A fitness influencer’s unusual morning routine, featuring dunking his face in ice water and rubbing banana peel on his face, has recently gone viral, sparking both fascination and ridicule online. Ashton Hall, a fitness coach and self-proclaimed entrepreneur, has captured the internet’s attention with his elaborate regimen, leaving many questioning the legitimacy and practicality of his methods.
Ashton Hall’s Viral Morning Routine
Ashton Hall’s morning routine begins at precisely 3:52 am, as reported by Hindustan Times. He starts by staring at himself in the mirror before removing black tape from his mouth, a practice known as mouth taping, which some believe improves sleep quality and reduces snoring, according to PerthNow. However, this practice lacks strong scientific evidence and may pose health risks.
What follows is a detailed five-hour routine, including an intense workout, journaling, swimming, breakfast, and even client meetings. The Daily Mail reports that Hall also dunks his head twice into a bowl filled with ice water and fruit. Adding to the unusual nature of the routine, Hall is seen eating a banana and then rubbing its peel on his face before starting work.
Ice Water Facials: A Chilling Trend
Benefits of Dunking Your Face in Ice Water
Dunking your face in ice water, also known as an “ice water facial,” has become a popular trend, with many claiming it offers various benefits for the skin.
- Reduces Puffiness: The cold temperature constricts blood vessels and reduces swelling, which can help minimize puffiness around the eyes and face, explains Times of India.
- Tightens Pores: Cold temperatures cause the skin to contract, which can temporarily tighten the appearance of pores, giving the skin a smoother and more refined look, says Times of India.
- Soothes Inflammation: Ice has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm redness, irritation, and inflammation in the skin, according to Times of India.
- Increases Circulation: Cold temperatures stimulate blood circulation in the skin, which can promote a healthy, rosy complexion, explains Times of India.
- Energizes the Skin: The shock of cold water or ice on the skin can have an invigorating effect, waking up your senses and providing a natural energy boost, says Times of India.
- Hydration: Dunking your face in ice water gives your skin a quick splash of water that boosts hydration, helping your face look plump and refreshed, according to Facedunk.
Expert Opinions on Ice Water Facials
While many beauty hack videos tout the benefits of ice water facials, some dermatologists consider it an Instagram trend. Dermatologist Jaishree Sharad told NDTV that dunking the face in ice water can reduce puffiness temporarily due to vasoconstriction. However, she advises against prolonged or repetitive exposure to extremely cold ice water, as it can dehydrate the skin.
According to Liz Earle Wellbeing, cold temperatures cause the blood vessels under your skin to constrict, reducing puffiness, inflammation, and redness. When these blood vessels return to normal, it leaves skin with a healthy and refreshed look.
Potential Risks and Considerations
Despite the potential benefits, it’s essential to consider the risks associated with ice water facials.
- Skin Irritation: Icing more than once a day can lead to irritation, Get the Gloss reports.
- Dehydration: Dermatologist Jaishree Sharad warns that doing it every day will dehydrate your skin, according to NDTV.
- Not a Solution for Serious Skin Conditions: Cold water therapy is not a solution for serious skin conditions such as acne and rosacea, though it can temporarily reduce inflammation associated with these conditions, according to Get the Gloss.
- Cardiovascular Conditions: It’s important to approach cold water therapy with caution, especially for those with cardiovascular conditions, News Medical reports.
Rubbing Banana Peel on Your Face: Natural Botox or Gimmick?
Claims and Alleged Benefits
The trend of rubbing banana peel on the face has gained popularity on social media, with influencers claiming it offers a “natural Botox effect.” They suggest it can exfoliate, tighten, and brighten skin, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, reduce dark circles under the eyes, and soothe inflammation, reports Cleveland Clinic and The Express Tribune.
Expert Opinions on Banana Peel Facials
However, skincare experts are warning that this hack might do more harm than good. Dr. Dave Reilly, Head Scientist at Absolute Collagen, warns that using banana peels as an exfoliant is “far from ideal” and could “irritate your skin,” according to The Express Tribune and The Scotsman.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, while you could theoretically get some antioxidants by rubbing the peel on your skin, you’re much better off applying an antioxidant-rich skin care product to your face instead.
Potential Risks and Considerations
- Pesticide Exposure: Banana peels, particularly from commercially grown bananas, can contain significant pesticide residues, warns Hindustan Times and OnlyMyHealth. Directly applying these peels to your skin presents a different risk entirely, potentially causing irritant contact dermatitis.
- Lack of Scientific Evidence: Despite claims of a “natural Botox effect,” there’s no scientific evidence to back up the idea that banana peels can tighten or rejuvenate skin, reports The Express Tribune and The Scotsman.
- Skin Irritation: Using banana peel as an exfoliant is far from ideal and could irritate your skin, warns The Express Tribune and The Scotsman.
- Limited Absorption of Nutrients: While bananas contain antioxidants like lutein, these nutrients can’t be effectively absorbed through direct application, explains The Express Tribune.
- Allergic Reactions: Those with eczema, rosacea, or acne-prone skin are more prone to reactions, warns OnlyMyHealth. People with banana allergies should also avoid the practice, according to Verywellhealth.
The Verdict
While some aspects of Ashton Hall’s morning routine, such as exercise and mindfulness, are generally considered beneficial, the more unconventional elements, like ice water face dunks and banana peel facials, are met with skepticism from experts.
While ice water facials may offer temporary benefits like reduced puffiness and increased circulation, they are not a long-term solution for skin concerns and may even cause dehydration or irritation with overuse. Similarly, the claim that rubbing banana peel on your face provides a “natural Botox effect” lacks scientific evidence and poses potential risks, such as pesticide exposure and skin irritation.
Ultimately, it’s essential to approach viral skincare trends with caution and consult with a dermatologist before incorporating them into your routine. As Dr. Arushi Suri, Consultant Dermatologist and Aesthetic Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, Jaipur, advises, “Most hacks are shared for clicks, not clinical results. Always consult a dermatologist before trying unproven methods,” according to OnlyMyHealth.
