Every time I open up TikTok, there’s some new beauty “hack” that everyone’s swearing by. There was the “glass skin” trend, “slugging,” and of course turmeric face masks. I mean, we’re all just trying to figure out how to stay wrinkle-free and young forever. But with all the promises people make on TikTok (i.e. “this will reverse aging in your skin!”) it’s hard to tell what’s legit and what’s straight BS. So when there’s a skincare trend going around being labeled as a “natural botox,” I don’t blame you for being both highly curious but also super skeptical.
Multiple influencers have claimed that using flaxseed gel on their face is basically giving them the effects of botox. Now, if true, that’s a pretty big deal. But because we are logical people who don’t just take what we hear off TikTok as fact, we’re going to consult with a professional.
Dermatologist Roger Kapoor, MD, explains that flaxseed gel is a thick, gelatinous substance made from boiled flax seeds. Because it’s rich in mega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and protein, people typically use it as a hair mask. So what happens when you use it on the skin?
Is Flaxseed Gel A “Natural Botox”?
@itshelenmelon had to try this after seeing SO MUCH hype about it! Two ingredients: water and flaxseeds. It’s an easy at-home skincare secret! Final verdict is at the end and it should be okay for all skin types! 🤗 #flaxseed #flaxseedmask #winterskincare #athomefacial #diyfacemask #hydratingskincare #hydratingfacemask #easyskincare ♬ Big mood – aApVision
As a skin product, flaxseed gel is sometimes referred to as “natural botox” because it has properties that may help improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and provide a temporary tightening effect. “Similar to how botox works to smooth skin,” Dr. Kapoor tells Betches.
The omega-3s in flaxseed gel keep your skin hydrated and calm down any inflammation (aka redness and puffiness). Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants that act like bodyguards, protecting your skin from those sneaky free radicals that speed up aging. So, not only does it hydrate, but it also helps soften those fine lines, making your skin look smoother and more youthful.
But a natural botox? Eh, not exactly. “Flaxseed gel’s effects are mild compared to the long-lasting, more pronounced results of Botox injections, which temporarily paralyze muscles and cause wrinkles,” Dr. Kapoor says. It only tightens the skin’s surface, so you’re not getting the strength or longevity of results that you’d get with actual botox.
“If you’re looking for a ‘Cinderella’ botox effect that wears off as soon as the dryness fades, then flaxseeds will deliver,” he says.
It’s completely understandable to want to explore less invasive options before deciding whether Botox is right for you, adds Dr. Akis Ntonos, an expert in cosmetic dermatology, co-founder of Aion Aesthetics and partner with Certainly Health.
“For many, the thought of getting Botox for the first time can be daunting,” Dr. Ntonos says. “However, using flaxseed gel isn’t a realistic way to preview the effects of Botox. There are more effective methods, such as opting for hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, which can give you a better sense of the potential results.”
Are There Any Other Skincare Products That Are A Natural Botox?
For most people, botox results last between three and four months. “On the other hand, flaxseed gel operates in an entirely different way. It does not affect muscle activity at all,” he says. “While it does hydrate the skin, giving it a youthful glow, it doesn’t address wrinkles at their source like Botox does. The effects of flaxseed gel, while beneficial, are temporary and typically last only a few days.”
While nothing can fully replicate the effects of botox, there are alternative options. “Many substances and practices can temporarily improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and give skin a smoother, more youthful look,” Dr. Kapoor says.
Retinoids are basically the MVP of anti-aging. They boost collagen, smooth out fine lines, and make your skin cells turn over tenfold. Peptides are another powerhouse — think of them as your skin’s personal trainers, firming things up and mimicking a botox effect over time. Hyaluronic acid? That’s your hydration hero, pulling moisture into your skin for that plump, dewy look everyone’s after.
Then there’s Vitamin C serum, which brightens and protects, while niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) evens out skin tone and smooths texture. Alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids exfoliate like pros, revealing fresh skin underneath, and fancy oils like rosehip and argan keep things nourished. Don’t forget your sunscreen to stop UV rays from ruining all your hard work, and if you’re feeling fancy, a little laser therapy or gua sha action can give you a lifted, firmer vibe without needles.
And of course, you can’t forget the most important weapons in your arsenal: a little H2O and a lot of good rest.
“Drinking plenty of water and using hydrating skincare products can plump the skin, making fine lines less noticeable and giving the skin a more youthful glow,” he says. “Sleep and managing stress helps your skin repair itself and reduces the appearance of stress-related aging signs like wrinkles and dullness.”
When To Start Botox? If That’s Your Thing
You can try all the skincare in the world, but sometimes our skin will age regardless. We’re humans — we were born to age! But if that’s not a good enough answer for you, and you’re thinking about using the real stuff, you want to be strategic about when you put botox into play.
“The best time to start is when you begin to see fine lines or wrinkles appear, which generally takes place in your mid-20s or early 30s,” Dr. Kapoor says. “When started early, botox injections can stop fine lines and wrinkles from becoming deep lines or crevices in your skin.”
He explains that if you’ve got deep wrinkles that stick around even when you have a resting bitch face (aka static wrinkles), botox can swoop in to help. These lines come from aging, losing collagen, or just making the same facial expressions for years. botox really shines with “dynamic wrinkles” — the ones that show up when you frown, squint, or smile — like on your forehead, around your eyes, or between your brows.
But botox isn’t just for wrinkles. It can also tackle embarrassing sweat situations (hyperhidrosis) by blocking the nerves that trigger sweat in places like your underarms or palms, giving you sweat-free vibes for six months or more. If your skincare routine is solid but not quite cutting it on the anti-aging front, botox can give you that extra boost.
“Botox may be a good choice if you’re looking for a non-invasive, non-surgical solution to improve your appearance without downtime,” Dr. Kapoor says.
Just remember not to overdo it. You don’t want to end up with pillow face or worse… people thinking that you’re laughing when you’re actually crying (for my Selling Sunset fans, IYKYK).
