Can face taping replace Botox? Experts break down the viral skincare craze

The uglier you go to bed, the prettier you wake up. This is one of the latest viral “hooks” on social media, with ’grammers showcasing elaborate night-time skincare routines that often involve slugging, slathering, masking, shedding, and now—taping. Taping, as a technique, dates back to the 1970s and was initially used to alleviate muscle pain and aches resulting from injuries. In recent years, brightly coloured kinesiology tapes have found their way into skincare and promise to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

No matter how far we’ve come with age positivity, anxiety around ageing still has us reaching for retinols, Botox, and cosmetic procedures. That’s how I stumbled upon face taping. As a habitual side sleeper, I am worried that my nasolabial folds would deepen over time. After a cursory search, my Instagram algorithm flooded me with videos promising smoother skin through strips of tape. Marketed as a non-invasive lift sans nip or tuck, it piqued my interest immediately.

TAPES WITH BENEFITS

With years of practice in this natural approach, Olga, Founder of The Natural Faces, calls it a non-invasive technique beneficial for overall facial wellness. “It supports lymph flow, relieves temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and jaw tension, and addresses aesthetic concerns such as wrinkles,” she says. Popularised as a DIY anti-ageing tool on social media, “the concept is that minimising facial movement during sleep may help reduce the formation or deepening of expression lines,” explains Dr Madhuri Agarwal, founder and medical director of Yavana Aesthetics.

The allure is, of course, of a smoother and lifted appearance. “It provides a natural contouring effect that enhances the definition of facial features,” says Vibhuti Arora, founder, House of Beauty, who practices and teaches facial yoga. Also beneficial for concerns like TMD, “the tape works by gently decompressing tissues and improving circulation in the lymphatic and blood vessels, which helps reduce inflammation, release tight fascia and muscles, and support cellular regeneration,” explains Olga.

STICK SMART

The technique targets zones most prone to visible stress and ageing. “Forehead, frown lines, crow’s feet, nasolabial folds, jawline, and neck—these are zones I recommend taping,” says Arora. If you’re trying this at home, it’s far more nuanced than merely smoothing tape over wrinkles. For starters, tugging at your skin to apply the tape is a definite no. “Proper application is essential,” reminds Olga. “It’s not about randomly sticking tape where you see a wrinkle. Each placement is guided by our facial anatomy, including muscle attachments and lymph flow.”

As someone with sensitive and acne-prone skin, I was apprehensive about the potential side effects of adhesive tape—a concern Dr Agarwal agrees is entirely justified. “Indian skin is more susceptible to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” she explains. “Face taping could lead to persistent dark spots.” Other side effects include allergic reactions due to the adhesives. “There can be folliculitis, especially along the hairline. It can also increase the risk of bacterial growth and skin irritation due to humidity and perspiration,” she adds.

Ultimately, all of it hinges on selecting the right tape. “The ideal tape must be safe for our delicate facial skin,” says Olga. “I recommend high-quality Japanese tape made with the most advanced technology that is gentle enough for our skin barrier.”

STICK, STRAP, OR TREATMENT?

But can the wrinkle-erasing claims of face taping stand up to science? “It’s like smoothing a wrinkled shirt with your hand rather than ironing it—temporary and superficial,” reminds Dr Agarwal.

While some claim face taping mimics the effects of Botox, dermatologists are quick to challenge such comparisons. “Face taping is not a comparable alternative to established treatments such as Botox or surgical facelifts,” explains Dr Agarwal. “Unlike face taping, neuromodulators like Botox or Dysport directly target muscle activity responsible for dynamic wrinkles, while surgical facelifts will take care of deeper structural concerns.”

Coincidentally, when I was knee-deep in my research about face tapes, Skims launched its seamless Sculpt Face Wrap, promising a snatched look. Can these innovations compare to face taping? “Unfortunately, products like this are often created without a true understanding of facial anatomy and function,” explains Olga. “Compressing the face and neck with a bandage-like device sits directly on vital lymphatic pathways, restricting the very flow we aim to improve.” Dr Agarwal concurs, cautioning that celebrity endorsements can foster unrealistic expectations. “For facial contouring, I recommend non-invasive in-clinic treatments such as radiofrequency or HIFU,” she advises.

Science-backed or alternative? Invasive or non-invasive? Timeless or trendy? Whichever camp you are in, there’s no denying that face taping is a low-cost, at-home ritual that holds some promise. 

Lead image: Getty Images

This article first appeared in the October 2025 print issue of Harper's Bazaar India
 

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