WITH Botox costing up to £350 in the UK, it’s not a treatment everyone can afford to splurge on every three months.
Because of this, beauty buffs on TikTok have been experimenting with different DIY options to mimic the freezing injections effects.
And there’s one fibrous product that consistently comes on top.
You can create a “natural Botox” face mask by mixing and boiling flaxseeds and water, some beauty fans claim.
The two-ingredient masks have gained immense popularity on TikTok for its purported anti-ageing benefits, particularly its ability to temporarily mimic some effects of Botox.
Some people even hail it as the most important step in their skincare routine as it firms up the skins surface while delivering deep hydration.
Beauty content creator Jonathan Monroe has shared his take on the viral trend, and has showcased how he makes the two-ingredient mask from his kitchen.
The 33-year-old adds 500ml of water to four tablespoons of flaxseeds and then boils it for 10 to 15 minutes to create a thick, jelly-like mask.
“Flaxseeds contain healthy fats and vitamin E, so it is a healthy skincare product that you can easily make at home,” he said.
“I add the gel to a syringe which makes the application so much easier… and kind of like Botox.
“Then I just rub that in and let it sit for about five minutes before washing it away.
“I’m always left with tight, bright and healthy looking skin.”
It’s important not to expect frozen facial muscles from this DIY mask, though.
“This is not the same as Botox but it can create a temporary tightening effect, brighten your skin and help with inflammation,” Jonathan prefaced.
But what’s the actual science behind it?
Flaxseeds are rich in polysaccharides, which can form a gel-like substance when mixed with water.
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The gel provides hydration to the skin, making it appear plumper and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
It can also create a tightening effect on the skin, temporarily smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.
And as Jonathan mentioned, flaxseeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
These have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and puffiness, giving the skin a more youthful appearance.
