Could Face Taping Be Just As Effective As Botox?

We can not escape aging, but that does not stop us from trying. Your skin can be the biggest tattletale, revealing how old you are through wrinkles and fine lines. Once you reach your 20s, collagen production starts to decrease, skin appears to thin, and sagging slowly begins. It is all days after leaving your teenage years. That's why you might want to start using anti-aging creams sooner than you think.

To escape wrinkles, injections like botox have become popular. However, many fear the possibility of unnatural results or a stiff face. Minimally invasive procedures like microneedling are on the rise too. But injections and procedures might have to make room for the next anti-wrinkle fix, tape. Face taping sounds uncomfortable, but it is not as medieval as you think. The beauty step went viral on TikTok for its quick results. Can this adhesive be the key to youthful skin?

Face tape is an adhesive applied to the skin to mimic a facelift. It works similarly to boob tape, which secures your chest in place without the need for a bra. With face tape, your skin is cinched and held into place. This method eliminates the appearance of wrinkles and saggy skin. Instantly, you'll look decades younger without any surgery or makeup. The downside to this magic fix is that it is temporary. While you wear the tape, it does not work to eliminate wrinkles or fine lines. Once the tape is removed, your skin will be back to normal.

Although these facial stickers seem like a quick fix for pictures or reminiscing on wrinkle-free days, plastic surgeon Martin Newman doesn't recommend them. Plastic surgeon Dr. Martin Newman warns, "The tape can take off the stratum corneum, the outer layer of your skin," (via Cleveland Clinic). There is also the potential for allergic reactions. And wearing tape not designed for bodily use can expose you to toxins which can lead to dermatitis or irritation. It might be trending on TikTok but not in the medical community. Luckily, there are proven methods to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Dermatologist Dr. Scott Paviol tells The Derm Review that protecting your skin from the sun is vital in limiting wrinkles. Sun exposure is the number one cause of creases in the skin. Sun rays provide light and warmth but also break down collagen and the skin's elasticity. Dr. Pavoil recommends wearing sunscreen daily, preferably with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.

When wrinkles are already present, minimal procedures like botox can smooth the skin. However, botox is best for treating dynamic wrinkles. These are the lines caused by muscle movement. Think crow's feet and laugh lines. Wrinkles from aging and reduced collagen are static wrinkles. Derma fillers are better suited to restore those creases.

An anti-aging skincare regimen is an alternative to injections. Serums with retinol boost collagen to plump skin. Glycolic acid combats fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration. As a chemical exfoliant, it works to dissolve old skin cells to showcase the youthful skin underneath. Ceramides products help your skin lock in moisture to prevent sags and creases. Although results from your skincare routine won't be instant like face tape, it will improve your skin's appearance in the long haul.