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Move over, baby Botox – there’s a new buzzword in the beauty world, and it’s sticking—literally. Enter: face taping, the latest TikTok-born trend promising a smoother, tighter, more youthful face – all without needles. It’s giving “DIY facelift” vibes, but does it actually deliver, or is it just another fleeting beauty hack?
Before you raid the office supply aisle for Scotch tape (spoiler: don’t), GRAZIA tapped the experts to break down what this trend is, how it stacks up to baby Botox, and whether taping your way to wrinkle-free skin is genius – or just a sticky mess waiting to happen.
What is face taping?
“Face taping is a trend that’s currently all over TikTok. People apply adhesive strips to their faces before bed to help smooth wrinkles and reduce sagging skin. The idea is that while you sleep, the tape gently pulls the skin, giving you a more youthful and refreshed look by morning. People say it is a non-invasive, low-effort way to temporarily improve the appearance of your skin overnight,” explains Dr. Ali Halawi, Dermatologist at Enhance By Mediclinic & KOL for InMode Middle East. “The tape supposedly works by gently pulling the skin tight, helping to minimise fine lines and give skin a lifted look. Some influencers have even said they use it to help reduce puffiness around the eyes.”
DOES it actually WORK?
“As a dermatologist, I can say that while face taping might temporarily create the appearance of smoother skin by holding it taut, it does not have any long-term or scientifically proven effects on reducing wrinkles or preventing sagging skin. Wrinkles are caused by deeper structural changes in the skin, such as the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which cannot be addressed simply by applying tape,” Dr. Halawi argues. “In fact, using adhesive tape on the skin can sometimes lead to irritation, redness, or even damage to the skin barrier, especially if it’s removed too aggressively or used on sensitive skin. While it might seem like an easy fix, it’s not a substitute for professional treatments or a well-rounded skincare routine that includes active ingredients like retinol, peptides, or antioxidants.”
The founder of Hyalure, Matteo Belamhawal, agrees. “While [face taping] might create the illusion of smoother skin overnight by physically stretching the skin, it doesn’t address the deeper causes of fine lines and wrinkles, such as collagen depletion or repetitive facial movements. In some cases, it can even irritate the skin or cause discomfort.”
What other alternatives to botox should I try?
MORPHEUS8 BURST: “Plenty of non-invasive treatments can smooth out wrinkles, tighten skin, and refresh your appearance without having to use injectables. One brilliant option is Morpheus8 Burst, which combines microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy. This treatment targets the surface and deeper layers of your skin, which helps to stimulate collagen production and tighten skin over time. It’s extremely effective for sagging skin, fine lines, and overall texture. The added RF energy makes Morpheus8 Burst more powerful than traditional microneedling, meaning more noticeable skin rejuvenation and tightening, especially in areas like the face, neck, and jawline,” recommends Dr. Halawi.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH: “For those seeking natural, sustainable results, I always advocate for a holistic approach that combines advanced aesthetic treatments with lifestyle adjustments. Medical-grade facials, microneedling, and treatments like laser therapy can stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture,” recommends Belamhawal. “Equally important is maintaining hydration, using high-quality skincare tailored to your skin’s needs, and protecting your skin from environmental damage. Ageing gracefully is not about erasing every line; it’s about enhancing your natural beauty in a way that feels authentic and luxurious. I encourage people to embrace treatments that nurture their skin’s health rather than relying on short-lived fads.”
FILLER: “While they’re not the same, in certain situations, fillers can be a great alternative to Botox, depending on the specific concerns you’re trying to treat,” explains aesthetic doctor Dr. Alexandre Duvernois. “One main area where fillers can replace Botox is for static wrinkles, which are the deeper lines that are visible even when your face is resting. Botox works best for wrinkles caused by muscle movement, but filler can be injected into areas like the nasolabial folds (smile lines) or marionette lines (around the chin) to smooth them out. Those wrinkles are often due to volume loss in the face, so by restoring the volume with a filler like Hyalure or Restylane, the lines can appear less noticeable, this result also works without affecting muscle movement like Botox does.”
LASER: “Laser treatments like Lumecca Peak IPL target pigmentation and fine lines, giving your skin a more even tone and brighter appearance. These treatments normally require a few sessions for the best results but offer long-lasting improvements to skin texture and firmness,” says Dr. Halawi.
