By Joy Stephenson-Laws, J.D., Founder

There’s a viral skin care trend going around TikTok lately. Flaxseeds!  People have been making a DIY flaxseed gel mask and calling it “nature’s Botox.” I have always added flaxseeds to my diet. They are great for the gut and rich in nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, selenium, phosphorus and potassium. These seeds are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to have brain and heart health benefits, as well as fiber.

Apparently, a 24-year-old social media influencer by the name of Victoria Benitez started this whole flaxseed face mask craze. In this video, you can see her putting the flaxseed gel on her flawless skin and calling it “nature’s Botox.”  It’s  so amazing what goes viral on social media. Why are people listening to someone who is not even over the young age of 25 talk about Botox and anti-aging?! Of course her skin is wrinkle-free.

Although I don’t see the harm in trying this flaxseed gel face mask (when you don’t have any major skin issues), I certainly would not expect the results that you would get if you were to have Botox injections, which temporarily paralyze certain muscles by blocking certain nerves. The more scientific way of speaking about Botox is to call it a neuromodulator, meaning it alters how nerves transmit information to and from the brain (Mount Sinai).

“The video [referencing Benitez} claims that it has similar effects to Botox, which is a false claim as there are no other ingredients on the market that can work as effectively as neuromodulators,” said Dr. Teresa Song, a board-certified dermatologist, who was interviewed for this article with Yahoo Life.

“Neurotoxins are injected into the muscles to relax the movements and improve fine lines. Scientifically speaking, topical creams or masks can not penetrate deep enough to reach that level.”

I am not an advocate of Botox. Needles in my face? No, thank you. And although it is FDA-approved, I’m still not too keen on the idea of being injected with a neurotoxin. Furthermore, just a few days ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an advisory regarding counterfeit or mishandled Botox injections, according to a report from CNN.

Obviously, getting Botox for cosmetic reasons is a very personal choice, but I prefer a more natural route to maintaining youthful skin. Just because I prefer natural does not mean I am afraid to take advantage of the amazing technological advances that can help us achieve beautiful skin. For example, I highly recommend trying EMFACE. Instead of paralyzing facial muscles like Botox does, EMFACE revitalizes facial muscles through high-intensity facial electrical stimulation (HIFES). Clinical studies with EMFACE on healthy patients have shown that the participants experienced a reduction of wrinkles, boost in muscle tone, rise in muscle density, enhanced facial lift, growth in collagen and double the production of elastin. And, of course, no needles. Sign me up!

I am also a big advocate of T-Shock facials. T-Shock uses a wand that transitions from hot to cold to improve elasticity, tighten and brighten the skin. It honestly feels relaxing to alternate between the cold and hot temperatures. The wand massages the face which also feels great and improves circulation and blood flow. Not only does this treatment stimulate the production of collagen, it also aids in lymphatic drainage which is huge for health and appearance of the skin. Don’t let the word “shock” scare you. This facial feels great and rejuvenating.

Red light therapy (RLT) is a form of low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) and is offered in many medical office settings. Think of it as like a healthy tanning bed. During a session, the light delivers wavelengths of natural red and near infrared light. It’s like the wavelengths you get from sunlight without the harmful UV rays. RLT is reported to improve the appearance of skin and promote healing. You can read more about this awesome therapy and light therapy in general, here.

Remember good skin comes from within.

What you put in your body will usually show on your skin. If you consume a nutrient-void, processed food diet and drink a lot of soda and alcohol, it is very likely you will have a dull and dehydrated complexion. A diet like this promotes inflammation which may promote acne and even premature wrinkles. A high-sugar diet is known to cause more wrinkles in the skin by compromising the production of collagen and elastin through a process known as glycation.

On the other hand, consuming an anti-inflammatory diet, which includes plenty of nutrient-dense, plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices and legumes, is known to promote a radiant complexion. A healthy diet also provides protection from everyday elements that age and damage our skin such as exposure to pollution and excessive sun exposure. A good rule of thumb is to ‘eat the rainbow.’ Go for as many naturally bright and colorful  foods as you can. For example, leafy greens, oranges, berries, beets, sweet potatoes, and pineapple provide protective nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E. Eating nuts, avocado and fatty fish such as salmon is also great for skin health as these foods provide healthy fats that the skin needs to stay supple. Of course, drinking plenty of water is key for hydrated, healthy and younger-looking skin.

Avoid nutritional deficiencies.