Why Can a Homemade Mask Make Skin Look Better?
There is another possibility worth considering.
A homemade mask may temporarily make skin feel softer, smoother, or more hydrated. When the outer layer of the skin contains more moisture, fine lines can sometimes appear less noticeable.
That is very different from actually removing wrinkles.
The temporary cosmetic effect may be enough for someone to believe that a particular recipe has dramatically changed their skin, especially when combined with favorable lighting, makeup, photography, or repeated use.
Bay Leaves Are Not Botox
Botox works in a very specific way.
Botulinum toxin temporarily reduces muscle activity by interfering with nerve signals to targeted muscles. This can soften wrinkles caused by repeated facial movement. Clinical evidence supports its effectiveness for certain types of facial lines.
A bay-leaf preparation applied to the surface of the skin does not work through the same mechanism.
That distinction is
