SiO Patches: A Comprehensive Review and Personal Experience
In recent times, I have found myself inundated with Instagram advertisements for SiO wrinkle-fighting patches. While I am unsure of the exact reason for this surge in ads, I suspect it may be linked to the numerous conversations I've had with friends and my dermatologist about the diminishing effects of our Botox treatments during the quarantine period. It seems I am not alone in this; I have also received multiple direct messages from followers asking if I have tried these patches and whether they are effective. Curiosity piqued (and my Botox overdue), I decided to give these widely discussed patches a try and assess their efficacy.
To give you some context: I regularly receive neurotoxin injections in my forehead and the "elevens," the lines between my eyebrows, every four to five months. My last session was a staggering eight months ago, so my wrinkles were more pronounced than usual.
SiO Patches Review
The core concept behind these patches is their composition of medical-grade silicone, which smoothes the skin, limits muscle movement, and locks in natural moisture to enhance skin fullness and diminish the appearance of fine lines. While the brand does not explicitly state that these patches are a replacement for injectable neurotoxins, much of the marketing and product language suggests this. The product descriptions even reference a brand-supported clinical study where 85% of participants preferred the patches over medical procedures like injections.
My first step was to consult an expert to understand the potential outcomes. "These patches are made from silicone sheeting, which has been used for decades to aid wound healing and improve scar appearance," explains Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. "By forming a seal on the skin, it enhances hydration and can provide a plumping effect," he notes. In theory, this is what delivers the promised "instant" results in reducing wrinkle visibility. According to the brand, you can see results after just one use, whether for a few hours or overnight.
It is also stated that these patches are more effective with regular use; the instructions recommend incorporating them into your daily routine for long-term benefits. This could be due to silicone's influence on collagen production. Dr. Zeichner explains that topical silicone promotes healthy collagen generation by regulating growth factors involved in collagen synthesis, which is part of why silicone is effective for treating scars, as shown in a study published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. However, Dr. Zeichner's main takeaway was clear: "Silicone patches are great for optimizing skin hydration and providing moderate wrinkle improvement, but they do not replace injectable neurotoxins. They can be useful for a quick fix before an event, but the plumping effects are temporary."
It's important to note that these patches operate differently from injectable neurotoxins like Botox. The latter works by delivering a toxin that binds to nerve cell receptors, relaxing the muscle. This reduces existing wrinkles and can prevent new ones from forming, as repetitive muscle movement causes wrinkles. While the results from injections are not permanent, they generally last around three to four months, much longer than the benefits from topical silicone patches.
Turning to my personal experience, the application process is straightforward—simply peel and stick. I started with the SiO BrowLift, designed for the glabellar lines and horizontal forehead lines, precisely where I usually get my injections. I was unsure about the optimal wear time, so I compromised and wore it for about five and a half hours while sleeping. Initially, the patch felt slightly tight, akin to wearing Spanx on your skin. (It's worth noting that moving your forehead or frowning is significantly more difficult while wearing it.) However, I quickly adjusted, and it stayed in place all night.
SiO Wrinkle-Fighting Patches Results
The next morning, I removed the patch (easily and without discomfort), looked in the mirror, and exclaimed, "Holy *expletive*—they actually work!" to no one in particular. I immediately noticed a difference—my "elevens" were much less pronounced, as were the horizontal creases on my forehead. Another plus: my skin is very sensitive, but I had no issues. (Dr. Zeichner mentions that silicone is generally inert, though he adds that prolonged wear can sometimes cause irritation.) My wrinkles were still there when I moved my forehead, but they were noticeably less visible when my face was relaxed. The results lasted throughout the day, with the fine lines gradually returning by the next morning.
SiO Eye & Smile Lift Patches
Next, I tried the SiO Eye & Smile Lift patches, intended for the eye area or mouth corners. (The brand also offers patches for the neck and décolletage.) While I don't have permanent crow's feet yet—thanks to good genes—I do have smile lines around my eyes, so I wore the patches for about three hours. The results were far less impressive than with the forehead patch. It might be because there were no static wrinkles to begin with, or perhaps I should have worn them longer, but I was unimpressed and set them aside.
Given the brand's recommendation to use the patches regularly, I tried the forehead patch again, this time for a few hours instead of overnight. (It's worth noting that you can reuse the patches 10 to 15 times; just rinse the adhesive side, reattach it to the cardboard backing, and store it in the resealable pouch.) The results were similar each time, though more pronounced the longer I wore it—overnight always yielded better results than a few hours.
Ultimately, my conclusion mirrors Dr. Zeichner's. I found the forehead patch useful as a quick fix for smoothing lines. I will certainly use it again before a major event (or during a global pandemic when I can't get Botox). However, for me, the results were nowhere near as effective or long-lasting as a neurotoxin. I won't be giving up injectables or my other anti-aging essentials, like sunscreen and growth factors, anytime soon. But if you're curious about the Instagram ads, give these patches a try—they're at least worth a shot.
