Could a DIY Flaxseed Mask Really Replace Your Botox? What an Expert Says

A woman has become an online sensation after promoting her "Botox you make at home" concoction to reduce wrinkles.

Victoria Benitez, 24, of Los Angeles has recently racked up 6.5 million views on TikTok after sharing a video of the gloopy gel that she made with just two ingredients: flaxseed and boiled water.

Benitez's glowing skin appears to be flawless, with no lines. "This hack has boosted my confidence a lot. It makes me feel really good when I leave the house with no makeup and I get compliments on my skin," she told Newsweek.

Flaxseed is high in omega-3 fatty acids and nutrients. Benitez, the founder of the wellness company BeSpokenSociety, spends $6 on a bag of flaxseed that lasts for one month.

The average cost of botulinum toxin injections is $528, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Benitez said she has never had Botox and has no intentions of getting it.

During the viral video, Benitez says her "skin cells are dancing" as she slathers on the gooey mask.

She told Newsweek: "Everyone's skin is different, and while I would love for everyone to try this specific mask, I know that not everyone will have the same result.

She went on: "I think people forget that this mask is still skin care just because it is natural. So much of skin care and buying products is trial and error. People should have that same attitude when turning to nature.

"My overall goal in sharing this mask was to provide people with a healthier alternative and start getting people to be more aware of what they are putting on their bodies."

What Are the Benefits of Flaxseed?

Flaxseed is more commonly used to improve digestive health or relieve constipation. This source of fiber can be added to baked goods, smoothies, cereal and more, according to the Mayo Clinic. It may also help lower total blood cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol levels, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

In a study conducted at the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, a German research institution in Düsseldorf, researchers divided 13 women into two groups, with half receiving safflower seed supplements for 12 weeks and the other getting flaxseed oil supplements.

By the end of the study, those who used flaxseed oil had improved skin smoothness and hydration, while their skin sensitivity to irritation and roughness had decreased.

Can Flaxseed Reduce Signs of Aging?

While Benitez swears by the natural anti-aging remedy, aesthetic specialist Vanessa Coppola told Newsweek that nothing compares to the real deal.

Coppola, a nurse practitioner based in New Jersey, said: "You are not going to get the effects of Botox that is injected. We currently cannot produce that effect topically. There is also no scientific evidence that supports the use of flaxseed oil benefits when applied topically to the skin."

Coppola who works at the Bare Aesthetic clinic, continued: "Theoretically, you may be losing quite a bit of its health benefits. When you do mix flaxseed oil and boil it with water, it will produce a gel-like consistency that, when applied to the skin, will dry and feel tight.

"This effect is temporary and will not reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles once you wash it off," she said.

What Do the Commenters Say?

So far, the clip, which is captioned "God I love this mask," has amassed more than 737,000 likes and more than 3,100 comments.

One user wrote: "My skin has never felt as soft and tight - in LOVE with this right now - thanks for sharing!!!!"

Another said: "The way when I did this every night for an hour my acne literally went away."

Another user wrote: "My dad has been using this forever on his hair. He is 74 and has a full head of hair with zero balding."

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