One TikToker reckons she's cracked the code for a homemade Botox alternative using two basic pantry ingredients, but it’s got dermatologists raising an eyebrow.
TikToker Victoria Benitez (@victoria__benitez) shared her holy grail face mask recipe using just flaxseeds and water to create a jelly concoction she swears is "botox that you make at home."
While she admits to not measuring her quantities, it seems the magic ratio is 1 part flaxseeds to 2 or 3 parts water - whatever suits your fancy.
“You definitely need more water than flax seeds,” Victoria says.
In a small pot, bring the mixture to a boil, before reducing the heat and simmering until a jelly-like consistency starts to form. Let it cool, and that thick boy should be looking like “goopy goop” - her words, not mine!
Victoria also claims the mask has helped make her hair “angel soft”.
Since posting her video, #flaxseedgel has gained 163.1M views on the app, with loads of the videos crediting Victoria’s OG recommendation.
But, while it’s popping off online, one dermatologist is wary of the ‘botox’ label that is now attached to the trend.
Though, I’m 99.9% sure it’s only because of the tightening effect the mask has while drying on the skin - I tried it last night, and let me tell you, that ish is STIFF!
According to Health Post NZ, “When consumed, flaxseed is valued for its balancing effect on skin health. Research has shown that it helps to hold moisture within skin layers as well as balancing skin irritation.”
Despite the hype around flaxseed's benefit for health and skin, Board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical Dr. Teresa Song isn’t jumping on the bandwagon.
According to Song, the scientific jury is still out on whether flaxseed can truly work wonders when applied to the skin.
“Although the benefits of oral flaxseed have been studied with potential anti-inflammatory properties, topical usage of flaxseed currently does not have substantial supporting scientific evidence,” she told In The Know.
She added: “It is also important to note that flaxseed oils are actually very sensitive to heat and are produced by a process called cold pressing. Therefore, it is questionable if the nutrients are preserved in the mask after it has been boiled in hot water for 10 minutes.”
While still not keen on recommending the trend until further studies are done, Song says: “If you do choose to apply this DIY mask, I recommend spot testing to ensure you are not allergic to or irritated by the ingredient, as flaxseed may vary by brand, and to wash off the mask after 15 minutes to avoid potential irritations from prolonged exposure.”
Benitez’s original video, currently has more than 4.8 million views, 566,300 likes and 247,600 saves.
