EVERY SO OFTEN, amidst the torrential rain of new beauty trends, there are at-home treatments that not only look simple, but seem to propose metamorphic capabilities. It’s hard not to be intrigued. And at the moment, face taping is the thing in the beauty world.

A slew of celebs have also revealed they ‘face tape’ — including Bella Hadid, to achieve her fox eye, lifted brow look and Lady Gaga.

After sleeping with tape on your face (not enough to want to say, “Hello, Clarice” — don’t worry), you remove the tape to reveal smooth, line-free skin. The question remains, though, can we be more thoughtful about clinical intervention with this new skincare trend on the block?

What is face taping?

The concept of using tape to keep your skin taut isn’t exactly cutting-edge. Hollywood starlets have been known to use tape underneath their hairline to pull skin back, achieving a more sculpted visage for events and on set. And, drag queens have long since been using tape to look more snatched than ever. 

What are the benefits of face taping?

It can provide “an accessible option for those seeking a more natural alternative to cosmetic enhancements, injectables or surgery.”

Dr Joseph Hkeik, Aesthetic Physician and Founder of All Saint Clinic and Le Petit Saint in Sydney, says it “can give the impression of a facelift.”

Does it have any long-term effects, like Botox?

It seems the benefits of face taping lie in its temporary appeal. As Hkeik notes, the results are “temporary and short-lived. There has been no proof of face taping in delaying or preventing the ageing process.”

Can using tape on your face cause any damage?

When trying something new, especially on something as sensitive as our skin, it’s important to be aware of any potential risks. Tape, can be seen as a very broad term, and using something as heavy-duty as duct tape (God forbid) could rip off facial hair and a few layers of the skin you’re trying to smooth. 

If you use the right sort of tape — kinesiology tape seems to be the one to use, or silicone pads — Hkeik states that it is safe. But safe doesn’t mean that it’s not going to impact your skin negatively if used long-term. He goes on to say, “It can break down the skin barrier and, at times, causes congestion due to the occlusive nature of the tapes (glue).”

Are there better ways to improve skin texture?

Quick fixes such as clinical intervention like plastic surgery or fillers aren’t the only options for improving your skin — if you want to, that is. Consistency with skincare and specialised treatments, condoned by skin experts, should be your first port of call. 

Should we stop focussing on beauty trends?

If you want to improve your skin’s elasticity and glow, you should view it through a personalised lens. One which embraces your individual beauty and aesthetic. In a world where women can be held  to such contradictory and limited beauty standards, we can reclaim our power through highlighting what makes us, us, such as a laugh line here, a few freckles there.