TAPE OF GOOD HOPE?

Can new beauty trend face taping reduce wrinkles? LARA OWEN finds out

- 

'FACE taping' or 'facial patching' is the latest social media trend to take beauty lovers by storm.

It is as simple as it sounds: putting tape on your face either overnight-or for a limited amount of time under make-up - to reduce wrinkles.

But this trend is nothing new. Some of Hollywood's most iconic stars have used this trick for years, while the drag community use it as commonplace.

But can face taping actually improve the appearance of wrinkles, or is it just another fleeting fad? Doctors reveal the truth behind the trend...

WHAT IS FACE TAPING?

Originally developed in the 1970s by Japanese chiropractor Dr Kenzo Kase, taping was first introduced as a way to support muscle recovery and improve blood circulation.

Depending on its application, the tape could either stimulate muscle contraction for added support or reduce muscle activity to promote relaxation.

It's only recently that face taping has been used for cosmetic purposes.