Wrinkles are a natural sign of ageing, and there is no way to avoid hem. Although many people have come to terms with this reality, some people still scroll through social media and the internet, looking for hacks that can help them get rid of fine lines.
Every now and then, viral trends recommend using make-up or undergoing certain procedures to hide wrinkles, but sadly, these aren’t permanent solutions. Recently, face-taping has taken over social media by storm, with many claiming that it provides an instant face lift, giving off a much younger look. However, when we spoke to Dr Smriti Naswa Singh, Consultant Dermatologist and Cosmetic Dermatologist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, here’s what she had to say.
Also Read: Wrinkles And Other Signs Of Ageing: How To Delay Them
What Is Face-Taping And How Does It Work?
Face-taping, also known as "wrinkle taping," is a technique that involves strategically placing strips of tape on your face to create a temporary facelift. This helps minimise the appearance of wrinkles and offers a smoother, younger-looking appearance.
Does Face-Taping Work Against Wrinkles?
“Wrinkles happen because of muscle activity,” says Dr Singh.
She explains, “Facial muscles are needed in all expressions like smiling, anger, chewing, and speaking, and with age and with the effect of gravity, the overworked muscles start showing wrinkles.” According to her, initially, these are dynamic, as they show only when those expression lines are used. However, with time, they become static or always present.
This mechanism of wrinkle development itself tells us that face-taping is a temporary solution to touting the muscles so that the wrinkles appear less, Dr Singh highlights, adding that they won't work as a substitute for Botulinum Toxin, which is a muscle paralytic agent that softens wrinkles by decreasing muscle activity and has immediate effect and lasting results of up to 3-4 months or more.”
Things To Know Before You Try Face-Taping
It is important to know that face-taping is a temporary fix and does not provide a long-lasting effect.
Although tapes have been used for time immemorial by physiotherapists, they have a risk of irritation, itching, redness, and allergic skin reactions, warns Dr Singh.
Additionally, she notes that if the tapes are placed near eyelid skin, one must remember that eyelid skin is seven times thinner than face skin, and therefore, the tapes can erode or peel it off. Hence, one needs to practice caution while indulging in face-taping.
Also Read: Sleeping Positions Leading To Wrinkles And One That Aids In Prevention
Tips For Healthy Ageing
Wrinkles cannot be avoided. However, there are ways you can age gracefully:
- Procedures such as botulinum toxin, fillers, dermal threads, fractional lasers, High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) treatment can help lessen the appearance of wrinkles, but one must consult doctors before resorting to such treatments.
- Sunscreens, vitamin C and E-containing serums, and anti-ageing peptides
- No smoking, vaping, alcohol, or other substance abuse.
- Regular exercise
- Early sleep routines and digital detox one hour before sleeping
- Natural sunlight exposure, 20 minutes a day
- Taking conscious time out every day for mental and emotional health
Dietary habits include:
- Eating 50% of the diet as raw foods, comprising fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, or a rainbow diet
- A diet rich in whole plants has antioxidants and phytonutrients.
- Intermittent fasting by following the circadian rhythm of eating (breakfast post-sunrise, dinner by sunset)
Conclusion
Wrinkles are inevitable. However, you can always slow down their progression or hide them with the help of makeup. Certain procedures can also lessen their appearance, giving you a much younger look. In the case of face-taping, which has gained a lot of popularity in recent times, it is an effective way to get an instant face lift. However, it is not a permanent solution and may not be great for those who have sensitive skin. Experts recommend aiming for a more long-term solution, like eating healthy, indulging in regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption. These are likely to promote healthy ageing, slowing down the occurrence of premature wrinkles.