Face taping: myths and truths about TikTok’s new darling technique –

O TikTok is a fast, dynamic social network that loves new trends. One of them is face taping, which seems to have dominated the timeline of quick videos promising to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. Already we explain a little about this trend around herebut today, let’s understand more about its functions and why it has become so popular.

WHAT IS FACE TAPING?

Starting with a quick review, face taping, despite having become quite popular on social media, is a technique known and used for a long time by makeup artists.

“Face taping consists of the use of adhesive tapes on the face with the aim of causing a traction effect and a momentary lifting, smoothing wrinkles and causing elevation in the eyebrow and face as a whole”, explains the dermatologist and trichologist. Dr. Renata Vasconcellos.

In make-up, this technique is used to momentarily “lift” the temples, eyebrows and neck. The tapes are usually hidden in photos and videos, so you can’t see the trick. Incidentally, face taping predates social networks so much that it has also been used for decades by the drag queen community for their montages and stage makeup.

MYTHS AND TRUTHS ABOUT FACE TAPING

With all this in mind, it’s time to understand the real function of face taping and if, in fact, the technique does what it promises: softening and even eliminating wrinkles and fine lines. For this, we will use the famous “myths and truths”.

MYTH: Face taping minimizes wrinkles

“This promise is not real”, says the doctor. “In fact, this effect is completely momentary, as the face returns to its initial position when the tapes are removed.”

TRUTH: The effect of face taping is instantaneous

In fact, when the tapes are placed, the effect of the technique is instantaneous – and they are positioned in a way that is not apparent, that is, it seems that your face is, in fact, that way. However, it is worth mentioning: this effect is temporary and disappears the minute the tapes are removed from the face.

MYTH: Face taping has multiple skin benefits

Unfortunately, it’s not quite like that. “There is no scientific evidence and/or long-term studies that show the benefits of the technique for the skin,” says Dr. Renata. “All techniques used on the skin or musculature need observational and controlled studies to prove them, which does not exist for face taping.”

FACT: Face taping can cause allergies

“It is necessary to warn that the glue in the tape can cause contact dermatitis, so it is recommended to do a skin test before application to assess whether the person is sensitive to the material”, continues the professional.

MYTH: Sleeping with the tapes on your face eliminates wrinkles and fine lines

On the contrary: according to the specialist, sleeping with the tapes on the face, in the long term, does not cause positive effects, after all, the skin returns to its initial position when it is removed – which can cause damage.

“This type of use is not safe because it can cause an allergy to the adhesive mechanism and disrupt the application of the night skincare routine, as it is not possible to apply lotion to the place where the tape is”, he says.

TRUTH: There are techniques that can soften wrinkles and expression lines

But that you may already know. To soften wrinkles and expression lines, it is worth investing in proven techniques, such as the use of botulinum toxin (the famous “Botox”), which has the power to paralyze the musculature, turning off the depressor muscles and turning on the facial elevator muscles.

MYTH: Pulling the skin slows aging

On the contrary! According to the doctor, it is necessary to treat skin aging globally, because, in this process, there is loss of collagen, skin elasticity and collapse of facial structures, in addition to bone resorption and skin fat structures.

“To really fight aging, it’s not just about pulling the skin, it’s about anchoring and supporting it for sustenance. I recommend collagen biostimulators, microfocused ultrasound and PDO threads, which can generate the global traction effect of the face, treating all layers, from the bone structure to the epidermis.”

The combination of techniques makes it possible to treat all the pillars of aging. Finally, it should be noted that it is always important to the skincare routinewith the use of sunscreen, and maintaining good hydration through food and water intake.