There is no scientific evidence that banana peels can reduce wrinkles, and rubbing banana peels on your face can replace Botox. However, there are anecdotal claims from social media users who say banana peels work like Botox. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Praveen Banodkar, MBBS, DNB (Dermatology) and co-founder of Skin Beyond Borders (SkinBB), shared his views on using bananas as an alternative to Botox. Read also | ‘My face was paralyzed’: Chhavi Mittal reveals her ‘horrific Botox experience’
Is a banana peel facial as good as Botox?
Short answer: no. But first, let’s hear what Aarefa, the founder of Ayurvedic-inspired Ammu Beauty Brand, had to say in a recent video she shared on Instagram. Alongside a video of her showing off her beauty ritual by rubbing a banana peel on her face, she wrote: ‘Banana peel instead of botox?? Yes for me!”
In the clip, she said: ‘You don’t need Botox, you just need a banana peel. Banana peel… amazingly brightens skin, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and fades pigmentation. You go ahead and rub that banana peel on your skin. It brightens, moisturizes and soothes. Just think of it as a preventable Botox and focus it on fine lines and wrinkles and any areas where you have hyperpigmentation.”
Ariefa added: “Do this as often as you can during the week and you will see a huge difference in the glow, hydration and texture of your skin alone. I remember my mom doing this almost every day… So once you’re done scrubbing, just leave it on for 10 minutes and then wash it off with warm water. Do this consistently and I can promise you that you won’t need Botox. How easy was that?”
How does Botox work?
Botulinum toxin, often referred to by the brand name Botox, wasn’t always the Magic Eraser for removing wrinkles and fine lines as you may know today. But can a banana peel really serve as an alternative to a cosmetic procedure?
Before we get to that, though, let’s answer a common question: What is Botox? “Batox works by temporarily blocking nerve signals to the muscles, preventing them from contracting and reducing the appearance of wrinkles,” says Dr. Praveen Banodkar.
He adds: “As a board-certified dermatologist, I am deeply concerned about the viral trend promoting the application of banana peels to the skin for ‘Botox-like effects’.
When asked about Ariefah’s video, Dr. Praveen Banodkar says that it’s important to understand that most of these homemade skin care videos are primarily motivated by generating engagement metrics—likes, shares, and subscribers—rather than providing skin care tips. based on facts. He says: “While some creators may share true personal experiences, these anecdotal results cannot be considered scientific evidence and often use special lighting, filters and camera angles to create deceptive ‘before and after’ effects.
Another Instagram user recently shared a video of her “banana peel facial that’s better than botox”:
So does a banana peel work like Botox?
“Unlike Botox, banana peels only offer temporary hydration or plumping. Claims equating the application of banana peels to Botox are not only unfounded, but also misleading. Additionally, these trends fail to recognize the serious safety risks associated with applying banana peels to the skin,” says Dr. Praveen Banodkar.
While banana peels contain beneficial compounds such as polyphenols, vitamins (A, B, C, E) and antioxidants that may provide mild temporary benefits for the skin, the risk of pesticide exposure makes them unsuitable for use in skin care, Dr. Praveen Banodkar says: Any temporary ‘smoothing’ effect reported by users is most likely due to the moisturizing effect surface that can be safely achieved with conventional moisturizers.”
Risk factors
Banana peels, especially commercially grown bananas, can contain significant pesticide residues. Dr. Praveen Banodkar says, “While these pesticides are considered safe to use after proper washing (as the edible part is protected by the peel), applying these peels directly to your skin poses a completely different risk. The bark, which acts as a protective barrier, is where agricultural chemicals accumulate.’
He says that rubbing this face can lead to:
⦿ Direct exposure to pesticide residues on the skin
⦿ Potential absorption of agricultural chemicals through the skin
⦿ Risk of skin reactions, irritation or sensitization
⦿ Possible effects of long-term exposure with daily use
Final thoughts
For those looking for antiaging treatments, consult a qualified dermatologist who can recommend safe, proven treatments. Dr. Praveen Banodkar says, “While the desire for natural skin care solutions is understandable, not all ‘natural’ treatments are safe, and viral trends driven by social media metrics rather than scientific evidence can potentially expose users to unnecessary chemical risks.”
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.
