Flaxseeds are grown and cultivated in more than 50 countries, including the United States. While this unassuming seed has many gut health benefits, it has been gaining attention for another reason.
Social media influencers have been touting its benefits for your skin—especially when made into a DIY face mask. But does it really have a Botox effect like they claim?
Here’s what skincare experts say you need to know about the potential benefits—and risks—of using flaxseed masks.
Flaxseeds are rich in polysaccharides, which give the mask that jelly texture and help form a lightweight film on the skin, according to Mollie Kelly Tufman, PhD, a biochemist and founder of The Beauty Lab. “This film can temporarily lock in moisture, smooth rough texture, and give skin a firmer feel—kind of like a plant-based primer,” she said.
When applied to your skin, this gel forms a temporary film that feels firming and hydrating, kind of like a gentle, plant-based sheet mask.
Flaxseeds also contain trace amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants like lignans, but these don’t penetrate deeply in mask form.
According to Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and a clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, flaxseed masks are not going to have a Botox effect.
“Any good moisturizer that contains humectants to hydrate the skin, emollients to support the skin barrier, and occlusives to lock in moisture will help the skin temporarily look better, smoother, and plumper,” said Dr. King. “But that is not the same thing as a Botox effect. Botox works by interfering with communication between the nerves and the muscles to decrease muscle contraction.”
To make a flaxseed mask at home, Shantani Smith-Pannell, a licensed esthetician and educator at Ogle School, suggests doing a patch test first to rule out any allergies. Though flaxseed allergies are uncommon, they are increasing. To look for allergies, test the mask on a quarter-sized patch of skin for a few days to see how you react.
Once you’re ready to try it on your face, you will need 2 tablespoons of whole flaxseeds, 1 cup of filtered water, and a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer.
Follow these steps to create, apply, and store your mask:
- Add the flaxseeds and water to a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Stir occasionally for about five minutes, until it forms a thick, gel-like consistency.
- Remove from heat and strain out the seeds using a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer while still warm. (The gel gets thicker as it cools.)
- Let the gel cool fully before applying.
- Leave the mask on your face for about 10 to 20 minutes.
- Store your flaxseed gel in a clean, airtight container in the fridge for about seven days.
- Add a few drops of vitamin E oil as a natural preservative if you would like.
“I’ve made [this mask] by putting half a cup of flaxseeds in a mason jar and adding in 2 cups of boiling water,” said Asma Alali, a medical aesthetician from SkinSpirit’s Katy, Texas clinic. Boiling the seeds outright may damage them, so steeping them in boiling water may be a better option if you don’t have time to watch them on the stove.
You can customize your flaxseed gel depending on what your skin needs that day. “I like honey for its antibacterial and hydrating properties—it’s also great for acne-prone or dry skin,” Hannah Kopelman, DO, a board-certified dermatologist and host of the podcast Derm Club, told Health. “Aloe vera is soothing and can calm down redness or irritation, especially after sun exposure…Just be mindful about mixing too many things at once.”
Our experts recommend the following customizations depending on your goals:
- Honey: For glowing skin and hydration, Smith-Pannell recommends honey because it’s a natural humectant that draws moisture into the skin and soothes irritation. It can also be an antibacterial, she said.
- Aloe vera gel: If you’re looking to calm your skin, Dr. Kopelman says aloe vera is perfect for redness and sensitivity.
- Turmeric: If you want to address inflammation, try a pinch of turmeric, said Alani. But limit your use to about once or twice a week, especially because it can stain your skin and hands.
- Rosewater: For balance and aroma, Smith-Pannell said rosewater adds a luxurious scent and balances your skin’s pH.
- Tea tree oil: Those with acne-prone skin may want to try tea tree oil, especially because it is antibacterial and purifying, said Smith-Pannell. But use it sparingly—1 drop per tablespoon of gel..
For most people, using the mask one to two times per week is enough, said Dr. Kopelman. If you have dry or flaky skin, you might benefit from using it up to three times a week, since the gel can help lock in hydration.
If you have a known flaxseed allergy, obviously steer clear of these masks. Also, if you have sensitive skin, rosacea, or active eczema, you may want to avoid DIY masks unless you have cleared them with a dermatologist. The National Rosacea Society suggests that people with rosacea reduce the number of things they use on their skin and instead look for products that accomplish multiple goals.
Dr. Kopelman suggests not using the mask if:
- You have a flaxseed allergy
- Your skin is broken or has an open wound
- You have a sunburn
- You have a skin infection
- You have a skin condition like eczema or rosacea
- You have acne-prone skin
- You develop a rash or increased breakouts
- The mask stings or burns your skin
Overall, flaxseed is generally gentle, but everyone’s skin is different. “It’s a great DIY option at home with few side effects…but it is a good idea to patch test before trying this out on your face,” said Alali.
Using a flaxseed mask on your face can hydrate your skin, smooth its rough texture, and give it a firmer feel. However, its results are temporary and don’t come close to working like Botox.
If you want to make one of the DIY masks for your face, test a patch of skin first. Once you’re sure it’s safe for you, you might want to use it for a pick-me-up once in a while.
