According to the latest TikTok trend, there are patches that may be the key to smoothing out wrinkles.
These thin silicone sheets are like chipped face masks that adhere to the skin and smooth out areas where wrinkles form, such as the forehead and around the mouth and eyes.
On TikTok, users upload their videos trying anti-wrinkle patches for the face, neck, and décolleté, comparing skin-smoothing results with Botox and fillers.
The hashtag #frownies, a leading wrinkle patch brand, has 69.2 million views, and #rugapatches has 18.8 million views, with videos featuring younger users and mature skin types alike.
As with most viral trends, we wonder if face patches for wrinkles really work.
Read on to find out what dermatologists have to say about wrinkle patches.
What are wrinkle patches?
"Wrinkle patches work by covering the skin to decrease mobility in an attempt to prevent or improve wrinkles," says Dr. Caroline Robinson, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Tone Dermatology.
They are often made of skin-friendly silicone or paper that adhere to the skin and hold it in place, so skin stays plump and fine lines or wrinkles don't have a chance to form or fade. deepen.
They come in different shapes and sizes for specific areas of the face, neck, and décolletage that are prone to wrinkles.
Most wrinkle patches suggest using them overnight for best results.
“Silicone pads like Wrinkles Schminkles are a great non-invasive option for lines that arise from facial expressions or from skin creasing and compression during sleep,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. .
“The pads help prevent transepidermal water loss, locking in moisture so the skin is better hydrated so it can better repair itself and produce collagen.
And the pad also keeps your skin flat, so it helps prevent wrinkles that form during sleep.”
Benefits of using wrinkle patches
Sticking on patches can help smooth wrinkles in the short term, helping skin look smoother and more youthful.
However, while TikTok users can claim that wrinkle patches provide comparable results to Botox or fillers, the dermatologists we spoke with say the results are limited.
"While wrinkle patches may sound promising, they've actually been around for decades and have never shown a long-term benefit in improving or preventing wrinkles," says Robinson.
"Many of the benefits that are apparent after removing the patch are short-lived."
Whether you're looking to create the effect of smoother skin for an event or just want a little facelift, wrinkle patches can help you achieve some instant gratification.
Anti-wrinkle face patches may also contain other skin care benefits that contribute to anti-aging effects, such as hydrating hyaluronic acid or skin-brightening vitamin C.
"Many wrinkle patches are silicone-based, and others contain skincare actives that can provide hydration and give skin a smoother appearance," says Robinson.
“I compare most wrinkle patches to face masks;
they have the ability to improve skin hydration and can provide skincare ingredients locally.”
Should you try anti-wrinkle patches?
Unlike injectables like Botox that relax the muscles that create lines and have an effect that lasts for months, wrinkle patches can give you short-term results without the need for needles.
According to King, silicone wrinkle patches are "safe for anyone to use," although "caution should be used in areas prone to acne, rosacea, and other skin inflammations."
Robinson also warns that wrinkle patches with active ingredients may not be for everyone.
"For people with sensitive skin, anti-wrinkle patches that contain active ingredients such as beta hydroxy acids or retinol can potentially be irritating to the skin," says the dermatologist.
"It's always a good idea to test any new skincare product before applying it more widely or leaving it on for long periods of time."
Best anti-wrinkle patches for your skincare routine
Schminkles Wrinkles Silicone Eye Pads
Buy them for: $29.95
“These medical-grade silicone pads hold skin taut so it doesn't wrinkle while retaining moisture,” says King.
"In her studies, 89% of women saw a reduction in crow's feet and/or under-eye wrinkles."
The kit comes with three pairs of reusable smoothing patches that are specifically designed for the eye area.
Patches for wrinkles on the forehead and between the eyes
Buy them for: $21.95
Frownies facial patches are made from skin-safe adhesive paper that can be cut to the desired size and shape so you can tackle the horizontal rows across the forehead and the 11 between the brows simultaneously.
They help freeze the facial muscles during use, preventing expression lines from deepening into wrinkles and keeping the skin smooth.
Miss Spa Smoother Smooch Lip Patch
Buy them for $30 at Ulta
This silicone patch covers the area around the lips, smoothing the look of marionette lines and wrinkles around the mouth.
Reviewers also noted that it helped lock in moisture and kept skin soft and hydrated the next day.
Neck lift Beauty SIO
Buy it for: $29.95
Designed to smooth out neck lines, this anti-wrinkle patch helps skin stay plump while increasing moisture retention for a healthier looking neck area.
Furlesse Elevens
Buy it for: $32.91
Relax the vertical lines between your eyebrows with these polymer patches.
The fan shape ensures the area stays smooth, whether you leave them on for an hour or overnight.
Peace Out Microneedle Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Patches
$24 at Sephora
Another microneedle patch with anti-wrinkle and skin care benefits, these melt into the skin to treat the direct area.
Retinol and peptides work to soften and smooth fine lines and wrinkles, while vitamin C brightens skin.
