Recommended face masks/Walla system!
If you scroll through TikTok and are interested in skin care, you've no doubt come across the viral flaxseed mask that promises Botox-like results.
The trend that received a boost from TikTok creator Victoria Benitez received more than 7 million views, in which she is seen dipping her fingers into a pot full of a slightly cloudy slime-like mixture, declaring: "Do you see it here? It's Botox. It's Botox you make at home."
The attraction of the surfers to the mask is probably the fact that it is prepared with two ingredients - water and flax seeds.
And of course its cheap price.
But does it even work?
And what do dermatologists say about the new trend?
@victoria__benitez God i love this mask #flaxseedgel #flaxseed #health #natural #skincare ♬ original sound - victoria__benitez
What is a DIY Botox Mask?
Flaxseeds are small brown seeds that are loaded with fiber and omega-3 fatty acids and other vitamins and minerals.
They are commonly used to improve digestion and relieve constipation, but studies also show that consuming them can help lower cholesterol levels.
Now, as mentioned, the seeds loaded with nutrients are also gaining fame when it comes to skin and hair health.
To prepare the mask, mix half a cup of flax seeds with two cups of water until a thick gel-like mixture is formed.
There are debates as to whether it is better to use cold or hot water, or to bring the seeds and water to a boil together.
More in Walla!
The leading health fund presents: the services that will make your life easier
in collaboration with Kalit
does it work?
Eliza Lukw, a reporter for the British SUN decided to test the mask on her face.
She took half a cup of flaxseed and a cup jar of hot water and mixed them for 30 seconds and then put the jar in the fridge for 24 hours.
After applying the mask, which she said was too watery, she reported that her skin felt so dry that she had to apply moisturizer.
In the second attempt the mask was thicker and slimier.
"I pulled out my cheesecloth and separated the goop from the seeds. The gel left in the bowl was a light brownish gray shade - to be honest, it looked a bit like snot," she wrote.
According to her, "the mask works quickly and after 15 minutes my face was mostly motionless."
She added that "after half an hour, my face felt very dry and tight. It was a little itchy every time I tried to move it."
After about an hour she took off the mask.
So what does she say?
"My skin felt quite soft and thankfully, it looked and felt a lot less dry and itchy than after one try. I did my usual skin care and I can admit that my skin looked quite radiant. Over the next couple of days, I noticed that the pimples under my chin and on my neck were smaller and less red. But I can't say for sure that it was because of the mask or if there was some kind of placebo effect."
She concluded: "As far as masks go, it's not too messy to make and filter, as long as you have cheesecloth or a good strainer. And it seems to keep for a good few days in the fridge. I'm not convinced this is nature's answer to Botox, and I think I'll have to reapply the mask consistently To see visible changes in my skin. Will I do the mask again? I'm not sure."
A woman makes a handful of flax seeds/ShutterStock
What do the experts say?
Dr. Lehavit Akerman/relation
"Every time I see another stupid (and sometimes even dangerous) trend on Tiktok and every time I am surprised anew how much a trend can be fixed in the mind even though it is shallow and disconnected from any facts," Dr. Lahvit Akerman, an expert dermatologist, tells us.
"The latest trend in question It's the flax seed.
It's enough to type these two words and we'll get a bunch of videos in which stars for a second apply a sticky slime-like paste to themselves while muttering promises to rejuvenate the skin, and recently zoomed in and promised the result of Botox.
Why?
mere.
because he came
Is it research-backed?
Definately not.
So what does science know at this point?
Botox (botulinum toxin) is defined as a drug and has been used in aesthetic and other medical treatments for over 30 years with many studies on its effects.
In short, the substance is injected into the muscle and causes a reduction in its contraction.
Why does it help against some wrinkles?
(mainly the expression lines in the upper third of the face) because these lines are mainly manifested by muscle contraction, therefore the botulinum injection will only relax the muscle and significantly improve the line.
It is not for nothing that this injection is the most common aesthetic treatment in the entire world.
With the right treatment, it is an excellent, safe and effective treatment.
What is the connection between flax seeds and wrinkles - and if we get more specific, what is the connection between flax seeds and the effect on the muscle that causes wrinkles (similar to Botox)?
That's it, just nothing!!
Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 acids, fiber, vitamin e (a strong antioxidant and a host of other vitamins and minerals that can definitely have an effect on the elasticity of the skin, the shine of the skin and the nourishment of the skin, but they have no effect on the muscle and therefore no Botox-like effect. Also, while the effect of the botulinum injection lasts for several months - here the effect passes after a few hours." "
Another thing worth noting, even a natural thing, however good it may be, when it is produced in a partisan manner at home without any knowledge and skill will not be useful at best, and at worst can cause for skin irritations. I strongly recommend that those who want to enjoy the beneficial effect of flax seeds on the skin purchase a product that contains the substance in authorized places and a product that has been adapted for application to the skin and received approval from the Ministry of Health. And Botox? At the moment it will continue to star as the most common treatment and it does not seem to have a successor soon ".
More on the same topic:
Botox
Flaxseed
aesthetics