Hailed as a 'natural face lift' hack for preventing fine lines and wrinkles, face taping is dominating our TikTok FYP in 2024. Although the art of face taping is nothing new, a slew of beauty influencers are taping their faces at night and crediting it as an affordable alternative to Botox.
Face taping is said to help lift and sculpt the face naturally, but does it actually work or is it just another social media fad? We asked a facialist for the down low and what sort of benefits we could expect.
What is face taping?
To put it simply - face taping works by physically restricting the full contraction of a muscle as you sleep, preventing expression wrinkles from forming. With face tapes in place, it serves as a reminder not to contract that muscle, over time giving a smoother appearance. Tapes are commonly used on your forehead, but can also be used on smile lines, cheekbones, nose, jawline and neck.
“This practice involves applying specially designed tapes to the facial skin in a strategic manner, aiming to achieve various cosmetic and therapeutic benefits," explains Daiva Kamysova, says facialist and founder of Skin Loft.
"Face taping is primarily aimed at promoting a more youthful appearance and improving the overall tone and texture of the skin. The practice originated from the idea that gently lifting and supporting certain facial muscles could contribute to reducing sagging, minimising wrinkles, and enhancing the contours of the face."
What are the benefits of face taping?
From minimising fine line lines and wrinkles to giving a gentle lift, Daiva explains the surprising benefits of strategically applying tape to your face.
Natural face lift: "Face taping is often likened to a non-surgical facelift. By placing tapes along areas of concern of the face, creates a gentle lift, helping to combat the effects of gravity - promoting a more lifted and toned appearance."
Reduced wrinkles: "The tapes can act as a temporary solution to minimise the appearance of wrinkles by smoothing out the skin and encouraging a firmer texture. This can be particularly appealing to individuals seeking a non-invasive alternative to address fine lines and creases."
Improved circulation: "It enhances blood circulation in the taped areas, contributing to a healthier complexion and a natural glow."
How to face tape at home
Daiva is a pro at all things face tapes and talks us through how we can do it ourselves at home.
"Before applying the tapes to your face, conduct a patch test on a small area of your skin," she tells Closer Online. "This helps ensure that you won't have an adverse reaction."
Daiva says to start with clean and moisturised skin, which helps ensure good tape adhesion and prevent any potential irritation.
"Begin with a clean and moisturised face to ensure good tape adhesion and prevent any potential irritation.
"Identify the areas of your face you wish to target, such as the forehead, cheeks, or jawline. Common taping patterns include lifting tapes and wrinkle-smoothing tapes."
Next, you want to gently apply the tapes along the predetermined lines, ensuring they adhere securely without stretching the skin accessively.
Daiva continues, "When applying the tapes, follow the natural lines of your face for a more effective and comfortable fit. Apply lifting tapes in an upward direction to enhance the lifting effect.
"When it's time to remove the tapes, do so gently to avoid any potential skin irritation. Consider using a mild oil or rose water mist to help with the process."
SHOP: the best face tapes 2024
www.skingymco.com