In an effort to minimize the effects of aging on our face, we are willing to try almost anything. But if you feel like you’ve exhausted nearly all the creams, devices, and other at-home options on the market, you might be interested to hear about a non-invasive option that people are calling a “Botox alternative.”
Wrinkle patches have been popping up all over our social media pages. Different variations of the products have garnered millions of views Tik Tokwith users posting impressive before and after results, showing how their smile lines and forehead wrinkles have smoothed out after just a few uses.
While it sounds promising, we tapped two experts to find out the ins and outs of whether the viral product is really worth your time. Here’s what you need to know.
What are wrinkle patches? | Do Wrinkle Patches Really Work? | Wrinkle pads for shopping | How we chose | Meet the experts
What are wrinkle patches?
Wrinkle pads are patches (usually made of adhesive paper or silicone) that cover an area of skin to reduce mobility and prevent or improve the appearance of wrinkles, explains Dr. Sejal Shah, board-certified dermatologist and founder of SmarterSkin Dermatology.
“The theory is that they block the movement of the skin and thus the formation of wrinkles,” says Dr. Mary Stevenson, an associate professor at NYU’s Grossman School of Medicine. “Some also claim that they block moisture from leaving the skin, so they plump it up as you lock in moisture.”
Do wrinkle patches really work?
While people on social media have seen some promising results, the answer to the question of whether they will actually have a positive effect on your skin is not so simple. “They can, but it’s important to understand that while they can have a positive effect, is it a long-term or short-term effect? I think it’s probably a short-term benefit,” says Shah.
Wearing one of the patches overnight — which Shah says is the most standard way to wear it — will prevent the skin from moving throughout the night. So when you wake up, you may not notice those “sleep wrinkles” that can sometimes form as you snooze.
“Plus, wrinkle patches will prevent skin from losing water, so skin will look more hydrated and plump,” she says.
The results also depend on how often you wear them. “If you wear them for long periods of time regularly, then, yes, in theory they work,” says Stevenson. It’s another step you can take, like sleeping on your back, that can help prevent lines from forming.
Overall, you’ll probably notice that the results start to wear off during the day. “When you wake up and take it out, that’s when it’s most effective,” says Shah. “But as you go through the day, make facial expressions, move your face, those lines will start to reform.”
Here, we’ve rounded up eight options for you to try.
Wrinkle pads for shopping
Skin Gym Reusable Forehead Mask
What we like
- It stays put all night
- It really smooths fine lines
Count: 1 reusable patch | Other key ingredients: 100% silicone
This reusable face mask is meant to be used with your favorite serums or after your skincare routine for up to 30 minutes. According to the brand, it is made of 100% silicone and simply needs to be washed with warm water after each use.
Pacifica Beauty Reusable Brow Mask
What we like
- Reusable? “many uses”
- It doesn’t shift when you sleep, according to reviewers
Something to note
- Some reviewers noted that it was too small for their face
- Some reviewers had packaging and delivery issues
Count: 1 reusable patch | Other key ingredients: 100% silicone
While this 100% silicone mask is designed to be combined with your favorite serum to “seal in” ingredients and boost hydration, the brand says it can also gently lift and smooth skin to help with fine lines. lines and wrinkles.
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Targeted Patches
What we like
- See an instant difference
- “Game Changer” product.
Something to note
- Packaging and delivery issues
Count: 6 patches | Other key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid
Containing retinol, peptides and hyaluronic acid, these wrinkle patches can be used anywhere to target facial lines, the brand says. The pads are made with 80 “microcones” that are meant to dissolve into your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines in just two hours.
Peace Out Microneedling Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Patches
What we like
- Easy application. they stay put
- Can see a difference in the skin
Count: 6 patches | Other key ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, polypeptides
You may know this brand for their hydrocolloid acne patches, but now they’re getting into the wrinkle game with these microneedling patches. According to the brand, the patches contain retinol and have 450 hyaluronic microneedles that dissolve into your skin to soften fine lines around your eyes, frown lines, or any deep wrinkles.
Frownies face patches for wrinkles around the eyes and mouth
What we like
- Most reviewers are repeat buyers
- Effective if used consistently
Something to note
- Have an unpleasant aroma
- thin material; tears easily
Count: 144 patches | Other key ingredients: Natural unbleached Kraft paper
A popular choice from the brand, these patches are designed to target wrinkles around the corners of your eyes and mouth. To see results, the brand says you should wear the patches for at least three hours at a time.
Sio Beauty Browlift Reusable Forehead Wrinkle Treatment
What we like
- Easy to use and install
- Skin felt hydrated and smooth after use
Something to note
- It is not as reusable as the brand claims
Count: 1 reusable patch | Other key ingredients: 100% silicone
This reusable patch is another option designed to smooth out “forehead furrows, expression lines and frown lines.” While some buyers have found it works to temporarily improve the appearance of wrinkles, the brand says it’s also great to use between in-office treatments.
Schminkles Wrinkles Forehead Wrinkle Patch
What we like
- Reviewers saw “immediate results”
- Comfortable for hours
Something to note
- thin material; it tears easily
- Read the instructions. careful application process
Count: 2 reusable patches | Other key ingredients: 100% silicone
Wrinkles Schminkles is one of the most popular choices on TikTok. In fact, a video from the brand featuring the product has garnered over 55 million views and 3.3 million likes. The reusable patches (which the brand says you can use up to 20 times) are designed to be applied to your forehead area to prevent wrinkles. While the company says they can be worn for one to two hours for a quick boost, you’ll see the best results if you wear them overnight.
Jennifer Birkhofer, vice president of commerce at NBC News, uses these patches (along with the brand’s patches for eyes and lips). She says, “I started using these pads recently. At Christmas, I went out to dinner with some girlfriends and one of them who looks incredibly young (and never has a wrinkle on her forehead) said she uses silicone pads every night.”
Birkhofer continues, “I was shocked and bought it right away. I don’t sleep in them every night, but I try a few times a week when I want my skin to look and feel soft in the morning. It’s surprisingly easy to sleep on and much cheaper than other solutions for wrinkles I’ve heard of.’
Dermaclara Siliconefusion Facial Rejuvenation Kit
What we like
- Noticeable change after one use
- Skin texture improves
Something to note
- Some reviewers say they only last for three uses
Count: 6 patches | Other key ingredients: 100% silicone (patches)
This kit comes with reusable patches designed to target different areas of your face, from your forehead to your undereyes and neck. Virus patches can be used up to 30 times, the brand says. Along with improving the appearance of lines and wrinkles, they are also said to target stretch marks and sun damage.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team spoke with a board-certified dermatologist as well as a dermatologic surgeon about what wrinkle patches are (and exactly how they help reduce fine lines on aging skin). We then scoured the web for popular patches to include, taking expert lessons into consideration when choosing. While most patches here are made entirely with silicone, some include additional ingredients like retinol and hyaluronic acid.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Sejal Shah, MD, is a certified dermatologist and its founder SmarterSkin Dermatology in New York City. He practices all aspects of dermatology, specializing in cosmetic dermatology and lasers, hair loss and ethnic skin.
- Dr. Mary Stevenson, MDis an associate professor in the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. As a dermatologist, he specializes in Mohs surgery along with laser and cosmetic procedures.
