Online communities are buzzing about a supposed 'natural Botox' alternative. Is it effective?
"So, here's the deal with banana peels," Tewani started explaining, pointing out that they're packed with lutein, an antioxidant that can "brighten, hydrate, and ease your skin." When it comes to choosing bananas, "riper is better," she advised. Her insightful DIY skincare hack has earned her over 2.2 million views and 61,200 likes on a popular video-sharing platform.
Tewani, a New York resident who doesn't really like bananas, shared that her kids love munching on them. She stumbled upon the idea of using banana peels on her skin after reading about the fruit's nutritious properties. Unsurprisingly, her children's regular banana consumption provided her with ample opportunities to test this out. To her delight, she noticed a notable improvement in her smile lines, which seemed plumper and fuller despite her unchanged skincare routine.
Tewani is not alone in her quest for innovative skincare methods. Many skincare enthusiasts have recently turned to household items, such as yogurt, flaxseed, and even beef tallow, for better hydration and acne reduction. Rather than ingesting these items, they're applying them directly onto their faces – a trend aptly named "nature's Botox" on social media.
DIY Beauty Hacks Gain Traction
This surprising shift in skincare habits comes after a pandemic-induced skincare boom, where people spent heavily on science-backed moisturizers, toners, and serums from luxury brands like Augustinus Bader, Dr. Barbara Sturm, and La Mer. The rise of young "tween" shoppers, typically aged between 8 and 12, also flooded specialist beauty stores, such as Sephora, with labels like Drunk Elephant, Sol de Janeiro, and Glow Recipe.
Major social media platforms, including TikTok, have also played a significant role in this trend's emergence, with over 5,000 videos featuring the #NaturesBotox hashtag. It's fascinating to see common household ingredients, such as rice, integrated into contemporary beauty brands' products.
The appeal behind DIY skincare trends could be attributed to several factors, according to Clare Hennigan, principal analyst for beauty and personal care at global research firm Mintel. Cost is one motivator, as nearly 77% of US individuals aged 12 to 17 enjoy experimenting with new beauty or skincare trends. Yet, 33% revealed that their parents or guardians often discouraged them from purchasing anything expensive due to the cost.
It's also a trend driven by an appetite for community-driven discovery. Social media makes it easy to share and learn about DIY skincare hacks, cultivating a supportive and engaging follower base. For some, the appeal may be lower perceived health and safety risks, particularly when it comes to non-invasive techniques like facial taping, which has recently gained traction.
Holistic Beauty Traditions
Tewani's voyage into DIY skincare was largely influenced by her upbringing. Her Indian heritage had already taught her the importance of using food beyond consumption, e.g., chickpea paste or cucumber slices on the skin. This traditional approach to beauty resonated with Tewani, as she routinely applied food remedies, like papaya and yogurt, to her face without any reservations.
Similar to Tewani, Daniela Martinez from West Palm Beach, Florida, was also fascinated by natural skincare remedies. Growing up with a mom who loved natural cures, Martinez began experimenting with flaxseed as a facial mask weekly, resulting in noticeably softer, smoother, and more radiant skin.
Evaluating DIY Skincare
Not all DIY skincare approaches are backed by scientific evidence, warns skin expert Muneeb Shah, a certified dermatologist. According to him, using flaxseed or other household ingredients as skincare treatments lacks substantiated research. "There is low scientific evidence that flaxseed, beef fat, or any of these foods are great moisturizers," he told CNN.
While some individuals notice improvements to their skin, the efficacy of DIY skincare hacks is often subjective and may not deliver the same benefits for everyone. Consumers should approach these trends with a critical perspective, considering the credibility of the sources that endorse them.
As the skincare industry continues to evolve, it will be essential to balance emerging trends with established scientific knowledge to ensure safe and effective skincare solutions for all.
In the future, Tewani hopes to explore more DIY skincare methods with alternative ingredients like turmeric and matcha, which are known for their antioxidant properties, similar to lutein in bananas. By 2025, she envisions a world where skincare routines are largely influenced by natural, affordable, and easily accessible ingredients, promoting a more holistic approach to beauty.
Moreover, as DIY skincare gains popularity, Tewani suggests partnering with skincare brands to create more banana-based skincare products, leveraging the fruit's high antioxidant content for cosmetic use. This collaboration could present a unique opportunity to combine the benefits of science and nature, catering to the increasing demand for natural skincare products.
Finally, inspired by the success of her banana peel skincare hack, Tewani plans to share more of her DIY beauty discoveries in her YouTube channel, aiming to spread the message that beauty and style don't have to break the bank. She believes that personal care should be an affordable luxury, available to everyone, and looks forward to 2025 as a year filled with enlightening DIY skincare experiments.
