What if a simple tape could help you wake up with smooth skin? Facial taping, a viral beauty hack, is taking social media by storm as a wallet-friendly alternative to Botox. But does it really work or is it just another fad? To find out, we turned to the experts.
Facial tape involves applying adhesive strips or tapes to target areas, such as the forehead or around the eyes, before going to bed. This practice promises to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles overnight. Fans and social media influencers swear by its ability to provide a smoother, refreshed look with continued use, making it a popular choice for those who are hesitant about injectables.
What is face pressing?
Facial tapping is also known as Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or facial acupressure and is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). “Facial tapping involves rhythmically tapping the fingertips on specific pressure points on the face and neck. The practice is said to stimulate collagen production, increase blood circulation and promote lymphatic drainage,” explains Dr Sonali Kohli, Consultant Dermatology, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital.
While Botox directly targets muscle movement to prevent wrinkles, facial tapping promotes relaxation. “Facial tapping works as an adjunct to skin rejuvenation, but doesn’t have the immediate or targeted effect of Botox,” Kohli adds. “It’s more of a preventative or maintenance product than a quick fix for deep wrinkles.”
Facial Tapping vs. Botox
The appeal of facials is its non-invasive, needle-free nature, making it a comforting choice for those who fear injectables. By increasing circulation and relaxing facial muscles, tapping can give skin a more refreshed and toned appearance.
However, experts caution against equating its results with Botox. “Facial tapping has no scientific support and cannot be logically compared to Botox as both involve completely different mechanisms and results. While Botox is a medically approved procedure with proven results in reducing wrinkles by temporarily relaxing the muscles, facial tapping is more of a wellness technique with no clinical studies to support its effectiveness,” says Dr. Mandeep Singh, head of the department of plastic surgery, dermatology and cosmetics. Surgery at Paras Health, Gurugram.
Botox directly freezes the muscles responsible for wrinkles, which cannot be achieved by applying pressure to the face. “While tapping improves skin tone and elasticity over time, it doesn’t eliminate dynamic wrinkles or provide the dramatic anti-aging results that Botox offers,” Kohli explains.
However, tapping can complement the Botox treatment. Maintaining skin health and reducing stress—two factors that worsen aging—can make tapping a valuable addition to a holistic skin care regimen.
What should be considered
Experts recommend considering facial taping as part of a broader skin care regimen, not as a stand-alone alternative to Botox.
“Tapping your face is a great way to support your skin’s natural processes,” says Kohli. “But if you’re looking for a specific, long-lasting wrinkle treatment, Botox is unmatched for precision and results.”
Although taping offers an affordable and gentle approach to skin care, it cannot replace more advanced cosmetic procedures. Instead, it serves as a complementary practice for those who prioritize overall skin health.
