Wrinkles, it’s tough to think of a situation when they’re a positive thing.
Wrinkled clothes look sloppy. Wrinkled paper is headed to the trash. Wrinkled skin means loss of vitality. Shar-Pei puppies are the only exception that comes to mind.
But why do wrinkles get such a bad rap?
Take me straight to the instructions.
WRINKLE REALIZATIONS
Wrinkles are simply a result of the natural aging process.
There isn’t a human on this planet, no matter how beautiful or rich or powerful, who can escape them. The only way to completely stop wrinkles is to die. Think about that, wrinkles or death.
There isn’t a human on this planet, no matter how beautiful or rich or powerful, who can escape wrinkles.
Perhaps someday, our Western culture will embrace wrinkles. Maybe we’ll eventually come to realize that wrinkles are beautiful badges of honor that represent surviving another day on planet Earth.
But we’re not there yet. And, the truth of it is, there’s power in youthfulness.
Wrinkle MANAGEMENT
There are lots of options when it comes to managing wrinkles: expensive creams, vitamin-based serums, chemical peels, lasers, and, of course, Botox.
Most of us are using a combination of these. Some are safer, some are more effective, and some are a mystery. Fortunately, anti-wrinkle patches are both safe and effective.
Do they work as well as Botox? Of course not. It’s absurd to think that sticking a piece of paper on your face will work as quickly as sticking a paralyzing agent into your muscles. But anti-wrinkle patches also won’t ever make you pee your pants or make you getting a feeding tube. These are real potential side effects listed in Botox’s fine print.
Since I don’t fancy wearing diapers and I do fancy eating solid food, I’ll stick with the face patches.
Patch Parts
There are two main parts to an anti-wrinkle face patch: paper and glue. It doesn’t get more simple than that.
The Paper
For the paper, you can grab whatever you have on hand. Printer paper, envelopes, or junk mail cluttering the kitchen counter will all work. Remember, your skin is an organ and will absorb whatever it touches.
I recommend using natural kraft paper.* It’s food-grade, unbleached, unwaxed, and very affordable. This roll is only $15 versus $20 for a tiny box of Frownies.
The Glue
If you’re health-conscious, you might be hesitant to rub glue all over your face. But this isn’t just any glue we’re talking about.
This is gum arabic. Excuse my dramatics, but I love gum arabic. The vast array of its uses and health benefits boggles my mind.
It’s worth buying quality gum arabic powder* to make the glue for these anti-wrinkle patches. This bag says Acacia Senegal, but that’s just another name for gum arabic. I use this brand because Anthony’s products are always great quality.
Gum arabic glue benefits the skin on multiple levels, and you’ll find tons of other uses for it.
Gum Arabic Basics
You might be wondering, what exactly is gum arabic? Gum Arabic is the hardened sap from a species of tree called Acacia. Similar to pine sap but better. (That’s a brave statement, but read on.)
Cultures all over the world have been using gum arabic for over 4,000 years! It’s been utilized for food preparation, medicine, and cosmetics. It’s reported that Queen Elizabeth I and Cleopatra added it to their ancient beauty routines.
Fast forward to modern times, and humans use it more than ever. Gum arabic is now an FDA-approved substance that’s added to thousands of products. Check out this article to see how many places it can be found.
Would civilization exist without cake frosting and fireworks? I doubt it. Therefore, I don’t feel it’s an exaggeration to say gum arabic is the glue that holds our society together.
And it can help hold our faces together too.
Making The Patches
Here’s how to make your own version of Frownies.
DIY Frownies
Materials:
- 3 tbsp gum arabic powder*
- 1/3 cup water
- natural kraft paper*
Equipment:
- small saucepan
- fork
- scissors
Instructions:
- Heat the water at medium-high in a small saucepan.
- Add the gum arabic powder to the warmed water.
- Cook on medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until it forms a glue-like consistency.
- Remove the glue from the stove and transfer it to a sterile storage container.
- Cut the paper into shapes that fit the target areas on your face.
- When ready to use, apply the cooled glue to the paper cutouts with a clean fingertip.
- Store the glue in the fridge and use it within two weeks.
The Glue
When you first mix the gum arabic powder into the water, it’ll look like cottage cheese. Don’t worry, this is normal. Eventually, the water and gum arabic powder will combine to create a smooth glue.
The final result will be golden-colored glue that you can easily pour into your storage container. Please make sure your container is sterile. And only use clean fingers when applying the glue to the paper.
The Paper
When cutting the paper, you can create shapes for any area you want to smooth. For my forehead wrinkles, I cut an oval piece with indents for my eyebrows.
For my smile lines, I cut a 1×1 inch square piece, then I cut that square in half diagonally to make two equal-sized triangles.
The Cleanup
If the sticky action of this project is making you nervous, don’t stress. Cleanup is easy. Just soak the saucepan and fork in hot water for a few minutes. No scrubbing is required.
TIPS AND TRICKS
Here are a few pointers to get better results with your anti-wrinkle patches.
- Apply the patches to a clean, dry face.
- Make sure to remove all lotions and oils from your skin. If the patches can’t stick, they won’t work.
- Gently massage your forehead before applying the patch.
- Massaging the forehead muscles for a few seconds before application relaxes the muscles and smooths existing wrinkles.
- Puff out your cheeks after applying the patches to the smile lines.
- This chipmunk-cheek effect helps the paper stiffen in a position that minimizes the smile lines most effectively. (No, I won’t call smile lines “nasolabial folds.” That sounds gross.)
- Use warm water to remove the patches.
- Splash warm water on your face to loosen the glue, and then gently peel off the patches. Pulling them off without wetting them first will result in an unintended wax job.
Consistency is key.
These patches are retraining wrinkle grooves created by decades of habitual facial expressions. Those wrinkles didn’t show up in one week, and they won’t be leaving that quickly either.
But with continuous use, you will see excellent results.
Can you just use the glue and not use the paper on your face?
Okay ladies, I made the glue and I know a few of you have been having a hard time with it. What I did was I made a double batch of the glue, that seemed to work. I put it on medium high heat first, turned it down to a little under medium heat and put in the powder and then stirred it periodically throughout the 15 minutes and it worked great. It doesn’t make very much. Then I cut out the pieces that I wanted with the natural butcher paper. I cut them like Frownies,so into little squares and triangles.Then I put the glue in a clean jar and let it sit for just a couple of minutes and then took a paintbrush and painted it on to all the little pieces and let it dry. OMG it works great!! They are just like the Frownies. Once they are all dry, I put them in a ziplock to store. Just like the Frownies, I use my rose water to mist the back and put them on… I CAN THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR THE IDEA.. You are the best.. This is going to save so many women and possibly men so much money😀
Thanks for your explanation!
I’ve got a big tip for the glue. In the Netherlands and many other countries in Europe they are obliged to write down the ingredients of the product.
It says:
“ Ongebleekt papier
Kleefstof op basis van dextrine (vervaardigd uit de fermentatie van gerst)”
That translates to:
“ Unbleached paper
Dextrin-based adhesive (made from the fermentation of barley)”
I think the glue is called maltodextrine based on barley. It is used a lot in the food industry. But please do also your own research on this subject. and make sure you use a version that is also food grade. Just like your paper 🙂
Source: https://www.frownies.care/frownies-producten-bijsluiter
Hi all! I have a few questions. You guys seem like you know a thing or two. Sooooo….Can I make the glue and apply it to a bunch of patches? Meaning can I do it one time and keep them in an airtight container for easy access and use or do I have to apply every day to new patches? Having a jar of patches on my vanity would be so much easier than having to go through a whole cooking process every night.
Yes you can, I just made some to see if it would work. I made a double batch of the glue and right after I took it off the stove I let it sit for just a few minutes and then I took a soft bristled paintbrush and painted it on. I let them dry and it works great. I stored mine in a Ziploc bag. I also added a little frankincense oil to the glue while it was cooking.
Thank you so much for showing us how to make frownies using safe products. I had been wanting to do this for a while but was hesitant to use the products posted on other sites. I am loving that this method is so easy and cost effective! You are the best!😊
I am SO glad I found this article. Frownies were costing me about $30/month and I was having a hard time justifying the cost when the product likely costs pennies to make. While the do work well most of the time, I couldn’t help but feel I was being ripped off.
Your DIY solution honestly works better and costs a FRACTION of the price. I am SO HAPPY and telling all the women I know.
Thank you!!!
So grateful for this post! I have become addicted to frownies because they do really help, but they are so expensive and I need to recover from some big bills. Just ordered my supplies. I’ll let you know how it goes! I may keep the frownies that I have left for traveling.
I just did your recipe and I truly think these are better than frownies 😂 I did a double layer on my forehead – they are sooo stiff and sticky. Frownies didn’t stick to my skin super well unless it was DRY. I like to put tallow on after I wash my face. Tonight I applied my normal tallow, then blotted it with a towel and used your DIY. So far, so stiff! We will see how the night goes.
Awesome! I’m thrilled to hear that these are working so well with your specific beauty routine. You must have done a great job making your glue.
I made my glue yesterday, but I’m using it now and am wondering do I need to wait? Once I’ve put glue on the patch can I put it on straight away? I tried and it kind to fell off only a little bit stick but then it may have been I was over laying them and didn’t wait for it to down down
Yup, it takes a little bit of time for the glue to fully set. Your drying time will depend on the thickness of your glue. I typically apply the glue to the paper and then push on it with the palm of my hand for about a minute.
Just curious how you use this when you travel, say on an airplane, and won’t have access to a fridge? Do you just go a week without using them?
If I bring the glue when I travel, I just stick it in a fridge when I arrive. You could try adding grapefruit seed oil or ascorbic acid to the mix since both have anti-microbial properties. I haven’t tried this, but it should be an easy addition.
I’m going to make this and try adding a few drops of helichrysum or frankincense essential oil and see how that turns out!
In theory, it should be good for the skin because those oils are antibacterial/anti-inflammatory and I read somewhere that Arabic gum is a good emulsifier for eo’s.
I’d love to hear how it turned out with the addition of the essential oils!
I measured exactly 1/3 cup water, heated it, added 3 tablespoons gum arabic, planned to cook it for approx. 15 minutes. After 5 minutes it was almost gone and a gummed up mess. I didn’t even have enough to use once, plus it was hard and wouldn’t spread on the paper!
What did I do wrong?
Hi, Annie! There are so many variables when making the glue that it does require a bit of trial and error. Off the top of my head, one of the potential issues could be that the saucepan was too big (larger surface area heating the glue faster). Another would be the level of heat. Have you tried it again?
I used too big of a pan as well and had to turn mine off because the edges were burning. I think my temp was too high for the large surface area. However, I salvaged some and it worked wonderfully. Next time I will use a very small pan!
According to Google, Gum Arabic can have health consequences (skin entry)
up to 30g a day is *thought to be safe.
have you done any research on this in med journals etc?
curious because I’d love to make these
The conversion of 30 grams is about 2.4 tablespoons (for us Imperial measurers), and that would require using a lot of glue. That’s an amount one might use over a few weeks.
Regarding the skin safety of gum arabic, it is actually used to to make hydrogels to heal wounds and lesions. Check out my other article with the links to the medical studies:
https://upkeepist.com/the-unbelievable-health-benefits-of-gum-arabic/#skin-health
Hope this helps!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this.
Would this recipe work if I spread it on the paper and let it fry, later waiting it to use as the frownies?
To me this I’d super convenient.
You’re welcome! I haven’t tried that technique since I’m already in the habit of just applying the glue whenever I’m going to use the patches. I’m not sure how the glue would hold up since it doesn’t contain any preservatives.
I’m actually going to try this very soon. I’ve made this glue a few times and it really is perfect, and feels much better than Frownies. But the second and third times my little jar grew mold, and yes I was as clean as possible every time I opened that lid. And the jar was sterile.
I’m going to try to make it thin enough to brush on large strips of paper, letting it dry, then cutting them into smaller strips. I’ll report back!
I bought Acacia powder and tried your recipe. Unfortunately, it never really got to a glue-like consistency. It remained very watery. I kept the heat on medium/medium-high, making sure it didn’t come to a boil, and kept it on the stove for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. I’m not exactly sure what I did wrong. It looked like brown water. I’m putting it into the fridge to see if it gets a little thicker. Any tips?
Hi, Monica! There are a lot of variables when making these, but I’ve found (through lots of trial and error) that either adding more powder or cooking longer will eventually result in the desired consistency. Have you tried it again since you wrote this?
Hi thank you for this!
Question, do you make a bunch of these at one time, allow the glue to dry, store them and then when ready to use you wet them to re-activate the glue? Thanks
Hey, Hannah! You’re so welcome. I’m glad you found the post helpful. I keep the glue in the fridge and just apply it to the butcher paper every time I use them. It’s fast and easy, and keeps the glue from going bad since there are no preservatives added to the mix. Just make sure you’re using a clean finger or brush to apply the glue. Let me know if you have other questions!
Hi Rubina,
I am using Frownies on my forehead, but am not convinced that one needs to use multiple patches to create a “cast” on the forehead. Frownies used to make a singular patch for the forehead, but no longer, as they state that multiple patches are more effective.
In your picture it appears you have one patch on your forehead. What is your experience using one patch, as opposed to multiple? Your response is appreciated 🙂
Hi, Kim! You’re correct, I use a single patch on my forehead. I think the strength of the glue is the most vital component here. When making your own glue, you can adjust the viscosity. Personally, I don’t see the benefit of using multiple patches. But I could be wrong! I’d be interested to hear from anyone who tested this theory.
Thanks for your response, Rubina! I got my supplies and going to give it a go!
Hi! Thank you for sharing all this info. Excited to try. I sleep about 6-7 hours a night, is this long enough? Also, how often should we wear them?
Thank you!
Hi, Vickie! Any amount of time that you’re wearing them is helpful. That’s 6-7 hours that your smoothing lines. I know many people wear Frownies every night, and consistency is certainly key to good results. I take a break every couple days under the pretense that I’m letting my skin breath overnight. But mostly I’m just being lazy about it. 😉
I think giving yourself a break from the patches prevents the muscles from getting used to them, just like switching out skin care products prevents the skin from getting used to the same products. That’s just my opinion.
Hi thank you so much for this!! The strips are so expensive and they don’t last nearly as long as they say they do!
Do you reuse these or it’s a one time use? And I feel a bit silly asking this but I don’t understand how to apply it to the face? Do you stick the glue to the strips or you put the glue on the face and then stick the strip to the glued part of your face?
You’re welcome, Danielle! It’s one-time use. But that huge roll of butcher paper only costs like $15 bucks and lasts for a really, really long time. It’s not a silly question. (I need to quit slacking and just make an instructional video already.) I cut the paper to the shape I want and with a VERY clean finger rub the glue on the paper. Then I put the paper on my face. You could, alternatively, put the glue on your face and then stick the paper on. But I find it’s easier to control the application by putting it on the paper first. Hope that helps!
So glad you posted this, I’m allergic to frownies so I’m really glad to have found an alternative
Thanks
Oh wow, I didn’t know that any of the ingredients in Frownies could trigger allergic reactions. But I’m very happy that these instructions could help you out.
I noticed my frownies smell a bit like honey. Is that what the gum Arabic smells like?
Also, probably a dumb question, but the gum Arabic powder I have on hand from an art supply store would not work for this purpose, would it?
Brooke, if you’re asking about actual Frownies that is because one of their ingredients is derived from sugar cane. I believe their glue consists of Nulomoline (derived from sugar cane), Methyl salicylate, and Dextrin. But natural gum arabic glue also has a slightly sweet smell.
That’s not a dumb question at all. It’s best to be safe when you’re sticking things on your face. I can’t say for sure without seeing the bag, but if it’s pure gum arabic it should be fine to use. I’d still verify if it is a food-safe version.
On the Dutch site (where they are obliged to mention the ingredients) they do mention dextrin, but they also mention it is based off fermented barley 🙂
Hi! I’m going to try this. I have tried frownies and noticed that their Kraft paper is a bit thicker than regular paper. Did you find the roll that you got a big thicker then printing paper or about the same?
Thanks
Julie
Hi, Julie! The kraft paper is about the same thickness as printer paper but slightly thinner than Frownie paper.
Thanks Rubina! I made this tonight. I used different Kraft paper as I’m in Canada and found something else but similar to yours. I like it!
You’re very welcome! I’m pleased that you found the post useful.
I have been using this method as soon as my supplies came after seeing your post. I cover most of my forehead and between the eyes. How do you keep the edges of the paper from curling into your skin and leaving a mark? Mine create a new line where the edge of the paper ends.
Hi, Carol! There are a couple things that can help with this:
1. Bend the edges of the paper outward before adding the glue.
2. Don’t spread the glue all the way to the edges.
3. Make a thinner glue.
The viscosity of the glue has a big effect on the how much the paper will crease the skin. You can make a thinner glue by using a bit more water or by cooking it for a shorter amount of time.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hell Yeah!!
I’m going to make a bunch of these for Christmas gifts. Ballin on a budget never looked this good. Thank you so much for sharing this!
Haha! I love the enthusiasm, Jessica. These will make great homemade gifts. And if they like them, then they can easily make their own for super cheap going forward.
I had my doubts, but this exceeded my expectations. I thought I’d be settling for something inferior, but was delighted to find this is actually stronger and more effective than Frownies. Plus, so easy to make and of course a fraction of the price. Thank you SO much for posting!!
You’re very welcome, Leah! I’m really happy to hear that they worked so well for you. My favorite thing about these is that the glue’s consistency can be adjusted to be a lot more effective. The thicker you make it, the better it holds.
Thank you for this DIY! I have one on as I type this! I was having to spending the money on frownies but liked the results I have with them. i believe these will work just as well, If not better since I can make all my own shapes for my own face. The glue is nice and sticky and I hope my face doesn’t react to it
You’re very welcome! I’m happy you found this post helpful. I have sensitive skin and have never had any issues with gum arabic glue.
I would love to hear an update after you use them for a while.
Do you apply the glue to the pre-cut pieces ahead of time, and then wet them before use, or do you apply glue each time you use patches?
I apply the glue each time I use them. I’m sure you could pre-apply it and then wet the patches (like how Frownies work), but for me it’s just easier to do it when I’m going to use them. Let me know how it goes if you try the the other technique.
Hey there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.
I can’t figure out how to leave my own comment so I’m replying here. I have one question — do you need to apply the glue just before using each diy frownie every night? Or can you put the glue on in advance to prep multiple diy frownies? Regular frownies have the glue already on them and you wet it to activate, so I’m wondering if that’s possible with this version. Thanks!!
Love that quote. Thanks for the nice sentiments!
So, I made these using gum arabic powder and using brown craft paper. The issue is that when they dry on my face the edges curl up into my skin and leave lines. I then tried perforating the paper (a LOT) and tried that but got same result. Any tips on preventing this?
That could be due to the viscosity of your glue. The thicker the glue, the more likely it is to leave indentations because it makes the paper really rigid. You can try cooking the glue for a shorter period of time or adding more water which will make the glue more fluid.
Also, if you’re using rolled paper, the ends want to curl in. You can put the glue on the side that curls away from your face, and that can help reduce the morning lines. Let me know if these suggestions help or if you have any other questions. Thanks for reading my post!
I was curious if you ever thought of changing the layout of your website? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or 2 images. Maybe you could space it out better?
Thanks for the feedback! You’re right, it’s pretty wordy. I’ll eventually be adding video tutorials and more images.
Are we supposed to leave these on overnight like frownies.
Yes, like Frownies, these face patches are most effective when worn overnight.
Thanks! I started using Frownies two months ago but because I need them for my whole forehead I’m going through a box about every 3-4 weeks! In Canada they’re $36 a box so
I’m looking for a way to do it myself.
Can you add a photo or video
If the different cuts you use and where?
Thanks again:)
Great post and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is in fact the best place to ask but do you guys have any ideea where to employ some professional writers? Thanks 🙂
Thank you! I appreciate the kind words. I don’t employ professional writers, but you can find people on websites like Freelancer and Fiverr.
I’ve been using Frownies and thought there must be a way to make these myself. And voila! Your post is perfect. Thanks a million! Off to order Arabic glue and butcher paper.
Thank you so much for the kind words! Making your own Frownies is way cheaper and just as effective. Let me know how it goes.
I am as a result grateful for your post.
Thank you for your kind comment!
I already have a ton of xantham gum sitting in my pantry. Do you think that could be used in place of Arabic gum powder? Thanks for sharing!!
I don’t think xantham gum would work, unfortunately. It has thickening capabilities but isn’t a good adhesive. But testing things out is fun! Let me know if you try it.