Beauty from the Beast

One measure of how determined people are to make their skin look younger is how much they are willing to tolerate in the “that’s so weird and disgusting” department.

In this case, we’re talking about unusual animal-product therapies.

Now, it’s not that witches, warlocks and medieval doctors didn’t use animal substances for their concoctions in the past (“an eye of newt, and toe of frog; wool of bat, and tongue of dog” for all you Shakespeare fans). But in these modern days we usually go for a pharmaceutical brand rather than seeking the cure by licking a salamander or rubbing ourselves with the wool of a bat. There are, however, some exceptions…

Snail Slime

Launched by a Tokyo spa in 2013, the treatment consists of live snails placed directly on your face. As they crawl across your face they leave that telltale mucus trail. The mucus reportedly contains a cocktail of proteins, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, which help the skin exfoliate, stay moist and reduce inflammation (hyaluronic acid part of most bio-synthetic facial fillers). Supposedly used by Katie Holmes. Spa treatments can cost $250.

Silkworm Cocoons

This is another treatment pioneered by the Japanese. Before they turn into moths, silkworms spin a silk cocoon — the source of all natural silk textiles. The cocoons look like tiny bird eggs; soak them in hot water to soften them and then massage into your face. Supposedly releases sericin, a complex saliva protein locked up in the silk. At least it’s cheap: The cost is just $6 for 90 pieces on Amazon.

Bee Venom

Royal Nectar Moisturizing Face Lift with Bee Venom, which contains bee honey and bee venom, promises to down-regulate inflammation and enhance wound healing. It does not produce a bee-sting reaction, but rather contains peptides and antioxidants that increase collagen and elastin production. Supposedly used by Kate Middleton. $53 for a 50ml jar.

These future queen bees are abuzz with rumors of having used bee venom for anti-aging.

Snake Venom

Those who swear by snake venom say it’s better than Botox. Applied topically to the skin, the venom temporarily inhibits muscle activity (which is how snake venom paralyses victims) thereby reducing wrinkles. Rather than drain individual snakes, skin care companies have developed a synthetic version called “syn-ake” that mimics the effects of Temple Viper venom on skin. Supposedly used by Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham. $30 to $97

Bird Droppings

A bird droppings facial, also known as a Nightingale Facial (the bird species that produces the raw ingredient), is allegedly great for acne scars. It’s gathered from one particular type of Nightingale native to the Japanese island of Kyushu (yes, the Japanese again). Its benefits, including lightening dark circles and blemishes, derives from an enzyme called “guanine” (which is where the word “guano”, meaning bird and bat excrement, comes from). Supposedly used by Tom Cruise, Harry Styles (One Direction) and Victoria Beckham (again). A spa facial will run around $200; jars of the No Fun brand start at $27.
[lz_virool paragraph=”5″]