Many people think banana peels have no use except to put in the compost bin to fertilize plants.

Even many TikTokkers are trying to make the masses believe that rubbing a banana peel on your skin is the equivalent of… waving a magic wand.

Specifically, banana peels help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles , reduce dark circles under your eyes, soothe inflammation,…

There is no scientific evidence that rubbing banana peels on your face will work.

All of that sounds incredibly appealing, but New York-based dermatologist Taylor Bullock, MD, says there’s no scientific evidence that rubbing a banana peel on your face will work.

Benefits of Using Banana Peels for Skin

While banana peels have not been proven to do anything for your skin, there is some basis behind this theory.

“Bananas are rich in antioxidants,” notes Dr. Bullock. “Antioxidants are naturally occurring substances that are great for your body, including your skin, and they are a great addition to your skin care regimen.”

Unripe banana peels have more antioxidants than ripe and overripe banana peels.

A 2011 study found that banana peels are particularly high in antioxidants. Notably, unripe banana peels had more antioxidants than ripe and overripe banana peels.

The effects of antioxidants on the skin

To understand what antioxidants can do, we first need to understand the damage that commonly occurs to our skin.

Many things can damage your skin, including a phenomenon called oxidative stress. It occurs when unstable molecules called free radicals bind to your cells, which can alter their DNA or change their cell membranes.

“Increased oxidation can be caused by sun exposure or environmental factors, like smoke and pollution,” explains Dr. Bullock. “It can also occur as part of our skin’s normal metabolic process.”

This oxidative stress then accelerates the aging process by reducing the amount of collagen and elastic fibers in the skin. Visually, this manifests as wrinkles, sagging, changes in texture or discoloration of the skin.

But antioxidants fight free radicals, reducing oxidative stress. This makes them an important skin care ingredient, but you don’t necessarily get them from a banana peel, no matter how ripe it is.

“In theory, you can get some antioxidants by rubbing the peel on your skin, but if your goal is to have an antioxidant-filled skin-care routine, you’re better off applying an antioxidant-rich skin-care product to your face,” says Dr. Bullock.

Should banana peels be part of your skin care routine?

It’s tempting to believe in the power of a cheap and easy skin remedy like a banana peel, but in reality, the benefits are minimal.

If you’re looking for antioxidants, use products that are specially formulated to provide real benefits to your skin.

Finding the right product for your skin is what you need to do.

Dr. Bullock suggests a few natural sources of antioxidants. You can buy them as individual oils (you only need to use a little) or look for serums and other products that list antioxidants as an ingredient.

– Argan oil: Commonly used on skin and hair, this natural oil is extracted from the kernels of the Moroccan argan tree. “It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help balance the amount of oil produced by the skin,” says Dr. Bullock.

– Jojoba Oil: This natural oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, and is derived from a shrub that grows in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has a similar composition to your skin’s natural oils, helping to maintain balance.

– Vitamin C: This skin-care favorite has anti-aging benefits and can also help even out skin tone. “Vitamin C is my favorite antioxidant to recommend to patients,” Bullock adds. “It’s best applied in the morning to prevent free radical damage that occurs throughout the day. But don’t forget to layer sunscreen on top.”