Updated December 10, 2021 954 votes 229 voters 29.2k views
Voting Rules
Vote up the most bizarre skin care treatments.
Bizarre facials are nothing new. Throughout the centuries, people have tried various things to make their skin softer, more supple, and wrinkle-free. They haven't always worked, nor have they always been safe. Today, there are stringent guidelines for most beauty treatments, but there are still some that fall outside of the realm of normal and into the field of potentially dangerous. Yet there are people who are brave for beauty — especially celebrities with influence — and swear by even the boldest of skin care.
Will bodily fluids give you a better skin tone? Does fire combat aging? Does venom make your skin glow? If you're interested in any of these treatments or even have the nerve to try them, here's the skinny on some of the strangest facials available. Some are easy to come by (and you can even do them at home), while for others you'll have to travel to far-off exotic places to indulge. Vote up the wildest facials on this list that you'd be willing to try!
Beauty guru and YouTube personality Michelle Phan has recently stirred up conversation around her kitty litter facial. She uses fresh litter, of course, mixed with a little water, and has claimed that it's basically just like a clay facial mask providing a cheap, easy way to exfoliate and sooth your skin.
"Some brands of kitty litter contain aluminium silicate, the same ingredient used in glass-making as well as housing insulation. Plus, it's a known neurotoxin for humans."
Phan emphasizes using non-scented kitty litter, but even so, O'Sullivan points out that the face is the most sensitive skin on the body and that any scrubs that aren't "rounded" may cause unhealthy abrasions. Natural mud masks, O'Sullivan concludes, are always a safer and probably more effective option. Leave the litter to your kitty!
87 votes
2
59 VOTES
This Bloody Facial Is Said To Have Healing Properties
Kim Kardashian introduced the world to the vampire facial when she posted a photo of her bloody face to Instagram in 2013. Beverly Hills-based dermatologist Ava Shamban describes the treatment as a
"combination of microdermabrasion, followed by the application of PRP (platelet-rich plasma). PRP is derived from the serum portion of the blood, which contains platelets. The platelets contain high levels of growth factors, which, when applied to the skin, will stimulate cell turnover."
It's YOUR blood you'll be using, by the way. And the price tag? About $1500 per session.
59 votes
3
58 VOTES
Bee Venom Acts Like Tiny Stings On Your Face, Stimulating Collagen Growth
To make sure you're not allergic before you try a bee venom facial, your esthetician should do a patch test. If there's no problem, this natural toxin, touted by none other than Princess Kate herself, is said to work wonders for plumping, smoothing and moisturizing. The facial is like most—cleansing and exfoliating takes place before the serum is applied. The serum tricks your skin into thinking it's being bitten; blood rushes to the area as it would in an actual bite and — BOOM — collagen and elastin are stimulated.
You can even try bee venom products in your own home, but, this must be stressed, make sure you're NOT allergic first!
58 votes
4
74 VOTES
Bird Poop Is A Centuries-Old Japanese Facial Treatment
Some cultures believe getting hit by bird poop is good luck, and at least one New York City day spa, Shizuka New York, has taken that idea a step further by claiming it's also good for your skin. The $180 "Geisha Facial" a.k.a. Bird Poop Facial, uses uguisu no fun (powdered nightingale droppings) as the main ingredient in its formula.
While new to the United States, the Japanese have sworn by this treatment since the 1600s. Now, you can even buy your own version online to try at home.
74 votes
5
60 VOTES
Urine Facials Are Beauty Treatment You May Want To Keep A Secret
Surprisingly, urine therapy has been around while—thousands of years, in fact. It's believed to cure a whole host of ailments, the least of which is acne. NYC Dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe says the treatment can't hurt—you just may not want to announce you're doing it to the world, andyou should only use your own urine!
"I recommend and prescribe different concentrations of urea, one of the main components of urine, all the time for my patients. It hydrates the skin and helps exfoliate away dead cells, giving skin a brighter appearance, smoother texture, and a healthy glow. Urine also has minerals, salts, hormones, antibodies, and enzymes, some of which might actually benefit the skin."
60 votes
6
71 VOTES
Celebs Swear By A Beverly Hills Doc's Sheep Placenta Facials
Dermatologist to the stars Dr. Harold Lancer touts sheep placenta facials to celebs like Kim Kardashian, Harry Styles, and Victoria Beckham who shell out $500 for just one treatment. Louise Deschamps, Lancer's esthetician, calls it the "perfect treatment" and says
"Sheep's placenta stem cells mirror human stem cells. It is a protein base that is close to our own cellular make-up so the body is able to absorb and recognizes it as its own."
Not every doctor condones the practice, however. Dr. Julia Tzu, a Manhattan dermatologist said, "I am not aware of any credible scientific study that has demonstrated the efficacy of topical sheep placenta stem cell extracts in the human anti-aging process."
Proceed with caution—the FDA hasn't regulated the practice. It can't hurt, but you may be spending a whole lot of money on something that doesn't necessarily have a benefit, and you do so at your own risk.
