No matter your age, taking care of our skin is important to keep it healthy and supple for the years ahead.
This can be as simple as a few different products to cleanse and moisture our face whilse some people choose to go down the Botox route to look younger.
But this can be expensive, and because it's not permanent, it requires frequent top-ups to keep the skin looking in the best condition. As an alternative, a content creator on TikTok has suggested that using a banana peel instead works 'better than Botox' - and is a fraction of the price.
The Express reports that social media user Shelly Bailey shared a video with her 10,100 followers of her using a simple banana peel as a facial treatment to fight against wrinkles.
She explained: "Back by popular demand - and sure there’s no scientific proof, but I’m seeing results, it’s working for me and I want to share it again with you.
"Better than Botox! Banana peel facials," she said. "Get yourself a very, very, very ripe banana - one you would use for banana bread - and use it on your face.
"Peel it, you can save the banana for a smoothie, it’s the cheapest facial you’ll ever purchase in your life! Take the peel, it does feel good when it’s cold, and you put it all over your skin, like this."
Shelly joked: "That’s right, banana peel is better than Botox, it’s yucky, but if you lick your lips it tastes really good!"
"If you look up online the benefits they’re claiming - not scientifically, that work with banana peel facials, you’re going to do this once or twice a week," she continued.
"More vitamins than I can count in bananas - helps to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, it helps with inflammation, puffiness, redness.
"I leave it on for 30 minutes - I actually go do the elliptical machine while this is on, let it set, then take it off and do my normal routine for moisturisers," she explained.
"But I have been seeing results, and they claim it’s better than Botox! You’re welcome."
To debunk Shelly's theory, chartered chemist and founder of SOS Serum Skincare, Bruce Green, investigated some of the banana peel's nutritional content.
He said: "The outer peel is rich in sugars, salts of calcium and potassium as well as vitamins A, B & C. The interface of the peel can act as a good moisturiser with skin nutrient properties.
"But rubbing the banana peel interface is not the most attractive action with many stringy bits of flesh and skin that just sits there.
"The biggest negative is the potential surface contamination on the peel - handling microorganisms or even pesticide residue - could cause skin breakout infections, leading to a rash or rosacea."
As an alternative, Bruce suggested washing and peeling the banana and putting the skin in a blender until it becomes a smooth paste.
He added: "Apply to your face using a soft brush or cosmetic sponge – close your eyes and relax for 30 minutes.
"Rinse with tepid water, pat dry and add an SPF moisturiser. Check in the mirror to see a fresh, rejuvenated you, and you won’t have any slip-ups!"
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