Are silicone patches really 'better than Botox' at reducing wrinkles? An expert weighs in: TikTok Debunked
Silicone face patches have gone viral on TikTok, but are they as safe and effective as users claim?
Welcome to TikTok Debunked, a series where Yahoo Canada digs into the truth behind popular TikTok health, beauty and food trends.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.
When it comes to beauty, TikTok is home to some of the latest and greatest trends in the game — and silicone patches that aim to reduce wrinkles and hydrate skin is a big BeautyTok fixation.
Videos featuring these face patches have racked up tens of millions of views on the platform, with some people even claiming they work "better than Botox." But what exactly do these adhesive patches do? Can they really stack up to Botox, or is it all smoke and mirrors?
Read on for everything you need to know about this TikTok trend, and hear what a Toronto-based dermatologist has to say about the product.
About the claim
Numerous TikTok users claim silicone patches prevent and reverse wrinkles and fine lines. One user, a medical esthetician, @kendrathemom_, posted a video of herself putting on her silicone face patches with the caption "when people ask me if I get Botox but it's just silicone face patches." It has garnered more than 2.1 million views and 68,000 likes on the platform.
In another viral video, user @TrendingwithTrina asked "are you looking for an alternative to Botox?," while she applied and removed her silicone face patches.
In a stitched video with @dearmedia, @rankandstyle claimed these patches are "a little more affordable and less invasive" than Botox.
What TikTok users are saying
On the social media platform, people appear to be split on their opinions about these silicone patches. Some seemed very happy to see some results after using them.
"My face literally feels tighter!" shared one user in the comments of @anna_annora's video.
"I got the eye mask and I've only been using it for three days, and I see a slight difference already!" penned another.
But not every user shared the same enthusiasm.
"This will not stay on my face, LOL," commented one TikTok user.
"This looks like an acne-prone girlie's worst nightmare," shared another in the comments.
"Works great when you have no wrinkles," someone quipped, along with a laughing emoji.
An expert weighs in
Dr. Geeta Yadav, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Toronto's FACET Dermatology commented on the pros and cons of these silicone face patches. When asked if she believes the product works, Yadav explained these are more of a quick fix.
"These patches help skin retain its moisture while limiting the facial movements that lead to wrinkles," she noted. "When used overnight, they can temporarily improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, but they are not effective long term."
Instead, Yadav gave other recommendations that'd work better than silicone patches.
"I'd recommend using OTC (over-the-counter) or prescription-strength retinoids, which are clinically proven to help correct the signs of aging by promoting new collagen production, which smooths fine lines and wrinkles," she shared. "You can also try other collagen-stimulating treatments like laser skin resurfacing or RF (radio frequency) microneedling. The most effective and lasting 'quick-fix' treatment for wrinkles, however, is Botox and other neurotoxins."
But how do these methods work? Yadav explained the science behind these techniques.
"When injected into areas prone to wrinkling, like foreheads and crow's feet, the neurotoxin inhibits the muscle movements, preventing the skin from creasing and eventually smoothing away the look of wrinkles," she shared. "These treatments tend to last around three months, but smoothing benefits may be noticeable within the first week."
Is it debunked?
After diving further into silicone patches and having a dermatologist weigh in, Yahoo Canada has debunked this TikTok trend.
If you're looking for a quick but very temporary fix, then silicone patches may provide exactly what you're looking for. Otherwise, there are better solutions available that should have better effects.
Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
