ingredients label carefully because they may vary across brands and your skin could react badly as a result. If you have sensitive skin, in particular, it's best to do a patch test to ensure silicone patches don't cause inflammation, redness, breakouts, or allergies, per Sharp.