- Viral fitness creator Ashton Hall’s elaborate 3 a.m. morning routine, including mouth taping, ice water face dunks, and rubbing banana peels on his skin, has sparked widespread fascination and memes. While some steps have minor scientific support, others lack proven benefits.
- Experts confirm that cold water immersion can boost alertness and temporarily reduce puffiness, but banana peels and specific water brands offer little to no significant skincare advantages.
- Medical professionals caution against mouth taping without consultation, citing potential risks like impaired breathing and disrupted sleep despite claims of improved nasal breathing.
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Viral fitness creator Ashton Hall is waking up the internet — literally. His elaborate morning routine, which starts at 3 a.m., features mouth taping, face dunking in spring water, and rubbing banana peels on his skin.
The viral video has sparked curiosity, questions, and plenty of memes. Now, we’re separating fact from fiction.
Banana peels for skincare?
One of the most talked-about steps in Hall’s routine is rubbing a banana peel on his face. Online wellness influencers claim it works like nature’s Botox — brightening skin, reducing acne, and even minimizing wrinkles.
While banana peels do contain antioxidants and vitamin C, dermatologists say the results are likely minimal. Florida-based Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center notes that a ripe banana peel may offer some topical nourishment but provides no significant skincare benefit.
There’s currently no scientific evidence that banana peels can deliver long-term results or replace traditional skincare.
Should you dunk your face in ice water?
Ice water is another key part of Hall’s morning ritual. He uses it for repeated face dunks — not just in any water, but in Saratoga Spring Water, which has gone viral right along with him.
Scientific studies have explored cold water immersion and its benefits. A 2024 Stanford University study found that cold exposure may increase levels of endorphins and norepinephrine. These hormones can improve mood, alertness, and even resilience to stress.
For mental clarity or a quick energy boost, experts say cold water immersion may help.
The results are more mixed when it comes to skincare. Icing your face can reduce puffiness and inflammation temporarily. A review from McGill University noted that while it may offer a short-term improvement in skin appearance, it’s no substitute for an effective skincare routine.
One dermatologist told Vogue that icing the skin may help firm fine lines and soothe sunburn. However, they caution against viewing it as a miracle solution.
In the video, Hall exclusively uses Saratoga Spring Water during his ice dunks. Although this particular water brand has no proven skin benefit, the exposure has paid off for the company.
MarketWatch reported that Saratoga’s parent company saw a 2% increase in stock value after Hall’s video went viral. Google Trends also shows a surge in searches for “Saratoga Water” in the days following the video’s release.
Is mouth taping safe?
Mouth taping has gained popularity on TikTok, where influencers claim it improves sleep quality, reduces snoring, and can even help define the jawline. In Hall’s video, he begins his routine by peeling tape off his mouth.
WebMD reports there’s limited research on mouth taping. Some evidence suggests it may help with mild sleep apnea or asthma control. However, health experts from Henry Ford Health warn it could also lead to impaired breathing, reduced oxygen levels, and disrupted sleep.
In fact, when users search “mouth taping” on TikTok, the app redirects them to suicide prevention resources instead of videos.
Plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Barrett told his followers on TikTok that mouth taping may support better nasal breathing, which in turn can help circulate oxygen more effectively in the body. Still, medical professionals recommend consulting a doctor before trying it.
What’s the verdict?
While parts of Ashton Hall’s routine — like cold water immersion — are supported by science, others are more hype than health.
Experts recommend caution and consultation with a medical professional before adopting any extreme wellness practice. Viral trends may spark curiosity, but your wellness routine should be safe, consistent, and personalized.
And maybe… save the bananas for breakfast.