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Do wrinkle patches like Frownies really work? Experts say there are some benefits
TikTokers claim viral forehead wrinkle patches from brands like Frownies smooth lines — and can even be an alternatives to Botox
Maybe you're familiar with this viral TikTok scene: A woman who appears too young for wrinkles stares straight into the camera wearing a puzzle-like mask of wrinkle patches, "This is how I stay wrinkle-free without Botox!" she excitedly exclaims while peeling thin, clear sheets off her face as if she's a snake, mid-molting. Or this one: A middle-aged woman with good genes stands in the glow of a ring light to demonstrate how just one night of face taping made her look as if she's had a face lift. In the past few years, wrinkle patches have (re) emerged as a kind of skin care miracle (at least as sold by social media beauty influencers), a supposed Botox alternative that many claim require little more than the discomfort of adhering a tight sticker to one's skin to glean the same anti-aging results.
Frownies Forehead and Between the Eyes Wrinkle Patches
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Targeted Patches (set of six)
Wrinkles Schminkles Reusable Forehead Wrinkle Patches (pack of 2)
Cleverfy Silicone Chest Wrinkle Pads (pack of six)
So, what exactly are wrinkle patches?
Most simply, wrinkle patches are adhesive masks (usually made from paper or, in some cases, silicone) that tape over an area of the face, neck or chest in an effort to decrease mobility and either prevent or improve the appearance of fine lines and deeper wrinkles.
"Wrinkles patches come in all shapes and ingredients for face, neck, eyes and even body with a variety of ingredients for hydration, as well as active ingredients such as retinoids or hyaluronic acid," says Dr. Azza Halim, owner of Azza MD Beauty, a medical spa with locations all over the country.
Though new, more elaborate formulas containing high-end skin care ingredients have recently hit the market, the technology behind wrinkle patches is nothing new. In fact, the wildly-popular brand Frownies — the OG wrinkle patch — was founded in 1889 with the launch of a product originally known as “Wrinkle Eradicators.” In the 20th century, pre-Botox, Frownies became ubiquitous in Hollywood, a trope to indicate female aging and vanity, most notably seen in films like "Sunset Boulevard" and "Death Becomes Her."
Can wrinkle patches actually work?
The best wrinkle patches are worn overnight to prevent skin creasing and movement as you sleep, so, when you wake up, your skin is smoother and your existing lines appear less deep. Silicone wrinkle patches — and those infused with skin-nourishing ingredients like retinol — do double duty by keeping skin taut while also adding hydration, building collagen and/or preventing water loss. As a result, your skin will appear firmer, dewier and plumper immediately after use, though, once you remove the product and start making facial expressions and moving your face normally, the results, according to experts, will quickly fade.
While Frownies and products like them can temporarily fade wrinkles — and even, briefly, prevent some of the deepest lines from forming — they will not treat or eradicate the issue longterm. "Wrinkle patches can be used in conjunction with a proper skin care routine and in-office treatments, yes," explains Halin. "But not in place of them — as a stand-alone product they have not been shown to treat wrinkles."
These products are best used in tandem with clinically-proven at-home skin care with ingredients like peptides and retinol, along with in-office dermatological treatments like microneedling, laser therapy and, yes, Botox.
Will wrinkle patches work for a big event like a wedding or a holiday party?
Kind of? Maybe? In order to have any effect on your skin, even the best wrinkle patches must be worn for multiple hours per day over the course of several days. That means if you're diligent and consistent — and plan ahead and time things right — you could benefit from the products' temporary effects and have your face appear smoother and more youthful while attending, say, a New Year's Eve bash, at least for a short while.
Nearly 18,000 5-star Amazon reviewers agree that Frownies — essentially stickers you place on your face at night to keep your face from wrinkling while you sleep — temporarily improve the appearance of wrinkles.
"Addicted to Frownies," says one. "They aren’t going to magically erase your wrinkles in five days, but I've been using them for about a year now and the results have been great!"
"I'm impressed!" raves another. "I am 48 and was very bothered by my lines on my forehead and a large crease between my eyes. I have considered Botox, but have decided against it because of the cost. I was unsure about these, but to my surprise, they really work! After the first time I took them off, my lines were smoother and my forehead looked softer. There was a real and noticeable difference."
RoC is a trusted drugstore skin care brand and known for its affordable, high-quality, retinol-infused skin care. Though they're especially good for crow's feet and fine lines around the eyes, these patches can be used anywhere,
They're formulated with a concentration of retinol, peptides and hyaluronic acid, that, according to the brand, will dissolve into your skin in just two hours.
As seen on Shark Tank! These reusable, 100% medical-grade silicone patches have more than 70 million views across social media, with tens of thousands of fans praising their wrinkle-reducing wonders. They're safe and suitable for all skin types to help soften forehead and frown lines and the thoughtfully-designed shape and high quality ingredients make them among the more comfortable wrinkle patches you can buy.
Cleverfy's chest wrinkle "pads" combine clinically-tested, dermatologist-approved clear silicone to hydrate the decolleté, along with extra-strong adhesive to keep skin in this delicate area pulled taut while you sleep. The result is meant to prevent further chest wrinkling while helping to repair any damage that's already been done.
"Ordered 13 times!" raves one 5-star reviewer. "I have tried other silicone chest wrinkle products and this one is my favorite. 1. Because it covers more surface are than other silicone chest pads. 2. Because I can use each pad for about a week, so one box usually lasts me more than a month. I've ordered 13 times so far, which is why I'm 50 (and a side-sleeper), and I don't have chest wrinkles!"
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
