Reality or myth: Using rubber band on ears can depuff face

Okay, so the internet’s back at it again with another bizarre beauty hack. This time, people are swearing by a trick where you wrap a rubber band around your ears to help depuff your face.

Sounds ridiculous? Well, yeah. But somehow, this “hack” has gone viral, and now everyone wants to know: does it actually work, or is it just another TikTok and Instagram myth?Let’s break it down here:

So, what’s the deal?

The idea behind this trend is that putting gentle pressure on certain points of your ears (like with a rubber band) can help with lymphatic drainage, which basically means flushing out excess fluid from your face. Less fluid = less puffiness = snatched jawline.

At least, that’s the theory.But here’s the thing: just wrapping a band around your ears for a few minutes isn’t going to magically drain your face like a faucet. It doesn’t really work like that.

Why it seems like it might work

Okay, so if you've tried this, you might notice your skin looking slightly tighter or redder right after. That’s just because you’ve increased blood flow to the area or slightly irritated it. The effects? Totally temporary. We’re talking minutes, not magic.

Also, your ears and face aren’t directly connected in a way where you can squeeze one and drain the other. The lymphatic system is a bit more complex than that.

Could it be bad for you?

Surprisingly, yes. While it seems harmless, wearing a tight rubber band around your ears can irritate the skin, leave red marks, or even mess with your circulation if you overdo it. And let’s be honest, nobody wants sore ears and a puffy face.

Want to actually depuff your face? Do this instead:

Cold tools: Jade rollers or ice globes straight from the fridge.

Game changers.Hydrate: Drink water. Seriously. Puffiness is often your body holding onto water because you’re not drinking enough.Cut back on salt: Especially before bed. It makes a big difference.Lymphatic drainage massage: Look up a few YouTube tutorials, it’s way more effective than ear-strangling.

Sleep right: Elevate your head a bit, and try sleeping on your back.

Should you try it?

If you’re just curious and want to play around with a loose rubber band for like five minutes, fine - just be gentle and don’t expect miracles. But if you’re actually trying to look less puffy long-term? Yeah, this is not it.There are way better, safer, and more science-backed ways to de-bloat your face that won’t leave your ears sore and red. So maybe keep the rubber bands for your hair (or your desk drawer), and leave your face out of it.