Does Mouth Taping Help You Achieve a Defined Jawline?

Can a few strips of strategically placed face tape really help accentuate your jawline in the long run? Well here’s everything you need to know about mouth taping.

Beauty and wellness trends come and go with the seasons, each promising a quick fix to age-old problems. The latest one making waves is mouth taping, a practice that claims to give you a more defined jawline and reduce the appearance of a double chin. But is this new fad effective or just another beauty trend?

Mouth taping is applying a strip of tape across your lips before bed. The idea is to keep your mouth closed while you sleep, supposedly leading to various health and cosmetic benefits. Proponents say it promotes nasal breathing, improving overall health and facial aesthetics.

The origins of mouth taping are rooted in practices used by advocates of nasal breathing, like James Nestor, author of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art. Nestor and others suggest that nasal breathing is more beneficial than mouth breathing for both Health and appearance. Mouth taping, therefore, is posited as a simple way to encourage this practice while sleeping.

The science behind the trend

The idea of mouth taping is based on the benefits of nasal breathing. Proponents say that nasal breathing helps to:

Better sleep

Nasal breathing can reduce snoring and sleep apnea and give you a more restful night’s sleep. This is because nasal breathing can keep the airways open and reduce breathing interruptions.

Facial structure

Some say that consistent nasal breathing can give you a more defined jawline by improving posture and muscle tone. The theory is that the alignment of the jaw and engagement of certain facial muscles during nasal breathing can shape the face over time.

Oral health

By reducing mouth breathing which can lead to dry mouth and increased risk of cavities, this technique is said to be good for oral hygiene.

Evaluating the claims of mouth taping

While the concept of nasal breathing holds some merit, the specific benefits of mouth-taping are less clear. Here’s a closer look at the claims:

Facial contouring

The idea that mouth taping can change your facial structure is debatable. Good posture and muscle engagement can give you a more defined look but there’s limited scientific evidence to support that mouth taping alone can make a noticeable difference in jawline definition. Facial structure is largely determined by genetics and body fat distribution and while nasal breathing can be good for overall health, it’s unlikely to change your face.

Sleep

For those with sleep apnea or chronic snoring issues, this technique might be beneficial by promoting nasal breathing. But those with these conditions should consult a doctor before trying mouth taping as it could make things worse if not used correctly.

Oral health

This technique can reduce dry mouth and promote Healthier oral bacteria by promoting nasal breathing. However, this benefit might be minimal compared to other oral hygiene practices.

Risks and considerations

While mouth taping is generally considered safe for most people, it’s important to be cautious:

Skin irritation

Prolonged use of tape on the sensitive skin around the lips can cause irritation or allergic reactions.

Discomfort

Some people might find the sensation of having their mouth taped shut uncomfortable, which could interfere with sleep quality rather than improving it.

Breathing issues

Individuals with respiratory conditions should be particularly cautious. If nasal passages are blocked or if there’s any concern about breathing difficulties, mouth taping could lead to inadequate airflow during sleep.

Overreliance on a single method

Relying solely on mouth taping for cosmetic or Health benefits might lead to disappointment. A holistic approach, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper sleep hygiene, is more likely to yield positive results.

Mouth taping has become a popular simple and non-invasive way to potentially improve nasal breathing and overall health. While it may have some benefits especially in promoting nasal breathing and reducing dry mouth, the claims that mouth taping reshapes your jawline or reduces double chin are not scientifically proven.

As with any trend, be realistic and open to other methods. If you want to try it, consult a health professional to make sure it’s suitable for you. In the quest for a defined jawline and better facial aesthetics, a holistic approach with healthy lifestyle choices and medical advice will be the best way to go.

Hero Image: Courtesy ananyapanday/Instagram; Featured Image: Courtesy theskinnyconfidential/Instagram

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong