Things we do for beauty

In this strange world, we have done strange things for beauty. Whether it be putting on a homemade mask for clearer skin, going to a beauty parlour for a facial, or putting serums on our faces in an effort to have healthier-looking skin, we are all guilty. There was a time when a mustache on a woman was considered a symbol for beauty - remember the Princess of Qajar?

Then along the way, the symbol of beauty changed. Today, both men and women recognize supple, soft, clear porcelain (poreless) skin as signs of beauty.

We have been looking after our skin for centuries and those practices still linger. Aside from the hundreds and thousands of masks and facial treatments we put ourselves through, there are some skincare methods that might challenge everything you know about unusual beauty treatments. 

Here are seven skin treatments for the ones who are daring enough to try them:

Vampire facial

Kim Kardashian, in 2013, posted a selfie on Instagram of her face covered in drops of blood after a "Vampire facial". Since then, many have gone through with this facial for healthier and glowing skin. This facial uses your own blood and a process called micro-needling to draw out the blood onto the surface of the skin. The procedure reportedly helps boost skin cell activity.

Simply put, this facial will make one look younger by slowing down the aging process. The facial can be of two types - one uses micro-needling for better penetration into the skin and the other is by injecting the platelets into the skin just like fillers. Either way, it can be painful.

Bee venom therapy

But how much pain can someone really endure to get rid of scarring and inflammation?

Apparently, Gwyneth Paltrow can; she has been stung by bees, on purpose. Bee venom has been in use since ancient times. The venom is used as a remedy for arthritis, inflammation, and scar tissue as it has healing properties unless you are allergic to it. For the skin, bee venom can contribute to producing natural collagen which provides elasticity to the skin cells, keeping the skin young.

Nightingale droppings facial mask

Most of us have experienced the horrors of a bird releasing its bowels on us from above. Little did I know about the power of a bird's fecal discharge. Face masks made from a Nightingale's droppings are very popular as it claims to brighten and heal the skin.

The droppings come in the form of a powder made from the faeces of the Uguisu bird. Celebrities like Victoria Beckham, David Beckham, Tom Cruise, Cher, and Oprah have tried this rare and effective Geisha facial, or bird poop facial, for skin treatment.

Snail mucus facial treatment

After placenta, venom, droppings, and blood, snail mucus does not seem too bad. The slime of a snail can smooth out wrinkles, cure acne and slow down again (what we all want, right?). Let the small, slimy beauticians take a stroll around your face and you will be thanking them later.

Caviar facial treatment

Nothing is fancier than caviar. It is fish eggs on your face and of course, like all eggs, caviar contains enzymes and nutrients. There are caviars that have identical cell structure to human skin cells. This claims to assure luxurious care for one's skin by cleansing, hydrating, encouraging collagen production, and, yes you guess it right, slowing down the aging process.

This facial claims to make your skin even and smooth. Whether you want to eat it or put it on your face, it is up to you.