Dr. Louis P. Bucky, M.D., F.A.C.S., injects Botox into the face of Betsy Rubenstone, 50, from the Philadelphia area, April 18, 2002 at the Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Center at the Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia.
TikTok has become a platform for skincare enthusiasts to share homemade remedies, and one of the latest ones gaining attention is using flaxseed facial masks as a DIY Botox alternative.
In a viral TikTok with over 6.3 million views, TikToker Victoria Benitez asserted, "It's Botox you make at home, honey. And the best part is it's two ingredients: flaxseeds and water."
As she applied her homemade face mask on her face, Benitez extolled the “endless” benefits of flaxseed, saying, "When you put it on your skin, the fatty acids are gonna give you that glow, and it's also anti-inflammatory, so it's going to reduce any redness or inflammation."
In another video, she claimed that the mask helps with collagen production and has anti-aging effects due to antioxidants. She acknowledged that every person's skin is different and that not all may benefit from it, but she emphasized the mask's versatility.
In an interview with the New York Post, Dr. Konstantin Vasyukevich, a renowned facial plastic surgeon based in New York City, shared his take on the alleged Botox hack.
Vasyukevich said that flaxseed masks are good for the skin and help with hydration. He noted that the high amounts of natural fiber and antioxidants in the masks can help make the skin smoother and firmer, likening their temporary tightening effect to Botox.
"This is being compared to Botox because of the temporary skin tightening effect. The mucilage in flaxseeds has a gel-like consistency that, when applied to the skin, can create a temporary tightening effect. This can contribute to the appearance of smoother and firmer skin," the doctor said.
However, not all experts are convinced by this at-home remedy. Gina Damato, founder of Château Glow facial spa in Brooklyn, cautioned against expecting dramatic results.
"When applying a flaxseed face mask mixed with water, it can cause a temporary tightening effect because of its gel texture as it starts to dry - giving it a 'Botox' like appearance. Once the face mask is removed, any original fine lines and wrinkles will still be apparent," the esthetician told the New York Post.
Damato said that homemade facial masks crafted from ingredients in the kitchen might not deliver significant results, especially when weighed against a neurotoxin that has been proven effective in relaxing facial muscles and smoothing out lines and wrinkles.
She recommended integrating sunscreen, retinol, daily facial massages, and microcurrent products into your regular skincare regimen as potential substitutes for Botox. However, she cautioned that these alternatives require patience, as noticeable results will take time to become apparent.