The Viral Face-Taping Trend Claims To Minimize Fine Lines, But It Might Make Wrinkles Worse
Every few weeks or so it seems like a new skincare hack goes viral and claims to be able to rejuvenate your skin and make it look more youthful than ever before. When it comes to viral TikTok hacks and trends, it's essential that you do your research before jumping on the bandwagon. People are constantly looking for ways to elevate and freshen up their look, whether it be with skincare products, hacks, or Botox and cosmetic procedures. According to data from The Aesthetic Society, in the first half of 2021, "Americans spent over $8.7 billion dollars on aesthetic plastic surgery."
Face-taping is a new trending skincare hack that has gone viral all over TikTok, promising to be able to minimize and even erase fine lines and wrinkles. Face-taping is all the buzz in the skincare and beauty community, with many people raving about the budget-friendly alternative to Botox and filler.
Does face-taping actually work?
Face-taping is where you take an area of your skin with wrinkles, stretch it back and keep it in place with tape to limit your muscles from moving throughout the night (via Byrdie). The tape is left on overnight to work its magic and the process is meant to be done every night for at least a week before you see any results. According to the many women who swear by the hack, you'll wake up to smoother, more youthful-looking skin. Although many women rave about face-taping, some dermatologists aren't completely sold on the viral skin hack and warn against the side effects.
Dr. Roberta Del Campo tells the HuffPost, "Theoretically speaking, long-term use may actually cause the muscles to overcompensate, leading to stronger muscles trying to work through the tape." This can cause even "deeper lines." You can also cause irritation to your skin and clogged pores from the tape and glue.
Face-taping isn't a long-term solution
Face-taping may not give you the same notable results that non-invasive skin procedures like Botox can, but this viral skincare hack can be the perfect quick fix solution if you need to smooth out your face for an event or night out. Just like with makeup, you can apply face-tape to your face where you want your skin to look tight and pulled back and cover it up with makeup. Avoid using regular tape you find in your home as it can contain ingredients that aren't made to be left on skin, and could leave you red, itchy, and inflamed.
Many dermatologists recommend skipping the face-taping hack and opting for more long-term solutions that can help you achieve youthful skin that glows. Invest in high quality skincare products that won't leave you with even deeper lines, and will instead work to prevent wrinkles and keep you hydrated, fresh, and dewy.