You've probably seen wrinkle patches all over TikTok as a buzzworthy solution for combating visible signs of aging and promising smoother, more youthful-looking skin with minimal effort. As someone who recently turned 30, I've been intrigued by the online claims that people are skipping Botox and getting similar (or even superior!) results just by wearing these patches. But do these adhesives truly deliver on their claims? Or are they just another internet fad?
It's essential to understand the science behind these products and evaluate their efficacy. Are they suitable for all skin types? What specific ingredients are incorporated into these formulations, and how do they interact with the skin to deliver benefits? Can they truly replace neurotoxins like Xeomin and Dysport?
I spoke to two dermatologists to delve into the science behind wrinkle patches and uncover more about their effectiveness. Keep reading to learn more about how these adhesives work and to shop some of our favorite options that deliver incredible results.
Do wrinkle patches work, and if so, what makes them effective?
"Wrinkle patches help stop lines from facial expressions from forming and compression of the skin during sleep," says Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. "These types of patches help prevent transepidermal water loss, locking in moisture so the skin will be better hydrated and will be better able to repair itself and produce collagen." Essentially, they're providing ultimate wrinkle formation protection while you sleep.
"You'll likely see a noticeable difference in your skin as soon as you remove the patch from your skin, but this effect will inevitably fade as your skin loses moisture throughout the day," states Nazanin Saedi, a dermatologist based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The good news? They're pretty much safe for anyone to use, and there are no weird side effects. However, if you have acne-prone skin, proceed with caution. "The occlusion these patches create could increase breakouts if used on acne-prone skin, and it could also irritate rosacea-prone skin," notes King.
How long does it typically take to see results when using wrinkle patches?
While they do indeed work, you'll have to slap these on pretty often to maintain your results. "Temporary improvement may be seen quickly—even after one use—but this improvement will go away if they're not used regularly," warns King. So while they need to be used pretty often to see a difference, they can definitely help prevent and treat existing lines and wrinkles.
How do wrinkle patches compare to other anti-aging treatments, such as creams, serums, or cosmetic procedures?
While they work for certain signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, there are other age-related issues that can creep up as we get older. "Wrinkle patches can be helpful for lines coming from sleep creases and facial expression, but they won't be effective for other signs of aging like loss of volume, rough skin texture, or age spots," says King.
"If you are fully committed and disciplined to using the patches at night, you may have some success in preventing deeper wrinkles. However, I think that a daily, anti-aging skincare routine with an antioxidant such as vitamin C, a retinoid, and sunscreen has proven results and is much easier to stick with," informs Saedi.
Our Favorite Wrinkle-Reducing Patches
If you're looking to smooth away wrinkles, these medical-grade silicone patches can help. Wear them anytime for gentle skin refinement, hydration, and a refreshed look. After a month of use, expect to see reduction of frown lines and wrinkles from sleeping on your side.
Unlock youthful skin overnight with 111Skin's needle-free solution, Wrinkle Erasing Retinol Patches. Infused with retinol, vitamin C, polypeptides, and 111Skin's special microcone technology, this overnight patch targets fine lines and wrinkles, revealing smoother, radiant skin by morning. Place on clean skin and remove after at least six hours of use.
Smoother, wrinkle-free skin is possible with Peace Out's dissolving micro-needling patches. This product is infused with encapsulated retinol and powerful peptides to target fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin visibly firmer and brighter. We love that they're suitable for all skin types and that they're vegan and cruelty-free.
Dr. Jart is pretty much my go-to solution for a revitalized complexion in any way, shape, or form. I love this mask for hydration, a lifting effect, or even a good exfoliation. It also promotes skin elasticity and firmness with its thermosensitive gel, fusing with your body heat for a revitalized complexion.
Meet the patch that's all over TikTok and that has fueled the internet's obsession with resisting injections. Frownies Wrinkle Patches work to unveil smoother, younger-looking skin effortlessly overnight. Made from natural materials, these noncomedogenic patches gently soften forehead wrinkles and fine lines, suitable even for sensitive skin.
Signs of aging do show up on the face, but we can't forget about our necks and décolletés. This wrinkle patch from Nurse Jamie creates a moisture-rich environment, smoothing lines and crepey skin. You can even layer it with your favorite serum!
You might know Mighty Patch from its blemish patches, but now it's made a product that targets fine lines, too. This patch is designed with a curve, tackling crow's-feet and frown lines effortlessly with exactly 1390 dissolving micropoints.
Each of RoC's Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Targeted Patches boasts 80 self-dissolving micro-cones, targeting wrinkles deeply with potent ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. They're noninvasive, dermatologist tested, and free from parabens, phthalates, and fragrances. Consistent wear will deliver visibly smoother, younger-looking skin.
Utilizing an innovative Transdermal Delivery System, these patches release active ingredients deep into the skin through minuscule, painless dissolving needles. Seeded with 1142 micro-needles, they dissolve a potent hyaluronic acid complex, firming, plumping, and smoothing wrinkles overnight.
Need a serum to soak in overnight? Grab Pacifica's reusable silicone brow mask. Layer on your favorite serum, and let it work its magic for hours to come.
