Debunking the Face-Taping Trend: Experts Weigh In on Its Effectiveness for Wrinkle Reduction

Wrinkles are a natural sign of aging, and there is no way to avoid wrinkles. Although many people have come to terms with this reality, some people still scroll through social media and the internet, looking for hacks that can help them get rid of fine lines. Every now and then, viral trends recommend using make-up or undergoing certain procedures to hide wrinkles, but unfortunately, these are not permanent solutions. Recently, face-taping has taken social media by storm, with many claiming that it provides an instant face lift, giving a much younger look.

What is face-tapping and how does it work?
Face-taping, also known as "wrinkle taping," is a technique that involves strategically placing strips of tape on your face to create a temporary facelift. This helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and provides a smooth, youthful appearance.

Does face-tapping work against wrinkles?
"Wrinkles are caused by muscle activity," says Dr Singh. "Smiling, anger, chewing, and speaking all require facial muscles, and with age and the effects of gravity, overworked muscles begin to wrinkle," she explains. According to her, at first, this is dynamic, because it shows only when those expression lines are used. However, with time, they become fixed or always present. This mechanism of wrinkle development itself tells us that facial taping is a temporary solution to tout the muscles so that wrinkles are less visible, Dr. Singh highlighted that they will not work as a substitute for botulinum toxin, which is a muscle paralyser. An agent that softens wrinkles by reducing muscle activity and has immediate effects and lasting results for 3-4 months or more.”

Things to know before you try face-tapping
It is important to know that face-taping is a temporary fix and does not provide a long-lasting effect. Although tape has been used by physiotherapists since time immemorial, it carries the risk of irritation, itching, redness and allergic skin reactions, Dr. Singh warns. In addition, she notes that if the tape is placed close to the skin of the eyelid, one should remember that the skin of the eyelid is seven times thinner than the skin of the face, and therefore, the tape may rub or peel it off. Hence, one needs to be careful while taping on the face.

Tips for healthy aging

• Procedures such as botulinum toxin, fillers, dermal threads, fractional lasers, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatments can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but it is important to consult a doctor before resorting to such treatments.
• Sunscreen, serums containing vitamins C and E, and anti-aging peptides
• No smoking, vaping, alcohol or other substance abuse.
• regular exercise
• Early sleep routines and a digital detox an hour before bed
• Exposure to natural sunlight, 20 minutes a day
• Making conscious time each day for mental and emotional health

Eating habits include:

• Eating 50% of the diet as raw foods, including fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, or a rainbow diet
• Foods rich in whole plants contain antioxidants and phytonutrients.
• Intermittent fasting following the circadian rhythm of meals (breakfast after sunrise, dinner after sunset)