Effective for Wrinkle Improvement, Moisturizing, and Exfoliation?
The Trend of Rubbing 'Banana Peels' for Skincare
Experts Point Out: "Actual Results Are Unlikely"
Recently, a skincare method involving rubbing banana peels on the face has become popular on social networking services (SNS), especially TikTok. Influencers claimed that banana peels act as a 'natural Botox,' improving wrinkles and making the skin glow, but experts had different opinions.
The British Daily Mail recently reported that searches for skincare methods using banana peels have surged on SNS, with related videos garnering hundreds of thousands of views. In particular, a TikTok influencer, Selina Dalishiva, posted a popular 'natural Botox' video. She shared a video showing herself rubbing the inside of a banana peel on her face and washing it off after 10 minutes, claiming, "Banana peels soften the skin and tighten pores, providing effects similar to Botox." In the video, she explained, "Bananas are rich in antioxidants, which also help prevent aging." As of the 5th, the video had recorded 230,000 views and was rapidly spreading on TikTok.
A TikTok user is sharing a skincare method using banana peels. @selinadasilvaa TikTok
Since Selina Dalishiva’s video was posted, many TikTok users have shared their own skincare routines using banana peels. TikTok influencer Carly Thompson shared her experience of using banana peels on her skin every morning for several months. Thompson said, "I started rubbing banana peels on my face a few months ago, and my skin has become more radiant," adding, "If you try it for a few months, you will see results." Another influencer, Kate, also posted a video about using banana peels for skincare, saying, "You just need to rub the inside of the banana peel all over your face," and "It helps exfoliate and moisturize the skin." She further claimed, "Banana peels contain enzymes that act as natural Botox and are good for improving fine lines and wrinkles."
However, experts pointed out that banana peels cannot actually produce effects similar to Botox. Canadian dermatologist Dr. Gita Yadav from Toronto explained, "There are no foods or supplements that have the same effect as Botox injections," adding, "Although banana peels contain antioxidants, it is unlikely they can provide Botox-level effects on the skin." He recommended using proven cosmetics such as vitamin C serums instead of banana peels. Dr. Taylor Block, a dermatologist from Cleveland, USA, also said, "If antioxidants are the goal, it is much more effective to use professional products rich in antioxidants rather than rubbing banana peels."
Some argue that the antioxidants in banana peels can benefit skin health. It is true that the antioxidants in banana peels can help protect the skin from damage caused by reactive oxygen species, ultraviolet rays, and air pollution. However, simply rubbing banana peels on the skin is unlikely to allow antioxidants to penetrate deeply enough to have an effect. In fact, using unwashed peels may expose the skin to residual pesticides. Therefore, applying skincare products rich in antioxidants to the face is much more effective.
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