The use of botox as a cosmetic treatment has been much debated, but one thing people can be sure of is that it works; the science behind it is well known, with the toxin included having the effect of semi-paralysing areas of tissues to prevent the sagginess that allows lines and wrinkles to manifest themselves.

However, as is so often the case with any kind of beauty product these days, there is always an online influencer or ‘expert’ who offers a home-made ‘life hack’ alternative and claims this is just as, if not more, effective.

Yahoo News has just assessed the latest case, the founder of online wellness community BeSpoken Society Victoria Benitez. She recently took to Tik-Tok to promote a mixture of flaxseed and water as ‘Botox you make at home’ and her video soon went viral.

However, dermatologist Dr Teresa Song of New York-based Marmur Medical, rejected the idea that a flaxseed concoction could do the same thing as Botox.

She told Yahoo News: “Although the benefits of oral flaxseed have been studied with potential anti-inflammatory properties, topical usage of flaxseed currently does not have substantial supporting scientific evidence.”

Describing the claims made by Ms Benitez as “false”, Dr Song explained why: “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,” she stated.

Given the fact that Ms Benitez is obviously too young to develop wrinkles, one might think her claims to have discovered a magic potion should be treated with scepticism anyway, although some have been excited by them.

While it is true that some topical treatments can help to an extent by combating skin ageing, none have the same comprehensive effect as Botox or fillers. If you are looking for a way to remove unsightly lines or wrinkles, these remain tried and tested techniques, unlike the snake oil (or flaxseed) being promoted on social media.