Social media influencers are applying banana peels to their faces in the hope it will give them smooth, glowing skin – a “natural” alternative to anti-aging Botox injections.
Katie Jane Hughes, a New York-based makeup artist with 286,000 followers, posted a video of herself trying out the trend on April 7, hoping to demonstrate her “natural Botox effect.”
Slathering it on her face made her skin feel smoother, her pores tighter and her face overall more “swept,” Hughes said in her video, which has been viewed 750,000 times.
The cosmetics influencer was so impressed with the results that she said she would try the trend again.
However, doctors are not convinced.
“There is no topical or dietary supplement that provides the same effect as Botox when injected,” said Dr. Geeta Yadav, a Toronto-based dermatologist. posted on tiktok in reaction to the trend.
‘There is no scientific evidence to suggest that rubbing a banana peel on your face will help’ with wrinkles, dark circles or inflammation Dr Taylor Bullocksaid a dermatology resident at the Cleveland Clinic.
Dr. Yadav said that while banana peels have antimicrobial properties, the benefits are so small that you are unlikely to notice them.
Instead, she recommended an over-the-counter skin product, such as vitamin C serum.
Despite doctors’ opinions, social media users are big fans.
User ruri123ds commented on Ms Hughes’ video saying: “I use it all the time, I LOVE IT.” [heart eyes emoji]’.
‘My grandmother used beaten egg at night and banana or mango peel in the morning. “That woman didn’t have wrinkles on her face,” user kiloalphayankeealpha also said.
Banana peels are high in antioxidants, which can help protect skin from sun damage. But there might be more efficient ways to incorporate this into your skin care routine, experts say.
It is believed that any skin benefits you may get from banana peels are due to the high amount of antioxidants found in the fruit.
Antioxidants are compounds that absorb harmful particles called free radicals that can cause stress and DNA damage over time, according to Dr. Bullock. They are found naturally in many foods such as blueberries, green tea and cocoa, according to Harvard Health Publications.
Antioxidants can help fight cell damage caused by the sun’s UV rays, smoke, and pollution.
But banana peels are probably not the most effective way to increase your antioxidant intake. Antioxidant products applied to the face, such as vitamin C serums, are probably more powerful ways to gain skin benefits.
“In theory, you could probably get some antioxidants by rubbing the peel on your skin,” Dr. Bullock said. “If your goal is to have a skin care routine full of antioxidants, you are much better off applying an antioxidant-rich skin care product to your face.”
Although Dr. Bullock and Dr. Yadav didn’t recommend specific products, many different companies offer antioxidant serums and lotions that you can incorporate into your routine.
They vary in price from those found in the beauty store for $10 to those found in a medical spa for $182.