Another day, another TikTok trend in dire need of debunking. While the app is full of treasures, there are occasionally a few hacks that require expert commentary. The latest? Wrapping rubber bands around your ears to reduce facial swelling. But does it actually work?
The trend originated in South Korea but was first brought to our attention when New York City-based dermatologist David Kim posted about it in a now-viral TikTok video. The video is captioned, “Biggest beauty hack in Korea right now, rubber bands on ears x 10 mins to de-puff your face.” The video has garnered over 6.2 million views, and plenty of users are in the comments saying they tested the hack for themselves and found that it worked. Additionally, thousands of users on the platform have been posting their own videos to test out the hack and showcase their results.
While most videos don’t display any noticeable changes, we still thought it best to reach out to experts in the skin-care community to get their thoughts. Ahead, a dermatologist and a master aesthetician break down everything to know about the viral trend, like whether or not it actually works and if it’s safe to try at home. Keep scrolling to learn more.
Experts Featured in This Article
Brooke Jeffy, MD, FAAD, is a dermatologist based in Arizona.
Katya Khayutin is a master aesthetician and owner of BelVer Studio.
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Can Wrapping Rubber Bands Around Your Ears Reduce Facial Swelling?
So, can wrapping rubber bands around your ears help reduce facial swelling? Simply put, “No,” dermatologist Brooke Jeffy, MD, FAAD, tells PS. “There is absolutely no basis for this.” Master aesthetician Katya Khayutin agrees, adding, “Wrapping rubber bands or hair ties around your ears is not an effective or safe method for de-puffing your face.”
So, what’s actually happening and why are some people seeing results? “While manipulations around the ears are indeed a part of lymphatic drainage massage, a technique used by professionals to reduce puffiness, these require specific, trained motions to be effective,” Khayutin says. “Simply wrapping rubber bands or hair ties around your ears won’t achieve the desired effect.
Since the rubber bands are placed tightly around the ears, it could be that they’re pulling the skin back, creating a temporary lifting effect, which, in turn, would make the face appear less swollen. Once the rubber bands are taken off of the ears, it’s likely that the face will go back to its previous state.
Both Dr. Jeffy and Khayutin warn against trying it for yourself, as the trend doesn’t come without its downsides. “[It] could restrict blood flow, cause discomfort, and potentially lead to skin irritation or damage, particularly to the delicate skin around the ears,” Khayutin says.
Proven Ways to Reduce Facial Swelling
So, how can you actually get rid of a puffy face? First, let’s talk about some common causes of facial swelling. Typically, puffiness around the face is due to retaining fluid, poor circulation, or inflammation. It can also be caused by dehydration, allergic reactions, or more serious conditions, such as thyroid issues or gland disorders.
While the first step to combating facial swelling is finding out what the underlying cause is, there are some steps you can take at home to help. “Keep puffiness at bay by getting adequate sleep, staying hydrated, and avoiding alcohol and excessive salt,” Dr. Jeffy says. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, which will help flush out excess sodium.
She also notes that sleeping with your head slightly elevated can also help if you find that you’re waking up in the morning with a puffy face. Khayutin agrees, adding, “This helps prevent fluid from pooling in your face overnight. Additionally, try sleeping on your back to further reduce the risk of morning puffiness.”
Khayutin also says cold compresses can help. “Chill a cold compress or roller in the fridge, then gently press or roll it over puffy areas like the undereyes, cheeks, and jawline. Use upward strokes for five to 10 minutes to encourage lymphatic drainage.”
Another idea is to try facial massage. “The best method is lymphatic drainage massage, which uses gentle, outward strokes to move fluid away from the face,” Khayutin says. “Focus on sweeping motions along the jawline, cheeks, and under the eyes. Always use light pressure and a facial oil for smooth application.”
As always, you should consult with a licensed professional before testing out any viral hacks from TikTok or the internet.
Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for the PS TikTok and Instagram accounts.
