TikTok’s Skincare Tape Trends, Explained

mollynissi
Jul 3
3 min read

TL;DR:

TikTok is in its…“adhesive” era? From wrinkle-fighting face tape to silicone scar strips and even mouth taping for better sleep (and glowier skin?), tape is having a moment. While a few of these hacks have legit science behind them, most are more situational than a real solution. Here’s what’s worth your time — and what to skip.

Face Tape for Wrinkles

The Claim: Prevents wrinkles by keeping your face still while you sleep.

The Reality: Face tape isn’t a new idea (the use of it dates back to old Hollywood), but it's trending again as a wrinkle-prevention hack while we sleep. The idea? Limit facial movement and skin folding overnight – especially for side sleepers. TikTok videos claim it’s an alternative to Botox, but does it truly pay off?

It might help minimize creasing from smushing your face into a pillow or unconsciously frowning in your sleep. But let’s be real: tape won’t retrain your muscles, reverse existing lines, or change how your skin structurally ages. It’s a short-term trick, not a long-term strategy — and there’s little clinical data behind it.

Final Verdict: It can help reduce sleep creasing — but don’t expect miracles.

Want real wrinkle prevention? Try this:

A firming sleeping mask to support overnight repair
- Try: LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask
Retinoids + peptides to boost collagen and smooth fine lines over time
- Try: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum
Daily SPF (because prevention > correction)
- Try: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
And yes, sleeping on your back or swapping in a silk pillowcase can help too — but if you’re serious about prevention, Botox is the real investment.

Silicone Scar Tape (on the Face)

The Claim: Reduces smile lines, tech neck, and wrinkles when worn overnight.

The Reality: Silicone sheets do have clinical backing — but mostly for raised scars, post-surgery healing, and improving texture on healing skin. They hydrate and support collagen regulation, but aren’t magic wrinkle erasers.

Final Verdict: Solid for scar healing and post-procedure support.

But not a substitute for a targeted anti-aging routine. Below are other options to try:

Post-acne and healing treatment
- Try: La Roche Posay Cicaplast Balm B5
- Or: Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Barrier repair:
- Try: Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream for Sensitive Skin
- Or: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30
Clinical option for true recovery from laser, peel, or microneedling
- Try: iS Clinical SHEALD Recovery Balm
- Or: SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel

Mouth Tape for Better Skin

The Claim: Encourages nose breathing, reduces puffiness, and improves sleep — which leads to better skin.

The Reality: It’s not exactly skincare — but better sleep and reduced inflammation can improve your skin. Mouth taping may help if you’re a mouth breather, snore, or wake up with a dry mouth. Just be cautious if you have any breathing issues!

Final Verdict: More of a sleep hack than a skincare fix.

Worth trying if you’re curious how it can affect your sleep:

Start with a gentle tape made for faces:
- Try: SomniFix, Hostage Tape, or Skin Gym Mouth Tape
Alt option to save $$ that I discovered on TikTok – purchase athletic tape like:
- Original Athletic Sports Tape (3-Pack)

Final Final Verdict

Face tape might smooth skin overnight but won’t stop wrinkles long-term — retinoids, peptides, or Botox are smarter, more effective bets. Silicone scar tape helps with healing spots, not necessarily "healing" wrinkles. And mouth tape may support glowier skin indirectly by improving sleep — just know the main benefit is a better nights sleep ;)