Podcast Summary

Biohacking Beauty: The Anti-Aging Skincare Podcast

Episode: Real Japanese Face Taping Explained with Olga from Natural Face Bible
Date: December 3, 2025
Host(s): Amitay Eshel & Anastasia Khadiva (Young Goose)
Guest: Olga (Natural Face Bible)

Episode Overview

This episode unpacks the science, art, and misconceptions behind Japanese face taping as an anti-aging and skin health technique. Host duo Amitay and Anastasia sit down with Olga of Natural Face Bible—a pioneer in introducing Japanese face taping to North America—to clarify what real face taping is (and isn’t), how it compares with Botox and other interventions, how to choose the right products and techniques, and what results listeners can realistically expect.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Origins and Olga’s Introduction to Face Taping

• Olga’s Personal Journey: Began exploring face taping over a decade ago as her friends turned to injectables; she sought a non-invasive alternative.

  • “I was using this specific, this Japanese tape for about 10 years. This is when I was turning 40… I didn't want to do that [injections], but at the same time, I was like, oh my God… There's got to be something.” – Olga [04:09]

• Training: Studied both facial massage and taping across Europe and Russia, learning various hands-on techniques like buccal and myofascial massage [06:03].

2. Misconceptions & Social Media Trends

• Rise in Popularity, Rise in Misinformation

  • Many viral “face taping” videos are actually “face stickering”—random methods with no scientific basis [04:09].
  • Initial backlash, especially from professionals, was strong: “The dermatologists, the plastic surgeons… were calling me crazy… There was… a lot of tears… But people didn’t know what it was.” – Olga [07:07]

• Dilution of Technique: Booming trend attracted untrained brands flooding the market with low-quality tapes and misapplying the method.

3. What Is (Proper) Japanese Face Taping?

• Definition: Application of specific medical-grade tapes to targeted facial areas in precise patterns to help tissues relax, restore blood and lymph flow, and minimize dynamic wrinkles—particularly for those seeking an alternative to injectables [11:36].

• Mechanism:

  • Tape gently lifts skin layers (like “lasagna”) to decompress blood vessels, lymph paths, and nerves, boosting circulation and drainage [19:16].
  • Not just cosmetic: It can aid TMJ pain, reduce inflammation, relieve tension headaches [22:22].

• Longevity of Results:

  • Results vary: Some see quick improvements, others require longer, ongoing practice.
  • Like exercise, effects are only maintained with regular use: “If you stop going to the gym, what's going to happen?… Same with face taping or massage—it doesn’t last forever; it has to become a lifestyle.” – Olga [14:04]

4. Synergy and Technique: Massage, Taping, and Anatomy

• Facial Massage + Taping:

  • Best results come when both modalities are combined to release underlying muscle tension and address root causes of wrinkles [18:16].
  • Facial massage, Gua Sha, and gentle facial manipulations complement taping.

• Application Matters:

  • Random application is ineffective and potentially harmful.
  • Proper technique involves pre-stretching skin with expressions or hand tension before adhering tape—never simply slapping it on. “You don't apply tension on the tape… you go to the end of range of motion, apply the tape, then relax… that creates the crinkling and lifting.” – Amitay & Olga [36:30]

• Cautions:

  • Never tape over eyelids, inflamed, injured, or recently treated skin (like after peels or micro-needling) [41:51].
  • Incorrect application (wrong direction, huge tape, overstimulation) can worsen swelling, cause headaches, or damage the skin barrier [39:54].

5. The Importance of Proper Tape and Formulation

• Key Differences:

  • Only Japanese-manufactured facial tapes use advanced EA technology for ultra-gentle, medical-grade acrylic adhesive suitable for sensitive skin [30:16].
  • Body tapes (especially Chinese-made) are too adhesive and can damage facial skin, formulated to stick through sweat and hair on the body [27:57].
  • Using body tape on the face = “recipe for disaster” [32:02].

• Common Concerns Addressed:

  • High-quality tape should not disrupt the skin barrier—unlike cheaper, generic, or body tapes [32:14].
  • Olga’s tape is gentle enough for highly reactive skin: “The adhesive… is the highest grade medical acrylic blend… [with] advanced Japanese technology… cannot be cracked by imitators.” – Olga [30:16]

6. Myths, Safety, and Practical Advice

• Frequency:

  • Not necessary (or advised) to tape every night; 2–3 times a week is sufficient, and it's best to give tissues rest [60:15].
  • “You don’t want to go to the gym every single day… I always recommend like two, three nights on, one off.” – Olga [60:15]

• Tape Removal Tips:

  • Always remove tape slowly in direction of hair growth; wet tape to make removal easier and prevent irritation [54:45].
  • Redness after removal is common if sleeping on face—try taping during the day instead [51:50].

• Botox and Taping:

  • Taping is a good alternative for those avoiding injectables, but can also be used (after 2–3 weeks) by those who have Botox to prolong effects [45:33].

• Stackable/Non-Stackable Modalities:

  • OK: facial massage, Gua Sha, gentle manipulation.
  • NOT OK: tape over compromised, inflamed, or recently exfoliated skin; avoid after aggressive peels/procedures [41:49].

7. Realistic Expectations & Community

• “It's not 100% the same thing [as Botox], but I can imagine the deep lines I’d have now if I hadn’t been face taping… it’s a great option for those who do not want to go to the Botox route or cannot.” – Olga [43:54]
• Continue using skincare, massages, and lifestyle interventions alongside face taping for holistic results [43:13].

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Guarantee maybe at least 50% or more of those [face taping] videos are not even face taping. It’s probably some sort of face stickering… it’s going bananas.” — Olga [04:09]

• “If you stop going to the gym, what's going to happen to your body?… Same thing with the face taping or facial massages… you have to make it part of your lifestyle.” — Olga [14:04]

• “If you’re just applying some magical skin care… but you’re not addressing the true cause [like neck tension], then yes, those people will see less of a result.” — Olga [14:04]

• “You might as well go to your kid’s room, get some Spongebob stickers and put them on.” — Olga [37:16], on random “face taping”

• “There are two forbidden areas on the face: the delicate eyelids, and the front of the neck.” — Olga [51:50]

• “Redness dissipates by itself. It’s just blood flow, not anything to worry about.” — Olga [55:02]

Timestamps to Key Segments

• Olga’s Face Taping Origin Story & Study: [04:09] – [07:05]
• Rise & Pitfalls of Face Taping Online: [04:09]; [09:40]
• What Is Proper Face Taping?: [11:36]; [19:16]
• Combining Taping with Massage and Other Modalities: [18:16]; [27:57]; [40:55]
• Tape Quality, Adhesives, and Skin Sensitivity: [30:16]; [32:02]
• Botox vs Taping, Who Should Try It?: [43:13]; [43:54]; [45:33]
• Frequency & Maintenance Advice: [60:15]
• FAQ (User-submitted): Removing Tape, Red Marks, Safety: [51:50]; [54:45]; [55:02]

Conclusion

Olga and the hosts emphasize the importance of correct technique, quality materials, and a holistic approach. Face taping is not a magic bullet, but when properly applied—as taught by credible sources—it can be a potent, non-invasive addition to a thoughtful aging-well regimen. Listeners are encouraged to seek reliable guides and products, integrate taping with other best practices, and develop realistic, sustainable routines.

Follow and Learn More

• Olga (Natural Face Bible): Detailed tutorials, science-backed guidance; great for both beginners and advanced users.
• Young Goose: Hosts’ biohacking skincare line and more resources.

For more deep-dives on biohacking, skin health, and non-invasive anti-aging, browse prior and upcoming episodes of Biohacking Beauty.