You’ve heard of chemical peels for your skin, but what about banana peels? TikTok user @dr.mamina, a dermatologist whose real name is Mamina Turegano, has gained a fan base of more than 860,000 followers in part thanks to her mother Michiko’s viral skincare regime, which includes treating her skin with banana skins. In the video, which has garnered more than 758,000 views, Michiko is seen rubbing a piece of banana skin on her face, neck, arms and hands. Can that part of the banana you usually throw away be a beneficial part of your skincare routine? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mamina Turegano, MD, FAAD (@dr.mamina) Not so fast, says Dr Samer Jaber, a dermatologist at Washington Square Dermatology in New York. “There is no science that [says] rubbing banana peels on your skin can benefit your skin,” Jaber says. “That being said, bananas contain antioxidants and [it is] unlikely to cause any harm to your skin.” Bananas, kiwi, avocados – in your bathroom? Why they’re great for beauty In the video, Turegano says bananas contain properties that are popular in at-home facial masks such as potassium, vitamins, zinc and amino acids. She says the potential benefits include hydration, gentle exfoliation, antioxidant effects and wrinkle reduction . Dr Caroline Robinson, dermatologist and founder of Tone Dermatology, said she was struck by the viral account’s blend of traditional skincare practices with modern skincare from the dermatologist daughter. Robinson noted there are likely no studies surrounding the use of banana skins as a skin treatment. “It’s important to remember that many of our current skincare practices were born out of traditions that were ultimately tested under the scientific method. What we as dermatologists educate our patients about are the ingredients and techniques that have withstood that rigorous test – but that does not mean that there is not a place in each person’s individual skincare routine for traditions.” As a daughter of Nigerian immigrants, Robinson says there are wellness practices she incorporates into her own routine that are derived from her culture. “There are skincare practices with moisturising and fragrances that my mum taught me that I still practise today because they help me feel closer to her and to my culture,” she says. In the video, Turegano says she gets her “love for healthy skin” from her Japanese mother, who is “72 years young”. In other videos, Turegano explains more than bananas go into her mum’s skincare routine. Michiko’s daily routine also includes sunscreen, retinol and moisturiser. She also does facial massages and keeps her body active with yoga , gardening and other exercises. Despite what you may see on social media, Jaber says unfortunately there is no singular “magic” anti-ageing skincare ingredient. “I think her mum is a wonderful example of how having a healthy lifestyle can positively impact your skin,” he says. “I am a big believer in keeping your skincare regimen simple. Protecting yourself from the sun, eating healthy, getting enough sleep, getting yourself moving every day and keeping a positive attitude.”