For most of us, the peel of a banana isn’t of much use, except maybe in some of our compost bins. Or, maybe not even that! We’ve observed that certain social media skincare experts claim that the effortless act of rubbing a banana peel on your face can do miracles on your skin.
Well, it may not be that simple. You can simply throw a banana in your smoothie and then rub the peel on your face. A leading dermatologist says that you shouldn’t rub so fast. As a specialist, he emphasizes more on whether there’s any utilitarian benefit from this DIY skincare tool.
Can Banana Peels Do Anything for Your Skin?
We have seen that many YouTubers and TikTok Kers will make you believe that rubbing a banana peel on your skin is like the waving of a magic wand. According to them, it can accomplish the following:
- Soothe inflammation.
- Minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Lessen dark circles under your eyes.
Doesn’t all the above benefits sound great? However, there’s a catch. Probably, it doesn’t work that way. According to many dermatologists, there isn’t any scientific evidence to establish that rubbing a banana peel on your face will be of any help.
Benefits of Applying a Banana Peel on Your Skin
Although it is yet to be proved that banana peels can do anything for your skin, still there is some science behind the theory.
Bananas are known to be very rich in antioxidants. It is said that antioxidants are naturally occurring substances that are amazing for your body, including your skin. They can be an outstanding inclusion to your skincare regimen.
According to a 2011 study, banana peels, in particular, contain high levels of antioxidants. Surprisingly, the peels of unripe bananas contain more antioxidants compared to ripe and overripe bananas.
What Can Antioxidants Do for Your Skin?
At the very outset, we need to understand what are antioxidants and what can be their utility. To understand them, let’s initially back up and mention skin damage.
A lot of things may cause irreparable damage to your skin, including a phenomenon, called oxidative stress. It may occur if unstable molecules, also known as free radicals bind to your cells, eventually changing their DNA or altering their cell membranes.
Oxidative stress may derive from the sun or the environment, such as smoke and pollution. It may also happen simply as part of the way our usual skin metabolism works. Then this oxidative stress accelerates the aging process by minimizing the amount of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. Visually, you’ll find that this shows up as texture changes, wrinkles, sagging, or skin discoloration.
However, antioxidants resist free radicals, which reduces oxidative stress, making them an important skincare ingredient. But you won’t necessarily procure them from a banana peel, regardless of its ripeness.
Theoretically, you may derive some antioxidants by rubbing the peel on your skin. However, if you aim to adhere to a skincare routine full of antioxidants, you’ll be much better off using an antioxidant-rich skin care product for your face instead.
Should You Make Banana Peels Part of Your Skincare Regimen?
It’s alluring to believe in the power of a skin fix as inexpensive and simple as banana peels. However, the harsh reality is that the benefits are minimal, even if they exist at all. If you’re seeking antioxidants, continue with products that are categorically formulated for the benefit of your skin.
There are a few sources of natural antioxidants. You can buy them as standalone oils. Apply only a little bit! Else, you may look for serums and other products that consider them as an ingredient.
Vitamin C: This skincare favorite has a lot of anti-aging effects. Moreover, it can even out skin pigmentation. Vitamin C is the darling antioxidant for many dermatologists to recommend for patients. It’ll be best if applied during the morning to prevent damage from free radicals that may occur throughout the day. However, never forget to apply a layer of sunscreen over top of it.
Argan Oil: Mostly applied on skin and hair, this natural oil is derived from the kernels of Moroccan argan trees. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to balance the skin’s oil production.
Jojoba Oil: This natural oil, also containing anti-inflammatory effects, is sourced from a shrub that grows in the southwest United States and Northern Mexico. It can mimic your skin’s natural oils, which helps to maintain its balance.
Conclusion
No one can deny that bananas are effective for you when you consume them. So, continue to compost those peels and adhere to skin care products that are meant to do what you need them to.
