Expert issues warning on TikTok's viral Banana Peel Botox trend

Battling the signs of ageing is a tale as old as time. Cleopatra bathed in milk, clay masks from the Nile were all the rage in ancient Egypt, and jade rollers can trace their origins back to ancient China.

Millennia later and we’re still short on a universal panacea for looking older, short of limiting sun exposure, staying hydrated, avoiding smoking and alcohol, getting plenty of exercise and following a healthy diet.

Sadly, even those tried and true methods won’t keep the wrinkles at bay forever, leading many who feel past their prime to reach for the botox injections.

The secret to a youthful glow? (Karl Tapales/Getty Images)

By injecting botulinum toxin into wrinkly areas, you can temporarily paralyse some muscles and give your skin a smoother appearance.

But, if a bit of temporary face botulism doesn’t float your boat, or you feel that the ‘botox face’ effect wouldn’t suit your expressiveness, there’s a new TikTok trend claiming to offer similar results without resorting to neurotoxins.

The ‘Banana Peel Botox’ trend involved rubbing banana peels over your skin and it supposedly helps to tighten up your skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines.

Dermatologists, however, think it’s pure monkey business.

“The claim that banana peels can be used as a substitute for Botox are largely based on the premise that they carry an antioxidant called lutein,” explained Dr May Hall, a dermatologist and TikToker who posts under ‘Dr. Wrinkle Stopper’.

“However, there’s no evidence to support that applying this topically, it’s actually going to penetrate into your skin.”

Not only that, but TikToker and cosmetic chemist @carlymusleh warned that people with latex allergies might put themselves at risk of a reaction if they give banana peel botox a go.

Bananas contain chitinase, which an be an irritant for people with latex allergies. And, of course, if you’re allergic to bananas then rubbing your face with them is thoroughly not recommended.

You'll be the talk of the zoo (triocean/Getty Images)

If none of that is enough to dissuade you from giving it a go, then here’s the lowdown on giving yourself a healthy banana scent and maybe, just maybe, make yourself look a little more youthful.

1. Take a ripe banana that’s pre-browning.
2. Wash your face to remove any dirt, oils or makeup, and dry it thoroughly.
3. Peel the banana and cut the peel into strips. Eat the banana while you’re at it – waste not, want not.
4. Rub your face, or anywhere else you want to de-wrinkle, with the inside of the peel in circular motions. Continue for two to five minutes.
5. Leave the residue on your face for around 15 minutes.
6. Rinse it off with tepid water, then follow up with your regular moisturiser.

If you’ve got any plans on going to the zoo, you’d best skip this routine until after you’ve passed the primate enclosures.