Skincare Myth: Flax Seed is Natural Botox
Is Flax Seed Natural Botox?
Lately, there’s been a lot of buzz on social media about using flax seed masks as a “natural alternative” to Botox injections. As someone who values evidence-based skincare advice, I was a bit skeptical of these claims. Just because something is trending on Instagram or TikTok doesn’t automatically make it right for your unique skin type and concerns. Before jumping on the flax seed mask bandwagon, let’s take a closer look at the science behind Botox and flax seed oil to determine if they are truly comparable treatments.
Before we get started, take the Baumann Skin Type Quiz for free to take control of your skin health today!
What is botox?
Botox is the brand name for a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin type A. When injected into specific facial muscles, it temporarily paralyzes them and prevents them from contracting. This relaxation of the muscles smooths out existing wrinkles and prevents new ones from forming.
But how exactly does Botox achieve this effect? It all comes down to a protein called SNAP-25 that is involved in the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for making muscles contract. Botox blocks SNAP-25, which in turn blocks acetylcholine release and causes the injected muscles to become temporarily paralyzed and unable to scrunch up the skin into wrinkles.
This mechanism makes Botox extremely effective at treating “dynamic wrinkles” caused by repeated muscle movements like frowning, squinting or raising the eyebrows. The injections directly target and relax the muscles underlying wrinkles in areas like the forehead, between the brows, and around the eyes for a smoother, more youthful appearance.
The effects of Botox typically last 3-6 months, after which touch-up treatments are needed to maintain the results. While safe when administered properly, Botox does carry a small risk of potential side effects like bruising, headaches, or temporary muscle weakness in the treated areas.
What is Flax Seed Oil?
Now let’s look at how flax seed oil and masks made from it actually work on the skin. Flax seeds are a good source of beneficial nutrients like:
Omega-3 fatty acids like alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
Other fatty acids like linoleic acid and oleic acid
Antioxidants like lignans and vitamin E
When applied topically as part of a face mask or moisturizer, flax seed oil provides some notable benefits to skin health:
Hydration from fatty acids that help attract and retain moisture
Anti-inflammatory effects thanks to the omega-3s
Antioxidant protection against sun damage
Potential improvements in skin firmness and elasticity
However, none of flax seed oil’s mechanisms of action directly target the facial muscles and SNAP-25 protein the way Botox does. Its benefits are limited to the outer layers of skin, providing nourishment, hydration, and protection. It is important to understand that I am not saying flax seed oil is a bad ingredient; on the contrary, I think it can be beneficial for many skin types to include in their daily regimen. You can find my complete thoughts on flax seed oil in this blog. The purpose of this blog is simply to dispel the myth that flax seed is natural Botox. It simply is not natural botox. If flax seed oil is right for your skin type, I recommend some of these products:
Key Differences Between Botox and Flax Seed
While both aim to improve skin’s appearance, Botox and flaxseed masks work in fundamentally different ways:
Botox relaxes facial muscles from the inside out to smooth wrinkles, while flax seed oil only acts on the outer skin layers, and doesn’t impact muscles.
Botox prevents dynamic wrinkles from forming in the first place, something flax seed masks cannot do.
Botox reduces existing wrinkles more dramatically and immediately through muscle paralysis. Flax seed masks may eliminate some free radicals on the skin over time, but not to the same effect.
The effects of Botox are temporary so require ongoing treatments to maintain. Flax seed can be included in one of your daily skin care products.
Botox carries some minor safety risks from injections that flax seed masks applied topically do not have.
Conclusion – Flax seed is not Natural Botox
While flax seed masks can impart some respectable skin benefits from their nutritional makeup, the simple fact is flax does not work on the same biological mechanisms that make Botox so effective for dynamic wrinkles.
Claims that flax seed masks are a true “natural alternative” to Botox are misleading. The two have fundamentally different mechanisms of action and cannot be considered substitutes or equally effective treatments.
This isn’t to say flax seed products are bad – they still provide benefits like hydration, anti-inflammatory effects, and potential improvements in elasticity over time with regular use. But they work on the surface of skin, not the underlying muscles that crunch it into wrinkles.
When it comes to social media skincare advice, it’s important to take viral trends with a grain of salt. Something that seems to work wonders for one person’s Baumann skin type might not produce the same results for you. Always do your research from reputable science-based sources to make informed choices about what’s right for your individual skin.
To get the best recommendations for your skin care routine, take our quiz today!
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
