Facials are often associated with relaxation and luxurious skincare, but some treatments push the boundaries of convention and veer into the bizarre.
From fish sperm masks and flaming alcohol to blood injections, these unconventional facials are anything but ordinary. While some of these treatments are backed by scientific research, others rely on anecdotal evidence or cultural traditions. Here’s a closer look at some of the most unusual facials making waves in the beauty world.
1. Beef Tallow Facial
Beef tallow, which is rendered beef fat, is used in skincare for its moisturizing properties. Rich in fatty acids, it helps support the skin barrier and retain moisture, potentially soothing conditions like dermatitis and psoriasis. However, its heavy texture and meaty smell may not appeal to everyone. It can be very odorous.
2. Salmon Sperm Facial
This facial uses DNA from salmon sperm, believed to promote skin cell regeneration and improve elasticity. The treatment is popular in some Asian countries for its purported anti-aging benefits, though scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited. This facial is pricey, costing anywhere between $500 and $1,000.
3. Caviar Mask
Caviar masks are considered a luxury treatment, using fish eggs to deliver nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamins A and D to the skin. These masks are said to hydrate and rejuvenate the skin, giving it a youthful glow. Just so you know, you can’t eat the masks, so don’t try spreading it on a cracker or anything.
4. Snail Mucin Serum
Snail mucin is a popular ingredient in Korean skincare, known for its hydrating and healing properties. It contains glycoproteins and hyaluronic acid, which help repair damaged skin and improve texture. Some facials here have little to no science to back them, but snail mucus has several studies that support its efficacy.
5. Menstrual Masking
This controversial trend involves applying menstrual blood to the face, based on the belief that it contains nutrients beneficial for the skin. While some claim it improves complexion, there is no scientific backing for these benefits. Menstrual maskingmight be effective, but there’s no research as of now.
6. Vampire Facial
Also known as PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy, this facial involves using a patient’s own blood to promote collagen production and rejuvenate the skin. The process includes drawing blood, processing it to extract plasma, and then injecting it back into the face. It became more widely known after Kim Kardashian posted pictures of her getting one.
7. Bird Poop Facial
Known as the Geisha facial, this treatment uses sterilized bird droppings mixed with rice bran to exfoliate and brighten the skin. It has been used in Japan for centuries and is praised for its natural enzymes that cleanse and soften the skin. The droppings, also called “uguisu no fun,” are powdered, so it’s not as icky as it may sound.
8. Foreskin Facial
This facial uses a serum derived from foreskin cells collected during circumcision procedures. The growth factors in these cells are believed to stimulate collagen production and improve skin appearance. The name is a little misleading, but not entirely ridiculous. Apparently, Sandra Bullock swears by it.
9. Gold Facial
Gold facials use 24-karat gold flakes or sheets applied to the face to reduce inflammation and enhance radiance. Gold is believed to have antioxidant properties that can slow down collagen depletion. As you can imagine, this facial is expensive. It can cost over $1,000, depending on where you get it.
10. Fire Facial
This facial is a little scary, but it’s popular in China among beauty enthusiasts. The fire facial involves soaking cloths in alcohol and then laying them on the face. Then, the alcohol is set on fire, but only for a few seconds! It’s said to boost cell regeneration, but we’re not sure how relaxing it is.
Be Careful What You Put on Your Face
People take all sorts of paths in pursuit of beauty and young-looking skin, and what works and what doesn’t is a murky topic.
The reality is that skincare is different for everyone, and some skincare trends are truly just that — trends. They’re not here to stay. We encourage you to be very careful about what you put on your skin, especially your face!
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