IT’S the new beauty trend driving the internet bananas.
Beauty lovers are now adding banana skins into their routines as a “natural Botox.”
The unusual fruity hack – which some people claim “brightens” and “tightens” the skin – includes rubbing a banana peel on the face for a few minutes each day.
After consuming the fruit, people then massage the inside of the peel over their forehead, cheeks and undereye area, claiming it is “packed with vitamins.”
And with Botox in the UK costing between £100 to £400 per area, the hack certainly is appealing for those on a budget, with a bananas costing 12p each in Asda.
One person championing the trend has been beauty TikToker Tenisha Ward, who called it “Botox in its sweetest form.”
Her clip on her @tenishaward1 account, which racked up over 3million views in less than two weeks, led to many saying the hack has helped their acne and scars.
One viewer wrote under her video: “YOUR SKIN IS BEAUTIFUL SO I WILL TRY IT.”
Another added: “I’m never throwing away another peel.”
Even celebrity make-up artist Katie Jane Hughes, whose clients include Dua Lipa and Lily Allen, has jumped on the bandwagon.
In a video racking up more than 800,000 views, she gushed about how banana peel left her pores tighter and her face noticeably more “snatched”.
Sadly, Skincare and Beauty Expert Sam Rock from Infinity Laser Spa, says you are unlikely to see many benefits from the hack.
They explained: “The idea of rubbing banana peels on the face as a so‑called ‘natural Botox’ is appealing in its simplicity, but the scientific basis doesn’t support the hype.
“Banana peels do contain small amounts of nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which may help with mild skin hydration or soothe irritation very slightly.
“However, these compounds are present in very low concentrations, and the skin’s barrier limits how much can actually be absorbed.
“Importantly, there is no credible evidence that banana peels stimulate collagen production, relax facial muscles, or reduce wrinkles in the way that Botox (botulinum toxin) does.
“Botox works by temporarily blocking nerve signals to muscles, preventing contraction and thereby smoothing dynamic lines.
“Banana peel application does not affect nerve transmission or muscle movement, so it cannot mimic that muscle-relaxing effect.”
If you do follow the hack, you should ensure you only use the inside of the peel on your skin.
Chartered Chemist and founder of SOS Serum Skincare, Bruce Green, explained: “The biggest negative is the potential surface contamination on the peel- handling microorganisms or even pesticide residue – could cause skin break out infections, leading to a rash or rosacea.”
DIY MASK
However, if you’re curious, you could make a more stable mask, according to Bruce.
All you need to do is blend a washed banana peel into a smooth paste, apply it for about 30 minutes, then rinse.
He added: “But for real, clinically proven anti-wrinkle results, you’re much better off turning to scientifically backed treatments such as topical actives (like retinoids).
“If you want injectables then ensure you use medical grade products from a registered beautician.”
How to reverse ageing in just 2 weeks, according to royal go-to nutritionist
LONDON -based Gabriela Peacock, who has helped the likes of Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie prepare for their weddings.
She told Fabulous: “The science is evident that we all have the power to make simple life changing alterations to better our future selves – no matter what genetic hand we might have been dealt with.
“The reality is, we all sometimes indulge in unhealthy eating habits like processed foods, smoking cigarettes, drinking too much alcohol, inhaling city pollutants, and even drinking water from plastic bottles – none of this is good for us.
“All this does is promote the ageing process, but we all have the potential to change this.”
It may be hard, but try to keep away from sugary carbohydrates, because they feed chronic inflammation, which is one of the worst enemies of reversing ageing.
Now only will you end up putting on weight if you consume them regularly, but your energy and hormonal levels will be affected and this will influence how you look and feel.
Whatever your age or state of health, it’s never too late to reverse how quickly you are ageing and embrace the energy and vigour of a younger you.
Antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E, are essential in neutralising free radicals—the culprits behind premature ageing.
Integrating a spectrum of colourful fruits and vegetables into your diet provides a potent source of antioxidants.
Omega-3 fatty acids, abundant in fatty fish like salmon and flaxseeds, are vital for maintaining skin elasticity and hydration.
Omega-3s act as nourishment for your skin, locking in moisture and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles.
Collagen, a structural protein dwindling with age, can be replenished through collagen-rich foods like bone broth and lean protein sources.
