Forget Ashton Hall’s 3:50am alarm! Scientists reveal the ultimate morning routine (and it doesn’t involve banana skins, ice facials, or mouth tape!)

His extreme early morning fitness and skincare routine has taken the internet by storm.

US influencer Ashton Hall, who calls himself an ‘online coach’, has posted several videos showing off his ‘pre-dawn’ rituals.

From waking up at 3:50am to wearing mouth tape, and even rubbing banana peel on his face, much of his routine is rather unusual.  

The influencer, 29, also has regular ice bath facials – which involves plunging his face into a bowl of icy water – and sprays his face with cucumber-infused water.

While his videos have taken the internet by storm, experts have warned that some of his practices can actually be dangerous. 

Speaking to MailOnline, Dr Kate Jameson, a leading dermatologist and cosmetic physician who co-founded Youth Lab in Australia, said: ‘While some of Ashton’s habits are relatively harmless and may offer short-term aesthetic benefits, others could potentially compromise skin health or general wellbeing.

‘Social media often blurs the line between personal experimentation and evidence-based practice, so it’s always best to consult a qualified professional before adopting any new routine.’

So, what is the best way to start the day? Here’s what the experts have to say.  

So, what is the best way to start the day? Here’s what the experts have to say (stock image) 

Wake up at 6:44am…but don’t get out of bed until 7:12am

Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, a former child brainiac who has previously presented Countdown, claims to have come up with a winning formula to get the best possible start to the day.

It was developed based on a survey of 2,000 adults in the UK who were asked about their morning routines and how they felt afterwards.

The survey found 6.44am is exactly the best time to wake up — but you shouldn’t actually get out of bed until precisely 7.12am.

This should be followed by 21 minutes exercising, spending 10 minutes in the shower and 18 minutes eating breakfast, results suggested.

Dr Imafidon says that while these times appear to be optimal, you can use her formula to plug in your own timings to find the perfect, personalised routine.

The only thing that’s non-negotiable is you must get eight hours of sleep.

Ditch your morning cappuccino for a glass of orange juice

Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, a former child brainiac who has previously presented Countdown, claims to have come up with a winning formula to get the best possible start to the day

While ice baths can help de-puff the face, scientists say prolonged or frequent exposure to very cold temperatures can compromise the skin barrier, lead to broken capillaries, and trigger sensitivity or redness in some skin types

Recent research revealed that 43 per cent of Brits are skipping breakfast each morning – arguably the most important meal of the day

Award-winning nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire said: ‘A nutritious breakfast is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, but today’s non-stop daily routines mean many are forgoing the most important meal of the day. 

‘Breakfast is crucial for fuelling the brain, helping to boost focus and energy levels throughout the day, and reducing the likelihood of feeling sluggish or reaching for unhealthy snacks later in the evening. 

‘My advice is to find quick and easy ways to incorporate a nutritious breakfast into your morning routines and stick with it:

1. Swap your cappuccino for a glass of orange juice: One small glass (150 ml) of orange juice packs over 80 per cent of your daily vitamin C targets, giving you a hydrating immunity-boost with a touch of folate for healthy cell growth.

2. Prep overnight oats the night before: This grab-and-go, nutrient-packed breakfast helps digestion and your overall gut health. By mixing up the toppings to a variety of nuts, seeds, and fruit, you’ll easily reach your 30 a-week.

3. Mix berries with Greek yogurt: It’s packed with protein, antioxidants, and essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and vitamin B12 – a tasty way to fuel your day and keep your gut happy.

4. Go for wholegrain cereal or toast: It’s a high-fibre, energy-boosting breakfast that supports your digestion and provides B vitamins to help turn your food into fuel. Perfect for a steady start to the day.

Experts have warned against rubbing banana peel on your face, saying it could cause irritation for people suffering from eczema or dermatitis

Have a kitchen disco

Most scientists will say any form of movement – whether it be going for a jog or lifting weights – is beneficial for your health.

But for those who struggle to feel motivated, simply dancing around your kitchen for 20 minutes every morning is enough to reach the recommended dose of weekly exercise, according to an expert.

Researchers discovered that people who take part in free-form bouts of dance reach at least a moderate physical activity level.

Current guidelines suggest that adults take part in 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise per week.

Dr Aston McCullough, from Northeastern University, said: ‘Most people think of dance as something that is light and really easy, but really if you just tell someone to “have a dance” they’re going to get to that level of intensity that you would ask them to do if you were a personal trainer.’

Simplify your skincare routine 

While some people may have time to perfect a 15-step skincare routine, associate professor of dermatology Dr Rosanne Paul, from Case Western Reserve University, said a ‘lazy’ routine is still pretty good for your skin.

Instead of giving your face an ice bath or rubbing banana peel on your skin, dermatologists recommend a simple cleanser followed by an SPF (stock image) 

She suggested using a gentle cleanser twice daily, then following that with sunscreen.

The sunscreen should be ‘broad spectrum’ that protects against both UVA and UVB light.

While it’s fine to skip the moisturizer in the morning if you really don’t feel like using it, Dr. Paul said it’s important to moisturise in the evening.

‘Everyone can have healthy skin,’ she said. ‘Oftentimes less is more for a variety of reasons.’

She warned that using too many products can sometimes overwhelm skin. 

Wash your hair every morning 

Hair experts have recommended washing your hair every day with shampoo in order to maintain a clean and healthy scalp.

This is especially important for those who are aging, as hair thins as we get older.

Anabel Kingsley, brand president and lead consultant at haircare brand Philip Kingsley, said: ‘There are no pros to not washing your hair.

‘You wouldn’t leave more than three days between washing your face, and you likely wouldn’t wear the same outfit more than a few times before washing it. Apply the same thinking to your hair and scalp.’

She said people should use shampoo specific to their hair type – for example one that is moisture balancing, or for an itchy scalp, or to help provide density.

The correct way to wash hair is to wet the hair fully, use a targeted shampoo, clean the scalp thoroughly and then repeat this step, she explained.

Then, a person should rinse with water before applying a conditioner to the ends before rinsing again.

What does Ashton Hall get wrong? 

According to Dr Jameson, Ashton Hall makes several mistakes in his morning routine.  

She said his habit of waking up before 4am could lead to a chronic lack of sleep, which can lead to dullness, dark circles and breakouts. 

Long-term sleep deprivation can also increase cortisol levels, which may trigger inflammation and increase ageing.

Mouth taping can lead to disrupted sleep and even pose a choking risk, frequent ice bath facials could trigger sensitivity or redness, banana peel on the skin is unlikely to provide any significant benefit, while homemade cucumber water spray carries a risk of bacterial contamination, she added.

What skin regime is best for the menopause?

Skin problems are a huge issue during the menopause. And, although life expectancy continues to rise, the average age of the menopause has changed relatively little over the past century.

This means there are far more women suffering with skin issues associated with the menopause for a much longer period of time.

In the run-up to the menopause, or ‘perimenopausal’ period, women will notice changes in their skin. This starts from about the mid-40s onwards, when oestrogen levels start to decline.

Use a daily broad-spectrum SPF 15–30, to help with menopausal skin. Pictured is EltaMD’s Broad-Spectrum SPF 30

For some women, this can lead to the development of acne. As oestrogen falls, levels of male hormones, which women also produce, become proportionately more dominant, which can drive oil gland activity.

Others, however, may start to notice dryness and red patches. Once women reach the menopause, the body goes into a relatively oestrogen-deficient state. Lack of oestrogen is the most common cause of post-menopausal skin issues.

Oestrogen is what keeps our hair and skin youthful, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help maintain skin elasticity, moisture and thickness. However, not everyone is suitable for, or wants to take, HRT, and this decision needs to be made after discussion with your doctor.

Common problems:

Skin dryness

There is a reduction in skin metabolism. Skin functions less effectively as a barrier, resulting in increased water loss. This will leave the skin vulnerable to the elements. Alongside this, there is reduced oil and lipid production.

Wrinkles

After the menopause, women’s skin thickness decreases by 1.13 per cent per year owing to falling collagen levels. In the first five years after menopause, collagen content is thought to decrease by as much as 30 per cent. Collagen is needed for the skin’s support structure. Hormones and sun damage work in synchrony to promote wrinkles and sagging.

There are some products which blend antioxidants and UV protection, such as Heliocare 360 Oil-Free

Increased fragility

As the skin thins with age, there is also loss of fat and connective tissue support around blood vessels which makes them more susceptible to injury. Oestrogen has a protective role in wound healing and reduced levels after menopause mean the skin takes longer to heal following trauma.

Redness/sensitive skin

Redness can occur due to hot flushes associated with the menopause. Rosacea can also develop for the first time, leading to redness and sensitivity.

Facial hair

Straggly facial hair often starts to appear on the chin and upper lip due to a change in the ratio of oestrogen to male hormones in the bloodstream. Hairs can be tweezed, plucked, threaded or waxed, or removed with electrolysis or laser if they are dark.

Getting skincare right after the menopause is important. Using a retinoid-based product at night will boost collagen production and an antioxidant serum will limit potential damage to already fragile skin.

Here are my top tips for dealing with menopausal skin:

• Choose cream cleansers for dry skin rather than foaming washes.
• Hydrate the skin and moisturise with rich creams rather than gels morning and evening.
• Use a daily broad-spectrum SPF 15–30.
• Keep up with regular exercise to boost blood flow to the skin.
• Exfoliate regularly to help fade brown marks.