Skincare experts have slammed Gen Z's latest TikTok trend of using banana peel on their faces. Influencers have been rubbing the peels all over their skin as an 'exfoliant', claiming it makes it more 'glowy' and that it has anti-aging properties as a 'natural Botox'. Indeed, searches for 'banana peel face mask' have risen by 100% and 'banana peel skincare' by 33 per cent in the last three months, according to skincare brand Absolute Collagen, while videos of the trend on TikTok have racked up hundreds of thousands of views.

However experts and doctors have condemned the trend as 'misinformation', saying its effectiveness as an exfoliant is limited, and may only end up irritating their skin. While bananas contain the antioxidant lutein, which can help brighten the skin, the skin cannot successful absorb this through direct application. Kali Thompson, from London, told her 250,000 followers in a video that she'd been using 'banana Botox' on her skin for the past few months.

As she rubbed the banana peel on her face, she explained: 'A few months ago I started rubbing banana peels on my face and I swear it's made my skin glow more!. 'I saw this woman on here, and she said that it's nature's Botox and she said that it has enzymes in it and I think it exfoliates your face or something. Skincare experts have slammed Gen Z's latest TikTok trend of using banana peel on their faces. Pictured: Kali Thompson from London tries the hack.

'But my skin has gotten so much more glowy! I do it every morning. I love that I can rub banana peel on my face every day but I actually can't be a**** to change my pillow case when this is probably the real issue here for my skin. 'Honestly try it, stick with it for a couple of months and you are going to look like you've had a facelift.'. Another TikTok user, @yourmategingerkate gave a tutorial on using banana skins.

Kate, who lives in Kent and is in her 40s, advocates for using all natural skincare products. Describing her method of using the bananas, she said: 'You are going to get the inside part of your banana skin, and all you are going to do is literally rub that all over your face. This is a brilliant exfoliator, it's brilliant for moisturising the skin. 'It's got enzymes in it which really act as a natural Botox. This is brilliant for fine lines and wrinkles. It's really really easy and takes two minutes to do.'.

She said she will then leave the banana on her face for around 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water and patting dry. Millie Margot from Birmingham tried out the hack after seeing it in the newspaper and said it felt 'so beyond weird' and that she wouldn't be trying it again after it caused her eczema to flare up. Millie Margot from Birmingham tried out the hack after seeing it in the newspaper and said it felt 'so beyond weird'.

TikTok user @Nazeea, who is based in Toronto, said she tried the hack after seeing it would help with 'hydration, brightening, hyperpigmentation and be preventative Botox'. She said: 'I don't think I'll be doing that again, but I'll be honest, my skin feels very smooth!. 'Don't do it on your eye eczema, because my eczema is burning! It is on f**ing fire. 'Other than that, my skin is glowing, but is that moisturiser?'.

Skincare experts, including Dr Dave Reilly, head scientist at Absolute Collagen, have expressed doubts about the trend. He said: 'While eating bananas may be good for your skin, one of the latest TikTok money-saving trends is saving the peel to rub on your face. 'This trend has come from claims that banana skins contain 'lutein', an antioxidant that can help brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

'Other videos on the social media platform suggest that the banana peel will also act as an exfoliant for your skin. 'While it may be true that banana peel contains this antioxidant, it will not be topically absorbed through direct application to the skin. The concentration of lutein in the peel is also not high enough to produce significant results.'. Another TikTok user, @yourmategingerkate gave a tutorial on using banana skins.

Kali said that she has been using banana peels for a few months and has noticed a new glow to her skin. Seeing influencers try out the banana peel 'hack' has inspired many TikTok users to do the same. Dr Reilly added that while exfoliation is an 'essential' step in a skincare routine, a banana skin will have 'limited' effectiveness, and it could actually irritate the skin. He said: 'Unfortunately, TikTok trends like these often spread misinformation about skincare and can become popular quickly.

'That is why I would always recommend sticking to your trusted skincare routine and avoiding any skincare 'hacks' to minimise the risk of irritation.'. TikTok commenters were also divided about the trend as while some claimed it was a staple of their skincare routine, others said it had given them spots and rashes. People said: 'It works! I leave the peels on the worst creases for 30min. I used to do Botox. I don't need Botox anymore';.