Do wrinkle patches work? Derms weigh in on the viral skin ...

In the quest to minimize the effects of aging on our faces, we're willing to try just about anything. But if you feel like you've just about exhausted 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."

For more information, please visit Eye Strips For Wrinkles.

Wrinkle patches have been popping up all over our social media pages. Different variations of the products have racked up millions of views on TikTok, with users posting impressive before and after results, showing how their smile lines and forehead wrinkles have smoothed after just a handful of uses.

While it sounds promising, we tapped two experts to get the details on whether or not the viral product is actually worth your time. Here's what you need to know.

What are wrinkle patches? | Do wrinkle patches really work? | Wrinkle patches to shop | How we chose | Meet the experts

What are wrinkle patches?

Wrinkle patches are patches (typically made of adhesive paper or silicone) that cover an area of the skin to decrease mobility and prevent or improve the appearance of wrinkles, explains Dr. Sejal Shah, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of SmarterSkin Dermatology.

"The theory is that they prevent movement of the skin and therefore the creation of wrinkles," says Dr. Mary Stevenson, associate professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. "Some also purport that they prevent moisture from leaving the skin, therefore plumping it as you retain moisture."

Do wrinkle patches actually work?

While people on social media have seen some promising results, the answer to the question of whether or not they will really have a positive effect on your skin isn't so straightforward. "They can, but it's important to understand that while they can have a positive effect, is it a long-term effect or a short-term effect? I think it's probably more of a short-term benefit," Shah says.

If you wear one of the patches overnight — which Shah says is the most typical way to wear it — it's going to prevent mobility of the skin throughout the night. So, when you wake up, you may not notice those "sleep wrinkles" that can sometimes form as you snooze.

"On top of that, the wrinkle patches are going to prevent water loss from the skin, so the skin will appear more hydrated and plump," she says.

The effects also depend on how often you wear them. "If you wear them for long periods of time regularly then, yes, theoretically they work," Stevenson says. It's another step that you can take, like sleeping on your back, that can help prevent lines from being formed.

Overall, you'll likely notice the effects start to wane throughout the day. "When you wake up and you take it off, that's going to be when it's at its most effective," Shah says. "But, as you go through the day, you make facial expressions, you move your face around, those lines are going to start to reform."

Here, we rounded up eight options that you can try.

Wrinkle patches to shop

Count: 1 reusable patch | Other key ingredients: 100% silicone

This reusable forehead mask is meant to be used with your favorite serums or after your skin care for up to 30 minutes. According to the brand, it’s made of 100% silicone and just needs to be washed with warm water after each use.

Count: 1 reusable patch | Other key ingredients: 100% silicone

While this 100% silicone mask is designed to be paired with your favorite serum to "seal" in the ingredients and boost hydration, the brand says that it can also gently lift and flatten skin to help with fine lines and wrinkles.

Count: 6 patches | Other key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid

Containing retinol, peptides and hyaluronic acid, these wrinkle patches can be used anywhere you're looking to target facial lines, says the brand. The patches are made with 80 "micro-cones" that are meant to dissolve into your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines in just two hours.

Count: 6 patches | Other key ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, multi-peptides

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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 micro-needles that dissolve into your skin to soften fine lines around your eyes, frown lines or any deep set wrinkles.

Count: 144 patches | Other key ingredients: Natural unbleached Kraft paper

A popular option from the brand, these patches are designed to target wrinkles around the corners of your eyes and mouth. To see results, the brand says that you should wear the patches for at least three hours at a time.

Count: 1 reusable patch | Other key ingredients: 100% silicone

This reusable patch is another option that is designed to smooth “forehead furrows, expression lines and frown lines.” While some shoppers have found that it works to temporarily improve the look of wrinkles, the brand says that it’s also great to use in between in-office treatments.

Count: 2 reusable patches | Other key ingredients: 100% silicone

Wrinkles Schminkles is one of the most popular options on TikTok. In fact, one video from the brand featuring the product racked up 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 that they can be worn for as little as one to two hours for a quick boost, you'll see the best results if you wear them overnight.

Jennifer Birkhofer, the 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 patches recently. Over Christmas, I went to dinner with some girlfriends, and one of them who looks incredibly youthful (and who’s forehead has never shown a wrinkle) said she uses silicone patches every night."

Birkhofer continues, "I was shocked and immediately bought some. I don’t sleep in these every night, but I try to a few times a week when I want my skin to look and feel smooth in the morning. They are surprisingly easy to sleep in and far cheaper than other wrinkle solutions I’ve heard of."

Count: 6 patches | Other key ingredients: 100% silicone (patches)

This kit comes with reusable patches that are designed to target various areas of your face, from your forehead to your under-eyes and neck. The viral patches can be used up to 30 times, the brand says. Along with helping improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles, they are said to target stretch marks and sun damage as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

The nice thing is, the viral patches tend to be pretty safe for the skin. While Stevenson says that there can be a risk of irritation with ones that use adhesives, generally, silicone does not cause that reaction. (She adds that silicone is preferred, in her opinion, as it occludes the skin .)

Some of the patches also contain active ingredients, like acids or retinol, and Shah recommends using those with caution, as they could be irritating — especially to those with sensitive skin .

The bottom line is, for anyone hoping to improve the look of fine lines, it could be worth a shot. "It's a relatively low investment, low stakes sort of treatment," Shah says.

"So it's a good way to see what could be possible. And maybe it's [best] for someone who is just looking for some short-term improvement. But, if you need longer-term improvement, you're probably going to want to start investing in some in-office treatments."

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 how, exactly, they help reduce fine lines within aging skin). We then searched the internet for popular patches to include, keeping the experts' lessons in mind while choosing. While most patches here are made purely with silicone, some include extra ingredients like retinol and hyaluronic acid.

Meet the experts

• Dr. Sejal Shah, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of SmarterSkin Dermatology in New York City. She practices all aspects of dermatology, with expertise in cosmetic dermatology and lasers, hair loss and ethnic skin.
• Dr. Mary Stevenson, MD, is an associate professor at the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. As a dermatologic surgeon, she specializes in Mohs surgery along with laser and cosmetic procedures.

I first discovered these eye patches while video chatting with a friend. She raved about them which sparked my curiosity. Since I've bought them, using them has now become my nightly routine. After work, I wash my face and apply these before scrolling on my phone or video chatting for 45 to 60 minutes. You can use them for a shorter time but they are so comfortable that I sometimes forget they are on . These patches are very soothing and help my face to relax and reset my skin after a rough week. My skin is naturally dry and these patches are so hydrating and give my face the moisture it craves. I like to store them in the refrigerator and the cooling sensation instantly gives my eyes a calming sense of relief. Please note, these patches must be applied properly so they don't slip off. It's also important that you use them consistently. After the 2nd time, I noticed the darkened shadows under my eyes have brightened and even my mom said that I look more awake! What I like most is how they are re-usable, making them an excellent value since they last a long time. I put them in a small ziploc bag when finished and I have seen the same results the 2nd and 3rd time. Plus, they have a pleasant odor that is barely noticeable and they won't stain if you accidentally drop one on your white shirt as I did! If you want to treat yourself to a few moments of relaxation, you can really save money and bring the spa to you. Use these eye patches fresh out of the refrigerator to reduce puffiness and appear more well rested. 

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