People Are Rubbing Banana Peels on Their Face For Younger-Looking Skin
Did you ever think you’d see the day people are rubbing banana peels on their face to promote better skin? While it might sound absolutely bananas, this theory doesn’t come from nowhere. Banana peels do feature “many bioactive compounds, particularly antioxidants like ascorbic acid, carotene, and cyanidin, which are anti-inflammatory,” says New York dermatologist Elaine Kung, MD. “These bioactive compounds may be helpful in anti-aging and reducing inflammation in acneic skin.” However, little is known about how much banana peels help skin in reality, and some of the TikTok claims have gone too far.
The antioxidants in bananas like vitamin C and E “can help protect the skin from free radicals and promote a healthy complexion and may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging,” says celebrity aesthetician Amy Peterson. “They also contain natural oils and potassium, which can help moisturize and hydrate the skin. Bananas contain various bioactive compounds which have anti-inflammatory properties. This may help reduce skin redness and irritation caused by acne or other skin conditions.”