Is This 100-Year-Old Beauty Hack Really 'Botox In A Sticker'?
“The uglier you go to sleep, the prettier you wake up” is a popular mantra across the skin care side of TikTok. Creators post videos of themselves covered in all kinds of beauty products, using gadgets that, despite looking ridiculous at night, promise to enhance beauty in their “morning shed.”
One of the most popular beauty tools of late has actually been around since at least the late 1800s, promising a noninvasive way to keep wrinkles at bay — wrinkle patches.
Worn primarily at night, wrinkle patches (sometimes referred to as face-taping) are commonly touted as a cost-effective, noninvasive method to prevent wrinkles — particularly for those looking for a needle-free method.
“Frownies” was the name for the original wrinkle patch from 1889. It simply consisted of paper with a water-activated adhesive backing, but wrinkle patches today can range from silicone patches to precut strips of medical tape. Some anti-aging crusaders even go the DIY route and practice face-taping with kinesiology tape, silicone scar tape, surgical tape or even Scotch tape.
According toDr. Hannah Kopelman, a New York-based dermatologist, face-taping and facial patches work by temporarily pulling the skin taut and immobilizing the facial muscles that form wrinkles. Well, in theory, anyway.
While there’s no shortage of creators across platforms like TikTok preaching their love of face-taping and wrinkle patches, when it comes to scientifically backed methods of preventing wrinkles, dermatologists aren’t so convinced of the benefits of wrinkle patches and skin-taping.
“As much as we want to find that anti-aging holy grail, face-taping is not a long-term, viable solution for wrinkles,” said Dr. Susan Massick, an Ohio-based board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor of dermatology at Ohio State University.
Some users may see a slight improvement with skin-taping and wrinkle patches when peeling them off during their “morning shed.” However, according to the dermatologists we interviewed, the anti-aging benefits of face-taping and wrinkle patches are, sadly, temporary at best.
“It is likely that any temporary benefits from face-tape application will quickly wear off upon removal of face tape as gravity and baseline skin support take over,” said Dr. Angela Casey, an Ohio-based dermatologist.
Casey and Massick both note that, to date, there are no clinical studies proving an anti-aging benefit to face-taping or using wrinkle patches.
Why It Doesn’t Really Work Long-Term
To understand why face-taping and wrinkle patches are not as effective at preventing wrinkles as clinically proven methods like Botox and retinoids, it’s helpful to understand how wrinkles develop in the first place. According to dermatologists, there are two types of wrinkles: dynamic and static.
Wrinkles that form when you emote — crows feet that form around your eyes when you smile or the 11s lines that form in between your eyes when you furrow your brow — are known as “dynamic wrinkles.” Once you stop emoting, these lines typically disappear.
However, if they don’t disappear, there’s a good chance they’ve developed into the second type of wrinkle — static.
According to Massick, while face-taping and wrinkle patches may limit facial movements and smooth out dynamic wrinkles temporarily, they won’t do much to impact static wrinkles.
That’s because, although repeated facial movements over time will indeed impact the development of static wrinkles, this is not the only way static wrinkles form.
“Wrinkle formation is influenced by so many factors — genetics, sun exposure, lifestyle habits and skin care routines — that face-taping alone isn’t going to dramatically delay aging,” Kopelman said.
Dr. Mary Alice Mina, an Atlanta-based double-board-certified dermatologist, notes that other aging factors, including collagen and elastin loss, muscle loss, bone resorption and fat displacement, can also influence these lines to form.
“[Skin-taping] doesn’t target issues of muscle atrophy, fat and bone loss, and loss of collagen and elastin,” Mina said.
Can Wrinkle Patches Prevent Sleep Wrinkles?
Much to the dismay of many a side- and stomach-sleeping skin care aficionado, most dermatologists agree — sleeping on your back is the best way to prevent wrinkles.
“When you sleep on your side or stomach, your face gets compressed against the pillow, creating folds in the skin. Over time, this can lead to sleep lines that eventually become permanent,” Kopelman said.
Not wanting to give up their favorite sleeping positions, some turn to face-taping and wrinkle patches to help fend off sleep-position-induced wrinkles.
“While taping may help, its benefits are limited,” Massick said. “It can’t reverse the consistent and prolonged compression of the skin from the pressure of laying on one side of the face for both side and stomach sleepers.”
Can You Prevent Wrinkles If You Start Face-Taping When You’re Young?
With the rise of social media, more and more teens and young adults are taking their skin care seriously. While those with solidly formed static wrinkles may only see temporary benefits from skin-taping, could younger folks see any benefit in using wrinkle patches or practicing facial taping in the long term?
“When it comes to long-term benefits, I’d say the evidence is still lacking,” said Kopelman. Casey agrees, saying there are no clinical studies that support a long-term benefit from face-taping.
“In theory, someone who tapes their face every night for years might see some improvement compared to someone who doesn’t, simply because they’ve reduced repetitive muscle movements that cause wrinkles to form,” said Kopelman.
So if you’re not willing to gamble on an anti-aging method that might work “in theory,” it’s best to stick to proven anti-aging methods.
“I always tell my patients that managing expectations is key — and if you’re looking for a noticeable difference, evidence-based treatments like Botox or professional-grade skincare are far more effective,” he said.
Who Shouldn’t Try Face-Taping?
Although face-taping and facial patches are relatively noninvasive, our dermatologists warn that it may not be appropriate for some patients — particularly those with certain skin conditions or who experience irritation from adhesives.
“Adhesives are a common skin irritant for sensitive skin, especially those with chronic inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea or contact dermatitis,” Massick said. “If you have a history of allergy to adhesives and Band-Aids, the glue on the face tape will irritate your skin as well.”
And even if you don’t currently experience adhesive-induced skin sensitivity, Casey also cautions that individuals can develop a sensitivity to adhesives over time, particularly with repeated exposure (say, if you applied adhesives to your face every night for years on end).
Our dermatologists also advise to avoid skin-taping or wrinkle patches if you use skin care products with active or irritating ingredients.
“If you incorporate a nightly skincare regimen that may include retinoids or other active ingredients, the occlusive tape will heighten the concentration, which can also exacerbate skin irritation,” Massick said.
Casey notes to be even more careful if you regularly use retinol products.
“Keep in mind that [retinoids] will thin the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of skin which contains skin cells in the process of shedding), thereby making skin more susceptible to injury or peeling from adhesive tapes,” Casey said.
Looking For Anti-Aging Skincare? Try Out These Reviewer-Favorite Retinols and Retinals.
HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Amazon
Isdin Isdinceutics Retinal Advanced Rejuvenating Facial Night Serum
Recommended by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Deanne Mraz, this serum "combines the power of retinaldehyde, melatonin and bakuchiol with ultra-soothing ingredients, including niacinamide — together these actives renew, rejuvenate and revitalize the skin," she told me. It's not cheap, but for those who are interested in a skin care splurge, it's definitely worth checking out.
$166.50 at Amazon (regularly $185)
Dermstore
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum
I've long heard people rave about this highly-rated serum from Medik8, and I can't say I'm surprised. Everything I've tried from the brand thus far has been effective and left my skin looking and feeling great. This serum can help to address typical signs of aging like wrinkles, texture and tone quickly and efficiently. It's balanced with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help keep skin supple, soft, smooth and hydrated. It's a great mid-price jumping-off point for anyone curious about trying a retinal.
Amazon
Eau Thermale Avene RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream
I'm a big fan of Avène products; this French pharmacy staple always knows how to strike the perfect balance between using tried and true potent ingredients and nourishing goodness to help keep skin looking and feeling youthful, soft and plump. This cream is no exception and can help to leave your complexion looking and feeling smooth, radiant, hydrated and fresh.
$63.20 at Amazon (regularly $79)
Sephora
Murad Resurgence Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment
If you're looking to make a big investment in your skin, then look no further than this nearly perfectly rated serum from Murad. It balances out the anti-aging powers of encapsulated retinal with ingredients like kangaroo paw flower extract that can help firm and smooth skin along with olive, oat and alpha glucan to ensure a big boost of hydration and help to maintain and restore the skin's barrier.
Sephora
Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum
This highly-rated and oft-reviewed serum utilizes retinal, niacinamide and ceramides to not only improve the look and feel of skin texture and common signs of aging but also reinforce the skin's barrier, smooth skin, even tone and moisturize. It's a powerhouse combo in the form of a lightweight serum that won't feel heavy.
Skin Better Science
SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream
"I love Skinbetter Science’s AlphaRet Overnight Cream," Mraz told me. She added that "it combines retinoid with lactic acid and glycolic acids to exfoliate the skin and pairs those benefits with soothing, nourishing peptides, ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and vitamins C + E making the formulation gentle enough for most skin types, including those prone to dryness."
Dermstore
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3
According to Mraz, you can't go wrong with Skinceuticals Retinol, which comes in three strengths (.3%, .5% and 1% concentrations). "This is a great option for anyone who needs to downshift to a gentler strength in the cold, dry winter months and turn up the volume [spring through fall]," she recommended. It's a great way for first-time users of retinol to enjoy the benefits while still protecting the skin from potentially irritating side effects.
Nordstrom
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum
This popular Sunday Riley retinoid serum is beloved by HuffPost shopping writer Tessa Flores. She shared that it’s “composed of a retinoid ester, encapsulated retinol and retinol-alternative extracts derived from blue-green algae, all of which can impart the texture-improving wonders that retinol is known for without overwhelming the skin and causing irritation."
She went on to explain that the formulation includes COQ10, an antioxidant that "targets the appearance of sun damage while two different humectants soothe redness and draw moisture into the skin. After using this product consistently for two months, I’m noticing a significant reduction of my keratosis pilaris in that the texture is smoother, less red and with fewer clogged hair follicles. I’ve also noticed less congestion in my T-zone, fewer sun freckles, and an overall increase in skin plumpness — all without those telltale signs of retinol-induced irritation."
Sephora
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
Before I made the switch to prescription retinol, I was devoted to this Paula's Choice treatment. It uses a trio of ingredients — retinol, bakuchiol and peptides — to help firm up, hydrate and smooth skin, leaving it feeling soft and youthful. I was obsessed with how soft it left my skin and how quickly I noticed results. Like the rest of the brand's lineup, it has a permanent spot in my heart.
Nordstrom
Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Hydra-Gel Eye Patches
I always keep a pack of these in my fridge; it's one of the safest ways to enjoy the benefits of retinol around the delicate under-eye area. Not only do these patches help to smooth and firm my tired eyes, but they are nourishing and hydrating as well. The combo of ingredients can even help to treat those tiny bumps that can appear around the eye. They are on the pricier side, but a single container contains 60 patches, which goes a long way even with multiple weekly use.
Nordstrom
Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil
I've raved about this sleeping oil before and I'm doing it again. It's an absolute game-changer. I happen to be obsessed with using Luna oil in conjunction with Sunday Riley's Good Genes; it's a powerful duo that leaves me swimming in compliments and glowing skin. If you’ve been on the fence about trying an oil or retinoid, then this is the perfect place to start. Soothing botanicals like blue tansy and German chamomile are paired with an advanced retinoid ester that supports skin health and elasticity, evens out redness and fights fine lines and wrinkles. Avocado seed oil plumps up the skin and delivers a healthy dose of antioxidants. It doesn’t clog pores, which is perfect if you are acne-prone like myself. It's my favorite retinol delivery method.
