Koreans are famous for their innovative beauty trends. Lately, a Korean trick known as the “rubber band hack” has been making waves online, promising to help contour and slim down your face.
If you’re intrigued by this trend, keep reading to learn more.
Please note: This information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before trying any new beauty or health trends.
Can This Rubber Band Hack Really Help Slim Down Your Face?
@ddi.di_
A new trending hack from South Korea has been gaining attention online—using rubber bands around your ears to slim your face. But does it really work?
The method involves placing a rubber band over each ear, causing the earlobes to lift slightly. Supporters of this trend claim that it helps reduce facial puffiness and enhances lymphatic circulation.
But, How Does This Hack Work?
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The process is quite simple. Just wrap a rubber band around your ears, causing them to fold slightly, and wear it for approximately 10 minutes every day, day and night.
However, it’s important to find a rubber band that feels comfortable; if it’s too loose, you can trim it and reattach it, but avoid using one that’s too tight, as it could have adverse effects such as restrained blood flow.
Many who have tried this trick believe it stimulates the jaw muscles, relaxes facial muscles, and improves lymphatic circulation, which can also help reduce swelling.
As our skin naturally ages and sags, wearing a rubber band around the ears is said to create a lifting effect, resulting in a more tightened appearance.
A medical expert quoted in the Korean media outlet Nongmin News explains that while the rubber band method may temporarily relax muscles and reduce facial swelling, its effects are unlikely to be long-lasting.
They clarify that facial swelling can be caused by various factors, such as water balance issues, allergies, or infections, which are not directly related to jaw muscles. Any perceived benefits from the rubber band are likely due to temporary changes in the soft tissue beneath the skin.
However, another medical expert, Lee Kyung-shil offers a different perspective. In an interview with The Korea Herald, he suggests that modern lifestyles, which involve prolonged periods of sitting in front of computers or scrolling on phones, can lead to tense muscles and poor lymphatic circulation, resulting in swelling.
He recommends massaging the ears as a comfortable and effective method to relieve muscle tension and swelling.
Additionally, he advises incorporating exercise to improve lymphatic circulation, enhancing sleep quality, and maintaining healthy habits to effectively address swelling.
We Tried the Rubber Band Hack – Here’s Our Honest Opinion
Daily Vanity‘s editorial intern, Galina, decided to try the hack herself. She secured a snug elastic band on each side of her ear and kept it on for at least 10 minutes—here are the results!
“Honestly, I don’t think the rubber band hack is a miracle for face slimming, but I did notice a tiny difference. After trying it for a while, I saw a slight change on the sides of my cheeks – nothing huge, but just enough to make me wonder if it was actually doing something.
The results aren’t permanent. Any change you notice is probably just temporary fluid reduction rather than a lasting transformation. Experts recommend that things like facial massages, staying hydrated, and maintaining overall healthy habits are much more effective if you’re after a natural contour.
So, does it work? Sort of. It’s a fun little experiment, and you might see a small difference, but don’t expect a major change.
If you’re curious, it’s worth giving it a try – but don’t leave it on too long, or your ear might start protesting.”
Better Methods For Slimming Your Face
Source: Freepik
Though the rubber band trick might have served as a quicker solution to slim down your face, its effectiveness for lasting changes is uncertain. When it comes to beauty trends, it’s important to be careful and think about comprehensive approaches for lasting benefits.
Do not try a hack just because it’s trending; instead, focus on sustainable methods for achieving your desired facial shape. Other ways to achieve a slimmer facial appearance includes:
- Reduce Sodium Intake: Sodium can cause water retention, which can lead to facial swelling.
- Get Enough Sleep: When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol, which can lead to inflammation and water retention.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated can help to flush out toxins and reduce puffiness.
- Exercise Regularly: Exercise helps to improve circulation and reduce water retention.
- Use A Face Roller: A face roller can help to massage the lymphatic system and reduce puffiness.
Featured Image Credit: ddi.di_/TikTok and drdavidkim/TikTok
