Does Kim Kardashian’s Skims face wrap really work? Here’s what doctors have to say
Kim Kardashian’s latest Skims venture has taken social media by storm—but this time, it’s not about sculpting your waist. The brand’s new Seamless Sculpt Face Wrap promises to contour and shape your face, and according to Skims’ website, it has already sold out. However, it has also faced significant backlash on social media, with critics pointing out that it monetises the anxiety around beauty and ageing—to be fair, though, many other products do that exact same thing.
But ethical questions aside, we wanted to delve into its efficacy and understand if it actually delivers on its promises. To get the hang of the science behind it, we spoke to Dr Yip from Jolie Beauté, an aesthetics beauty clinic based in Hong Kong.
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What is Skims face shapewear exactly?
On Instagram, the brand has claimed that the Skims face wrap is "made with signature sculpting fabric and infused with collagen yarns for ultra-soft jaw support" (Photo: Instagram / @skims)
The Skims Sculpt Face Wrap is essentially a compression wear for your face—think of it as a snug fabric mask that covers your chin and jawline. The brand claims it offers “strong, targeted compression for shaping and sculpting”, made with its signature fabric and collagen-infused yarns.
According to Dr Yip, face wraps like the Skims version “may offer a temporary sense of firmness or reduced puffiness, especially if worn for short periods and combined with cool temperatures”. However, she’s quick to clarify realistic expectations: “Think of it more like shapewear for the face, a cosmetic illusion, not a medical or structural change.”
The puffiness question
Dr Yip in her clinic
One of the most talked-about benefits is the wrap’s potential to reduce facial puffiness. Dr Yip acknowledges that “mild compression can sometimes help reduce superficial puffiness, particularly if you’ve had a salty meal or a late night”. This aligns with what many users hope to achieve—that fresh-faced morning look without the bloat.
However, she emphasises a crucial point: “For more noticeable or recurring puffiness, I would recommend addressing the root cause. That might include hydration, lymphatic drainage massage, better sleep, or reducing inflammatory foods.”
Alternative non-invasive treatments
When it comes to genuine, lasting lift, Dr Yip recommends alternative non-invasive treatments instead. Her clinic, Jolie Beauté, uses a multi-step approach: Exilis to gently tighten skin, Inmode MiniFix for jawline definition via radiofrequency (RF), and Oligio, a Korean-engineered RF device, to boost collagen and elasticity. Ultherapy, which uses ultrasound to target deeper layers, offers more advanced lifting, while Emsculpt can tone underlying muscles for added contour.
These treatments work best when paired with regular facial massage, consistent skincare, and good nutrition. “We focus on gradual, science-backed results rather than quick fixes,” Dr Yip says. “It’s about supporting your skin over time with a less-is-more approach.”
Her philosophy emphasises patience and realistic expectations. Treatment plans should be individualised, focusing on gradual improvement rather than dramatic overnight changes.
A reality check
A holistic review of lifestyle habits is far more effective than relying on tight wraps or quick fixes
By - Dr Yip
Face shapewear might give you a temporary confidence boost for special occasions, much like body shapewear does. However, expecting permanent facial restructuring from a fabric wrap isn’t realistic. As Dr Yip notes, for persistent issues like facial puffiness, “fluid retention may also relate to hormones or diet, and a holistic review of lifestyle habits is far more effective than relying on tight wraps or quick fixes.”
If you’re serious about facial contouring, consider consulting with a qualified professional who can recommend evidence-based treatments tailored to your specific needs. After all, when it comes to your face, it’s better to invest in solutions that actually work rather than chasing the latest social media trend.
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