INFLUENCER AND SOCIAL media sensation Ashton Hall has set social media ablaze with his unorthodox 4 am morning ritual – both a fitness routine and a recipe for viral fame – which has received over 40 million views on YouTube. Known for mouth taping, dunking his face in ice-cold water, and rubbing banana peels on his skin (yes, really), Hall has taken ‘self-discipline’ to new extremes.
But just how legit is his routine when it comes to skincare? We spoke to a leading dermatologist to get the lowdown.
Meet the expert: Dr Rakesh Anand is a leading Consultant Dermatologist with expertise in all aspects of medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology.
One of the most unusual aspects of Hall’s routine is running a banana peel across his face, which Dr Anand says has limited benefits. “While banana peels contain antioxidants, some natural sugars, and a small amount of vitamin C, these aren’t well absorbed through the skin in a way that makes a meaningful difference.”
Instead, Dr Anand advises that well-formulated skincare product with stabilised vitamin C, for example, would be far more effective. ‘That said,’ he adds, ‘it’s unlikely to cause harm unless someone has a sensitivity to the natural compounds or if the peel isn’t properly washed – pesticide residue, bacteria, etc.’
Next up, ice baths for the face. Ashton is often seen adding bottled Saratoga water to a bowl of ice and dunking his face into it for a few seconds at a tim, but is it worth it?
“Cold therapy, including ice baths or even ice rollers, can help reduce puffiness by constricting blood vessels and may temporarily improve skin tightness. Some people find it refreshing, but the effects are short-lived. For long-term skin health, treatments like IPL, retinoids and antioxidants are far more beneficial than relying on ice alone,” schools Dr Anand.
Hall is also seen removing tape from across his nose. It’s not clear whether this is to related to mouth taping (which he also promotes) or if it’s pore strips. If it is the latter, Dr Anand says “these kind of products can provide a satisfying (if temporary) result by removing surface-level blackheads and sebaceous filaments. However, they don’t address the underlying issue, which is oil production and clogged pores, so the results don’t last. Overuse can also irritate the skin.”
A better approach? Chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid or professional treatments such as extractions or sometimes laser therapy for persistent concerns.
This article originally appeared on Men’s Health UK.
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