‘Pasting the face’ is a TikTok wrinkle-elimination trend, but does it work?

In theory, it sounds like a good idea: Tighten up your most wrinkles leatherPin it in place to keep it from moving, and wake up looking younger. Do it at night, and you should see results once a week.

‘Face registration’ was Trending on social media As an at-home skincare hack that combats gravity. (Did you miss these posts? over hereAnd the over here or over here.)

But what’s behind this trend, and will it really work? We spoke to the experts to find out.

Dr. said. Rebecca Marcusa board-certified dermatologist and founder of the Skin Care Company Maei MD.

“This includes applying duct tape to the skin to tighten wrinkles in order to tighten them immediately, or applying duct tape overnight to prevent muscle movement and reduce the possibility of wrinkles forming and becoming etched deep into the skin,” she explained.

Proponents claim a whole host of benefits, from long-term wrinkle reduction to lymphatic drainage. But what do our experts think?

The most positive response from dermatologist Dr. Roberta del Campo, and even has reservations: “I’m on the fence about it, but I have many patients who swear by it,” she said. “I tried it myself at night and saw a calming effect in the morning.”

But del Campo warned of the potential for long-term repercussions. “In theory, long-term use of the muscle may overcompensate the muscle, resulting in stronger muscles trying to work through the tape,” she said. “When the muscles get thicker from working hard, this can eventually lead to deeper lines.”

her suggestion? “I recommend avoiding night recording, but give it a try [at] Del Campo said. “This will give you a smooth appearance at the time, but you will not have a potential risk of hypertrophy, which is the overgrowth and growth of muscle cells, which can occur with regular long-term use.”

Dermatologist Dr. Marisa Jarchik He said that “individuals who are looking for a quick, albeit temporary, fix may want to try this, but frankly, there are better, more effective options for wrinkle reduction.”

However, makeup artists You have I used face-lift tape as a way to prep people on the red carpet.”

Other experts strongly opposed the idea Ever Leave the tape anywhere near your face.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Horn. “Using tape, especially the kind that’s meant to hold your skin overnight, can damage the skin barrier when you take it off. It can cause redness, irritation, and acne breakouts. The adhesive needs to be very tight and therefore uncomfortable to use for a long time.”

Dermatologist Dr. Angelo B Note that people usually try to paste the face at home and without professional supervision.

“which – which, Combined with the multiple variables present in an uncontrolled environment, it can lead to skin lesions or other problems, he said. While it may seem like a harmless procedure, the skin on the face is tender, and the glue on the tape can cause many other problems. I don’t recommend doing this at home because it doesn’t really work.”

Marcus echoed that point.

“Frankly, I don’t see any point in doing that,” Marcus said. “I prefer that my patients focus on using high-quality skincare ingredients and in-clinic procedures to stimulate collagen that supports the rejuvenation of their skin.”

“It will not be a long-term solution to wrinkles,” he said Joey Tavernesis a medical esthetician and founder JTAV Clinical Skin Care.

Marcus agreed: “OhAfter the tape is removed, the skin will return to its resting state, so any effect will only last until the tape is removed.”

And dermatologist Dr. Dean Mraz RobinsonD., assistant professor of dermatology at Yale New Haven Hospital, said the same thing: “There are no studies, research, or science behind this practice, and the effects are very short-term.”

Experts have warned that this trend can be harsh on your skin, especially if it’s sensitive.

“Before applying the adhesive, I would make sure to try a small patch test to rule out the possibility of your skin reacting to the adhesive,” Marcus said.

Robinson added, “I would caution people with sensitive skin, eczema or rosacea to stay away from this practice, as it may aggravate their skin. The tape in the tape can be irritating and/or cause an allergic reaction in susceptible patients.” .

“I’m never averse to experimenting with skincare trends, but I personally feel that with the technology, products, and advanced techniques we have to combat wrinkles, this seems to be more work than it’s worth,” Tavernes said. “I believe in investing your time and money in effective treatments and products designed to target wrinkles and fine lines.”

She added that if you really want to try it out, make sure you have the right equipment. “Do not use any product other than one that was made for this specific purpose,” Tavernes said. Clear tape, masking tape, or any other household tape contains adhesives and is not applied to the face. Look for brands that have clinical studies to back them up and those that have been reviewed.”

Or try something else entirely. Dermatologist Dr. said. Reed McClellanassistant faculty member at Harvard Medical School and founder and CEO of The Dermatology Corporation Cortina.

Finally, consider these wise words from Tavernise: “It is important to be cautious and a little skeptical when it comes to skin care trends on TikTok. As we know, things are not always what they seem on the internet, and it is always best to be gentle with your skin and consult a professional. Skin care when you can.

If you want to prevent wrinkles from appearing in the first place, sunscreen is the best start. Check out our picks below.