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Kim Kardashian's viral face wrap sparks medical panic over dangerous trend: Can the chin-hugging beauty fad suffocate you in your sleep?

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Kim Kardashian’s latest venture into the world of beauty has made waves—quite literally—around people’s faces. The SKIMS Seamless Sculpt Face Wrap, launched with promises of an overnight jawline lift, has already sold out. Touted as a non-invasive alternative to surgery, it’s the newest must-have in the bedtime beauty arsenal.

But behind the viral success of the $50 chin-hugging mask is a far more sobering question: Can something designed to “snatch your chin” do more harm than good?

From TikTok fame to medical red flags
The wrap has become a central prop in TikTok’s trending “ugly sleep routine,” where influencers go to bed with layers of product, face tape, and now Kardashian’s latest addition. While the goal is to wake up glowing and sculpted, dermatologists and sleep experts are urging caution.

Dr. Anjali Mahto, a UK-based dermatologist, told Radar Online that these wraps are “less about results and more about performative perfection,” pointing out that the trend often stems from insecurity, not science.

According to her, the SKIMS face wrap can cause more than just skin irritation. “It can inflame the skin barrier, obstruct breathing during sleep, and worsen underlying issues,” she warned. “These are not medically approved treatments.”

What’s in the wrap?
The Seamless Sculpt Face Wrap is made with polyamide, elastane, and what the brand claims is “collagen yarn.” Fastened with Velcro and available in neutral SKIMS shades, it fits snugly from the top of the head to under the chin. The result? A compressed, sculpted look that’s said to improve facial contours overnight.

But experts argue that the science doesn’t support such claims. Dr. Yael Halaas, a facial plastic surgeon quoted in New York Post, noted the wrap mimics post-surgical compression garments—but without the regulation or medical backing. “It lacks essential safety features like antimicrobial properties and proper moisture control,” she said.

Collagen claims and cosmetic confusion
Many users are drawn in by the idea of “collagen-infused” fabrics, but dermatologists say that’s mostly marketing fluff. “Collagen can’t be absorbed through fabric. It needs to be applied topically or produced internally,” said Dr. Bindu Sthalekar of Skin Smart Solutions.

While the wrap may provide a temporary de-puffing effect, doctors agree that lasting jawline definition requires consistent skincare, healthy habits, and sometimes in-office procedures—not an overnight mask.

The mouth-taping controversy
If the face wrap wasn’t enough of a concern, its rise coincides with another trend: mouth taping. Popularized by influencers and wellness icons like Gwyneth Paltrow, the practice involves sealing your lips shut while sleeping—an act that respiratory experts warn could be deadly.

“There is no proven benefit,” said Dr. Mahto. “Anything that limits oxygen intake during sleep is potentially dangerous.”

Backing this up, ENT specialist Dr. Brian Rotenberg’s review of clinical studies found that mouth taping is “medically inappropriate for most people” and can trigger serious health issues, especially for those with undiagnosed sleep apnea or breathing problems.

Is your skincare routine trying too hard?
Beyond the physical risks, experts also criticize the emotional toll of such high-maintenance regimens. Dr. Cristina Psomadakis warned that layering active skincare ingredients or overdoing treatments—especially on young skin—can do more harm than good. “The best nighttime routine? Just wash your face. That’s usually enough,” she advised.

The British Association of Dermatologists has also cautioned against using occlusive products like face wraps and overnight masks, particularly among teens and young adults. The potential consequences range from breakouts to allergic reactions and even long-term skin barrier damage.

A glamorous trap for vulnerable consumers?
Despite mounting concerns, the SKIMS wrap sold out within 48 hours. Demand is so high that the brand has announced a restock. But critics argue that the product’s success reflects more than market demand—it highlights how celebrity influence can overshadow medical advice.

“It’s being sold as self-care, but it’s pushing dangerous beauty standards,” Dr. Mahto said bluntly.
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