What is face taping, and how does it work?

A new approach to skincare

If you’ve been seeing face taping all over social media, you’re not alone. This non-invasive skincare technique has been gaining serious traction as an easy way to support your skin’s natural structure and help it stay smooth, strong, and resilient over time.

Rooted in Japanese beauty traditions, face taping aligns with the philosophy of preventative, gentle skincare rituals, focusing on supporting your skin’s strength and vitality rather than attempting to reverse damage once it appears. It’s all about working with your skin, not against it, to help it function at its best for as long as possible. 

What is face taping?

You’ve probably seen kinesiology tape before, the colorful strips athletes use to support their muscles and improve circulation. But did you know the same idea can be applied to your face?

Face taping is a non-invasive skincare technique that gently lifts the skin, creating a subtle gap between the skin and facial muscles. This gap supports better blood flow, and supports your skin’s natural drainage while easing facial tension.

The method comes from kinesiology taping, first developed in Japan in the 1970s to support muscle recovery. Unlike sports tape, face tape is made with a gentle, skin-friendly adhesive that’s safe for delicate facial skin, breathable, and lightweight so it works harmoniously with your skin’s natural balance - and is comfortable enough for overnight wear.

The benefits of face taping

Face taping isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about giving your skin the support it needs to stay strong, smooth, and healthy for longer. By gently lifting the skin from the underlying muscles, face taping helps to:

• Encourage better circulation – With a slight lift, face taping creates just enough space for blood flow to move more freely, delivering oxygen and nutrients where your skin needs them most.
  
  
• Support lymphatic drainage – Your lymphatic system is like your body’s built-in detox mechanism. The slight lift created by face taping gives the lymphatic system more room to easily flush out excess fluid and waste.
  
  
• Supports skin firmness – The gentle lift of face taping helps encourage blood flow, which nurtures your skin’s natural resilience and firmness over time.
  
  
• Works with your skin’s natural repair – By easing facial tension, face taping supports your skin’s ability to recover overnight.

How to incorporate face taping into your routine

Adding face taping to your skincare routine is simple and quick. Here’s how to get started:

1. Prep your skin – Cleanse your face and apply your skincare products, letting them fully absorb to ensure the tape sticks properly.
   
   
2. Pick your tape – Choose between Holli’s pre-cut kit for quick application, or cut your preferred pieces from the roll for a custom fit. Both are gentle, dermatologist-tested, and suitable for all skin types.
   
   
3. Apply the tape – Gently stretch your skin (not the tape!) with your fingers, then apply the tape to areas where fine lines tend to form, such as the forehead, smile lines, and jawline.
   
   
4. Sleep & remove – Leave the tape on overnight and gently remove it in the morning. Follow up with your usual skincare routine.

Common questions about face taping

How long should I leave the tape on?
For the best results, leave it on overnight to allow the skin to fully benefit from the technique.

Can I use face tape if I have sensitive skin?
Yes! Holli’s face tape is dermatologist-tested and made with gentle, hypoallergenic adhesive. However, as with any new product, it’s always recommended to do a patch test on the inside of your arm or behind your ear before applying it to your face.

Will face taping help with puffiness?
Yes! Face taping can support your skin’s natural drainage process, which may help reduce fluid retention and minimize morning puffiness.

How often should I use face tape?
You can choose whether to use face tape nightly or a few nights a week. Consistent use helps maintain your skin’s natural support system over time.

Embracing the power of non-invasive beauty

Beauty shouldn't be about quick fixes. It’s about long-term care and supporting your skin’s natural processes. Face taping is a gentle, non-invasive technique that works with your skin instead of forcing instant results. 

Rooted in Japanese beauty traditions, face taping reflects the philosophy of slow beauty, prioritizing consistency and prevention over aggressive treatments. By making face taping a part of your nightly ritual, you’re choosing a thoughtful, natural approach to skincare - one that supports your skin’s ability to stay strong, smooth, and resilient for years to come.