Lately, flaxseeds have been in the limelight on social media, especially on TikTok, where skincare enthusiasts believe that applying them to the face gives Botox-like effects. Sounds too good to be true, right? Flaxseeds are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, and antioxidants, all of which play a significant role in maintaining healthy skin. They can help reduce inflammation, provide hydration, and even prevent premature aging of the skin. Claiming that these tiny little seeds can mimic the effects of Botox – a procedure involving the injection of botulinum toxin into the skin to temporarily paralyze the target muscles – something I’m not too sure about! However, one can definitely get benefits by adding them to their daily routine. In this article, I will talk about several ways of adding flaxseeds to your routine to get maximum yet realistic benefits.
The Viral Flaxseeds Gel Mask
First, let’s just talk about the infamous face mask that has been all over the internet for quite some time now with over 80 million views on TikTok alone.
Preparation
It is quite easy to prepare. Boil 2-3 cups of water, add ½ cup of flaxseeds, and allow it to settle for at least 2 hours. Separate the seeds from the gel using a strainer, colander, or cheesecloth. This mask has a slimy almost snail-mucin-like texture.
Application
Apply it directly to your dry face and leave it for 20-30 mins. You will notice a tightening effect as it continues to dry. Once completely dried, you can wash it off with lukewarm water.
Unfortunately, the effects don’t last long. But the good thing is that applying this mask 2-3 times a week will hydrate and plump your skin and might as well smoothen it a bit. Its effects are comparable to the ones you get from hyaluronic acid, definitely not Botox!
While incorporating it into your skincare routine, it is important to keep certain things in mind.
- Spot-test the mask by applying it on the back of your hand first to check for any allergic reactions.
- Add soothing agents like aloe vera gel if you have sensitive skin to prevent irritation.
- Avoid overusing the mask as it may cause micro trauma to the skin.
Flaxseeds Face and Body Scrub
With the ingredients present in your pantry, you can prepare a scrub that can be used on the face as well as the body.
Preparation
You’ll need ¼ cup of ground flaxseeds, ¼ coconut oil (for moisturization), and ½ cup of brown sugar (for exfoliation). Mix them all and you will get a thick paste. You can add a few drops of any essential oil for fragrance, but this is totally optional. Transfer this mixture to an airtight container that can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week.
Application
Before applying make sure your face is clean and damp. Scoop a bit of the scrub and massage the scrub in circular motions on the face but remember to be super gentle to avoid causing any irritation or trauma to the skin. once you’re done massaging, rinse it off with lukewarm water and pat dry your skin with a towel. Avoid using it any more than once or twice a week.
After using it for 3-4 weeks your skin will get lighter, smoother, and softer, and it will look more refreshed.
Dietary Flaxseeds – My Favorite!
Want to get the maximum benefits for your skin from this wonderful ingredient? Adding these seeds to your diet is the best way to go. You can use flaxseed oil as a supplement or even use it for cooking. People with dry and sensitive skin can especially benefit from this. Taking about 1 tsp of flaxseed oil is sufficient to improve overall skin health.
Another way of incorporating flaxseeds into your diet is by grinding them into fine powder which can easily be added to your favorite smoothies, acai bowls, or oatmeal. Flaxseeds are rich in fiber which may help increase collagen in the skin. Collagen is what keeps your skin young and healthy. Flaxseeds are known to regulate estrogen levels and as a result, can help to reduce hormonal acne. A balanced intake of flaxseeds is a good way to maintain good gut health, which is essential for healthy and radiant skin.
In brief, flaxseeds are pretty much safe to use and have wonderful properties that can help achieve some of your skincare goals such as providing hydration, soothing effects, and some anti-aging benefits. However, it is important to have realistic expectations, especially from things you see online. While flaxseeds can improve overall skin health, the possibility of them being an alternative to treatments like Botox is close to none. Remember to incorporate these tiny magical seeds into your skincare routine and diet to get the most out of them while keeping your expectations on the ground.