Flaxseed Face Mask: What Dermatologists Think

Flaxseeds have lengthy been a staple in vitamin and wellness. The superfood is full of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, protein, and fiber, and has lengthy been a wellness-world favourite for sprinkling on high of açai bowls or mixing into smoothies. Just lately, although, these nutritious little seeds have caught the attention of skin-care aficionados on social media who declare that making use of them to your face in masks kind can mimic the consequences of Botox.

On TikTok, #flaxseedfacemask at the moment has 80 million views and guarantees to hydrate, clean, and tighten the pores and skin. However, like all social media skin-care developments, I could not assist however marvel if it is really definitely worth the hype. Hold studying to search out out what consultants must say on the topic, and what occurred after I tried it.

The advantages of flaxseeds for pores and skin

“Flaxseeds comprise fiber, and fiber improves pores and skin hydration, which plumps up the pores and skin to make it look softer and smoother,” explains Konstantin Vasyukevich, MD, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in New York Metropolis. The impact could possibly be similar to the consequences of aloe vera or hyaluronic acid which is utilized in many facial fillers and skincare formulations.”

The seeds’ omega-3 fatty acids additionally play a key position in how they have an effect on your pores and skin, selling a plumper look and serving to your complexion keep hydration. Board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, caveats that to be able to reap these advantages, you will must the seeds to be floor right into a powder—if you happen to apply complete flax seeds to your face, you will not get the identical enhance.

“Flax seeds additionally comprise antioxidants which will defend the pores and skin from free radicals, contributing to a younger look,” provides Ira Savetsky, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York Metropolis. “When utilized in a face masks, the combination would possibly act as a delicate exfoliant, eradicating useless pores and skin cells and selling a smoother complexion. Moreover, the pure oils in flaxseeds may present moisture to the pores and skin.”

All in regards to the flaxseed face masks

The viral flaxseed face masks is nothing greater than a mixture of seeds and water, which explains why the prospect of it doubtlessly mimicking the consequences of expensive injections has large enchantment. However as you may need guessed, it is a little bit too good to be true.

“Whereas pure cures like flaxseed face masks might contribute to pores and skin well being and hydration, it’s essential to handle expectations,” says Dr. Savetsky. “Botox is a medical process that includes injecting a purified type of botulinum toxin to quickly paralyze facial muscle mass, decreasing the looks of wrinkles attributable to repetitive actions. Pure cures might assist enhance pores and skin texture, present hydration, and supply antioxidants, however they gained’t replicate the exact results of Botox.”

Although many customers are swearing by the masks, Dr. Savetsky notes that its Botox-like results are largely anecdotal. “The concept such cures can substitute for Botox, with its muscle-paralyzing results, will not be supported by scientific proof,” he says. “The consequences, if any, could also be extra associated to the final advantages of flaxseeds for pores and skin well being, moderately than a mimicry of Botox.”

Potential unwanted side effects of the flaxseed face masks

Although the flaxseed face masks could seem innocent because of its uncomplicated ingredient listing, consultants warning that there could possibly be some potential unwanted side effects that come together with it. Whereas many complexions can tolerate the masks properly, there are some things to look out for when attempting it for your self.

1. Regulate allergic reactions or pores and skin sensitivities

Some individuals could also be allergic to flaxseeds and never notice it, so it’s essential to identify check earlier than you apply the masks to your face to verify for any adversarial reactions. Dab a small quantity of the concoction on the within of your wrist, and if there is not any irritation or redness after a couple of minutes, you need to be good to maneuver ahead with the remedy.

Moreover, you probably have delicate pores and skin, chances are you’ll expertise some irritation with the flaxseed masks. “Think about using a milder base or incorporating soothing elements like aloe vera,” says Dr. Savetsky.

3. Take into account your pores and skin kind

In case your complexion skews oily, it is price understanding that the oils in flaxseeds might exacerbate present breakouts. And if you happen to’ve obtained tremendous dry pores and skin, remember that the hydration within the flaxseed masks might not be fairly sufficient to maintain your pores and skin quenched, so you will wish to comply with it up with a moisturizing cream or facial oil.

4. Be aware of seed residue

In case you don’t separate the seeds from the masks, it may be a problem to scrub them off fully, and might result in discomfort. “Make sure that the seeds are finely floor to reduce this problem,” explains Dr. Savetsky. (And, as Dr. King famous, you will wish to do that anyway to make sure

5. Watch out for overuse

Dr. Vasyukevich warns of irritation if the masks is overused, as it could actually trigger micro trauma to the pores and skin. Restrict your self to a twice-weekly utility to stop your pores and skin from freaking out.

put together the flaxseed face masks

1. Put together ½ a cup of flaxseeds in a temp-safe bowl
2. Boil 2-3 cups of water
3. Pour the water into the bowl containing the flaxseeds. Stir properly.
4. Permit the concoction to sit down for a couple of hours.
5. Utilizing a strainer or colander, separate the flaxseeds from the snail mucin-like masks (which is definitely the mucilage within the flaxseeds that provides the masks its gel-like consistency)
6. Apply the masks everywhere in the face and permit it to sit down for 20-Half-hour.

Dr. Savetsky notes that the ratio of flaxseeds and water relies on private choice, so you should use your greatest judgment in the case of quantities.

What occurred after I tried the flaxseed face masks

I are typically skeptical of DIY skincare and all the time query TikTok developments—particularly once they declare to exchange any type of injections—nevertheless, I used to be pleasantly stunned by the masks. At the very least, to an extent.

Upon utility, it was slimy—I might liken the feel to snail mucin, however barely thicker—however immediately tightened my pores and skin in the identical manner the Hanacure masks do. Nonetheless, the consequences did not final, and I can safely conclude that this DIY remedy is under no circumstances a alternative for the long-term wrinkle-reducing outcomes that come together with Botox injections.

With that in thoughts, Dr. Vasyukevich says that if you happen to’re after Botox-like results, you’d have to make use of the masks so continuously that it could turn into impractical. “You can’t spend your whole day re-applying the masks. In case you did it as soon as a day, the consequences would fade shortly,” he says. He strictly advises towards utilizing the masks regularly on this method, and recommends utilizing it each few days to enrich your skin-care routine or earlier than an occasion if you’d like your pores and skin to look a little bit tighter.