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There are a lot of so-called “secrets” to preventing wrinkles, most of which have no chance of actually working. Face-taping is not a new anti-aging technique, but it persists as a theoretically possible way to help treat wrinkles temporarily. So what’s the story? Should you forget the Botox® and stick some Scotch Tape on your frown lines?
The History of Face Taping
Face taping has been around for a long time, but gained popularity during Hollywood’s Golden Age, when starlets would use tape, hidden under their wigs, to pull up the facial skin and reduce wrinkles. The general public has embraced the idea on and off, with various products becoming available for the purpose. Though the practice is not new, face taping is still debated, as there is little to suggest it is a good long-term solution.
Face Taping Products
Face taping isn’t supposed to be the practice of just slapping any old household tape on the wrinkled area. There are a couple of manufacturers who sell products for face taping, one of which has been around for over a century.
Frownies, the first product for face taping, appeared on the market in 1889, after inventor Margaret Krosencreated them to ease her concert-pianist daughter’s frown lines. The products are a variety of different sticky patches, which are supposed to “re-train” the facial muscles over time when applied to the face at night. Today, Frownies are still available, and remain relatively unchanged from the original product. The company is still run by Krosen’s granddaughter and great-granddaughter.
Furlesse is the new competition for Frownies, a latex-free, relatively transparent sticky patch product that comes in a number of shapes for different areas of the face. These work in the same way as Frownies, and were created by a mother to suit her own needs.
Does It Work?
The theory behind Frownies and Furlesse is that the lines that can form from sleeping on your side every night can be prevented and even reduced by taping the sticky patch onto the area in question. By using the products at night, the tape keeps the skin smooth, preventing further repetitive motions.
While the taping products may keep the skin smooth overnight, the wrinkles will revert upon the removal of the tape, making the manufacturers’claimsthat over time the patches will make a difference dubious. Fortunately, there is nothing particularly dangerous about this practice, except, perhaps, keeping the skin from breathing, so if you’d like to give it a try, it should not harm your skin.
Alternatives to Face Taping
Taping may have worked for the stars’ big scenes in the past, but there are much better alternatives available these days. While it may be wishful thinking that taping your face can prevent and treat wrinkles, today there are a number of proven methods for reducing and eliminating wrinkles. Most of these treatments are minimally invasive, requiring very little, if any, downtime. Some popular wrinkle solutions include:
Botox®
Botox® has been the gold standard for temporary wrinkle reduction for many years. It works to ease dynamic wrinkles (caused by repetitive movements) by partially immobilizing the facial muscles, which reduces the appearance of these wrinkles for up to four months. Botox® is so popular because it has an accessible price point, a proven record of great results and safety, and a no-downtime treatment process. All that is required is a short session to inject the solution.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are also a temporary injectable treatment for wrinkles, but they work a little differently than Botox®. Instead of limiting muscle movement, injectable fillers actually fill in static wrinkles and fine lines. Some formulas can also be used to fill in areas of the face that have lost volume due to aging. There are many great fillers available made with different formulas, and only a doctor can give you advice on which are likely to be best for you. Most fillers last between six months to a year.
Laser Resurfacing
A more aggressive wrinkle treatment, laser resurfacing cannot stop the aging process, but it can ease wrinkles, and does not need to be repeated in the way fillers and Botox® do. Fine lines and wrinkles are reduced by using a laser to remove layers of skin. This process encourages new layers of skin to form and helps the body rekindle collagen production, a naturally-occurring substance in the skin which helps keep the skin elastic, youthful, and glowing. The treatment requires about 10 days of downtime, but can create the effect of skin that looks up to 10 years younger in some cases.
eMatrix™
EMatrix™ is a gentle procedure using radiofrequency and matrix technology to help the skin produce more collagen. These treatments can improves skin’s overall tone and texture, providing reduction in lines, wrinkles, and other common skin problems. Three or four treatments, spaced about four to six weeks apart are recommended for good results.
Consult With a Dermatologist
If you’d like to look younger and ease stubborn wrinkles, then you’re going to need some help from a qualified dermatologist. Choosing a doctor who specializes in cosmetic dermatology, like Miami-based skincare expert Dr. Diane Walder, will set you up for success and help you get the results you’re looking for. Dr. Walder, along with colleague Dr. Stacy Chimento, offers a wide range of non-invasive skin treatments and can help you get the beautiful skin you want. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 305-866-2177 today!
