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When TikTok puts a new beauty hack on our radar, we almost always have to try it out. The keyword here? Almost.

The app’s trove of #hacks has helped us discover new ways to apply our blush for a lifted flush, draw our eyeliner when in a pinch, and flaunt a dewy true-to-skin glow. While some hacks are weird and strangely wonderful, others are just plain bizarre.

This time, the crazy hack in question is TikTok’s viral face-taping method, which involves pasting tape at specific areas of the face to prevent wrinkles from forming overnight.

Since there’s a heated debate (many TikTok dermatologists are on the other side) on whether TikTok’s face-taping is truly effective, we’re stepping in to tell you everything you need to know about this supposed anti-ageing skincare method.

Keep reading, because we also share the best tried-and-true methods for reducing wrinkles below!

What is face-taping?

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Photo source: isabelle.lux, officiallyval/TikTok

TikTok’s face-taping hack is exactly as it sounds. Creators are pasting face tape on strategic areas of their face – the forehead, under the eyes, along the “smile lines” – just before they go to bed.

TikTok creators monitor their results over a few days or weeks and swear by face-taping as an effective method for smoothening out their smile lines or forehead wrinkles.

@officiallyval

Botox? We dont know her ✋🏼 #facetaping #facetapingovernight #facetapingtutorial #beautyfacetaping #beautytricksandtips #beautytricks #naturalbeauty #naturalbeautytips #nobotox #nobotoxneeded #nobotoxhere #facetape #frownies #frownieswrinklepatch #wrinkletreatment #wrinklesbegone #wrinklepatchhack

♬ original sound – Val

The concept behind the face-taping method seems straightforward: the tape keeps the facial muscles from moving during sleep, thus preventing the formation of fine lines or deep-set wrinkles overnight.

Is face-taping safe?

Face-taping involves using an adhesive strong enough to hold the skin and muscles in place while you’re asleep, which means that the hack can easily do your skin more harm than good.

Just as leaving a band-aid on your skin can cause itch and irritation, the tape’s glue can also result in irritation and redness, especially when used on more sensitive skin. When peeling the sticky tape off, you might also damage your skin’s barrier or, worse, rip the top layer of your skin off if you’re not careful.

TikTok’s viral face-taping hack also requires leaving the tape on your skin for long periods (overnight), preventing your skin from “breathing”. It’s a recipe for clogged pores and acne breakouts by morning.

Does face-taping really reduce wrinkles?

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Photo source: anja.lary, hellysangel/TikTok

Face-taping might make sense in theory – after all, it does follow that limiting muscle movements at the face should result in fewer lines forming over time.

However, what face-taping really does is work against the natural movement of the facial muscles and skin.

Rather than do what they’re supposed to do, the facial muscles now have to work extra hard against the tapes, which add resistance to the facial muscles and press against the skin.

The result, ironically, isn’t fewer lines but the quicker formation of wrinkles. You might not see it right now, but the wrinkle-adding effects of face-taping will likely show up in the long run.

Other ways to reduce wrinkles on the skin

Instead of stretching out your skin with TikTok’s wacky face-taping hack, we recommend turning to other tried-and-true methods for reducing fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.

Always wear sunscreen

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The golden rule when it comes to preserving the skin’s youthful appearance is to wear sunscreen daily. There’s no debate about it: SPF shields the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that accelerate ageing effects such as hyperpigmentation, a loss of skin elasticity, and yes, wrinkles too.

Dermatologists also emphasise that you should be wearing sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or higher, spreading enough (that’s two fingers’ worth) onto your face, and reapplying your sunscreen throughout the day.

Use a powerful anti-ageing serum twice a day

Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity 3D Serum

Dermatologist skincare brand Eucerin has formulated a powerful anti-ageing serum for mature skin, which targets not just deep wrinkles but also two other effects of ageing: age spots and a loss of skin elasticity, which can lead to sagging skin.

Recognise the anti-ageing hero ingredient, hyaluronic acid (HA)? Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity 3D Serum brims with not one but two types of hydrating HA to plump up the skin and soften the appearance of wrinkles.

Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity 3D Serum (1)

High molecular hyaluronic acid reaches the surface layer of the skin to smooth lines, while low molecular HA penetrates the deeper epidermal layers, pulling moisture to the parts of the skin where wrinkles originate.

It’s also infused with Thiamidol, the Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity 3D Serum effectively combats age spots for brighter skin and an even skin tone.

Thiamidol, similar to vitamin C, decreases melanin formation to fade dark spots on the skin. Used regularly, Thiamidol even prevents age spots from showing up on the skin again, giving you skin that’s more radiant and youthful in the long run.

Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity 3D Serum (2)

To firm mature skin, the Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity 3D Serum uses the active ingredient Arctiin to boost collagen production. Your skin will feel bouncier and more elastic, paving the way for a visibly youthful, radiant complexion in just four weeks.

So, if you’re making changes to your skincare routine, don’t stop short at applying Eucerin’s anti-ageing serum only at night. Instead, use the Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity 3D Serum twice a day, once during the day and once before you go to bed for the best deep wrinkle-smoothing results.

For the best results, add the rest of the products from the Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity skincare set into your regimen; these include the Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity Day SPF30, Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity Night, and Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity Eye Care!

Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity 3D Serum retails at S$102.95 at Guardian.

Keep your skin hydrated

Sometimes, the fine lines and wrinkles on your skin are not because you’re getting older but due to your skin’s lack of moisture. As moisture helps to plump up the skin, parched skin often appears more creased and dull as compared to skin that’s well-hydrated.

Rather than rely on face-taping to prevent creasing on your skin, start using skincare products that’ll keep your skin hydrated and nourished, even at an early age.

eucerin Hyaluron Filler AOX and Hyaluron Filler Moisture Booster

Our picks? Eucerin’s Hyaluron Filler AOX, which plumps your skin up at the first signs of ageing, and the Hyaluron Filler Moisture Booster, which delivers intense moisture to parched skin!

Eucerin Hyaluron Filler AOX retails at S$52.99 instead of S$75.70, at 30% off on Watsons.
Eucerin Hyaluron Filler Moisture Booster retails at S$48.75 instead of S$69.65, at 30% off on Watsons.

This article is brought to you by Eucerin.

Featured image credit: anja.lary, isabelle.lux/TikTok