Botox dupe? TikTok may have one — or so they think.
The social media platform is a breeding ground for quick-fix beauty hacks, and the latest craze to spread across the screens is something you could snag at a drugstore, or on Amazon, for less than $10.
That’s right, some influencers are bidding farewell to Botox and slapping a Band-Aid on it. Well, scar tape to be more exact. It’s not exactly a new idea; celebs like Meryl Streep and Glenn Close have been fans of FROWNIES for years.
Some stars have even embraced exposed “face tape” into their red carpet ensembles. While different than scar tape, lifting face tape can provide a similar short-term effect. Doechii, for example, has sparked buzz for wearing clear lifting tape for a more contoured look.
But, silicone scar sheets and medical-grade scar patches provide additional benefits. They are traditionally used to reduce the appearance of scars after surgery, c-sections, or cases of severe acne. Clinical studies suggest they’re effective for scar therapy, but TikTokers claim they have discovered another use — smoothing the skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Over 40 million have taken part in the trend, experimenting with popular over-the-counter brands like Steri Strips and Mepitac Scar Tape, among others. Many have posted before and after videos, revealing their results. Some have gone as far as to claim they’re using scar tape instead of Botox.
Botox injections work by blocking a neurotransmitter that signals muscles to contract, relaxing the facial muscles that cause frown lines and other facial wrinkles. Scientifically speaking, that effect may be difficult to replicate with a piece of tape, and some social media users are expressing skepticism.
In a groggy, early morning clip, Alix Earle’s little sister, Ashtin, expressed some uncertainty as to whether the difference was visible, or just some sort of placebo effect.
“It left wrinkles on my face, so I feel like that made it worse,” she said as she began peeling off the tape. “I don’t know.”
But, after letting her skin rest for a moment and inspecting further, she began to change her mind.
“I feel like this is why you need to cut it into smaller strips, but I honestly feel like it did do something because I feel like my lines are like really, really deep and it looks pretty flat and smooth… It kinda worked… Or, maybe it’s just placebo, I don’t know?” Earle said.
With so many users wondering whether silicone scar sheets work, medical experts have begun to share their insights. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sheree Idriss, who specializes in cosmetics, examined the tape’s potential aesthetic benefits in a TikTok video.
“No one needs designer face tape like these babies,” explained Idriss, while holding up a pink tape box from SKINGYM. “You can literally just buy medical-grade silicone tape.”
Idress explained that while silicone tape might temporarily help minimize the look of your lines and wrinkles, it is not a miracle solution, and it probably won’t make your wrinkles disappear overnight.
“When you put a silicone pad on top of your skin like this, it is drawing up moisture and holding it between the pad and your skin, plumping your skin temporarily in the process. Plus, it helps to promote collagen…” Idriss said, explaining that this can help temporarily reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Many people want to know how to use silicone scar sheets, and Idriss has explained that it’s as simple as laying them over your face, specifically the forehead. For some people — and with proper use — they may be a suitable alternative for Botox, after all.
“You can use it every day on your forehead if you can not afford Botox, if you don’t want to do Botox, or if you are pregnant,” she suggested. “Something is better than nothing. In the long run, you might reduce the look of your wrinkles.”
So while a needle-to-skin remedy may still offer the most pronounced results, some far-less-invasive tape definitely won’t hurt — and might even help, just not so much that you forget how to smile.
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