From snail slime to vampire facials, how far will people go in the quest for glowing skin?

With the Internet bombarding us with one skincare trend after another, beauty enthusiasts continue to explore extreme methods for glowing skin. From smearing poo on faces to letting live slugs crawl over them, the journey to glowing skin is not for the fainthearted. It compels us to ask, where does it all end? Is there a limit to what people will put on their faces in the pursuit of “beauty”? In recent years, we’ve come across bizarre trends. While some seemed to work, others made us want to hurl our guts out.

“It is appalling to read about things people would apply on their faces,” said Dr Sneha Shah, ophthalmologist and aesthetic surgeon. Most of these trends, according to her, originate from ancient practices where manual labour and natural resources were the only means to treat ailments. She also said that some treatments, like the vampire facial—where a patient’s blood is processed and reapplied—have proven benefits for skin rejuvenation. However, she warned that the delicate nature of skin demands caution.

Period blood facials or “moon masking” are especially dangerous, according to Dr Manali Padhye, aesthetic physician at I2CAN. “The risk of bacterial contamination and infection is high, and dermatologists and cosmetologists strongly advise against it,” she said. In case of urine therapy, which involves the use of animal urine or faeces, risks outweigh supposed benefits, and may lead to discomfort and infection.

Srijanee Dutta, 24, a civil service aspirant, finds extreme trends like applying period blood on one’s face to “gross her out completely.” She was initially hesitant to apply snail mucin because it is an animal by-product, but eventually came around after discovering the benefits firsthand.

Dr Padhye pointed out that other odd practices, like using lubricants as makeup primers or hot pepper masks, can cause breakouts and allergic reactions.

Dr Apurrva Sawant, a preventive healthcare expert, said bizarre treatments such as applying breast milk or placenta also lack scientific backing. Similarly, Dr Rupika Singh, a dermatologist and founder of Akiya Aesthetics, revealed that some people go as far as using semen masks for an anti-aging effect or even a “nightingale droppings facial” for exfoliation and skin brightening.

 

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Why do people resort to such trends?

According to Dr Padhye, shock value and a desire to try something “natural” or unconventional often drive these trends. However, she stressed “natural” does not always mean better. “Raw, unsterilised materials can cause long-term skin damage,” Dr Padhye cautions.

Dr Shah concurred, and pointed out the lack of control over formulations in DIY trends compared to well-researched medical products.

Social media also plays a role in encouraging risky behavior. “Constant exposure to content makes you want things you don’t need,” said Sampriti Deb, 24, a postgraduate student from Delhi University. Others, like Kruti Dave, another student, are drawn to celebrity-endorsed trends, such as Kim Kardashian’s salmon sperm facials. “After some research I found out it helps with anti-aging. So it wouldn’t hurt trying out once,” she said.

Cultural beliefs influence skincare practices as well. Vaneeza Hussain, 23, pointed out that traditions, like using goat or camel’s milk for healing in India, may not seem bizarre to some. “As long as nothing is killed, I’m fine trying it,” she said.

Which trend has really been helpful?

Among all these trends, experts agreed that one ingredient stands out for its effectiveness: snail mucin. “Popular in Korean skincare, it contains glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, and proteins that aid in skin brightening and hydration,” said Dr Singh, highlighting its safety for most skin types. Dr Shah agreed, claiming pharmaceutical companies have refined snail slime to ensure safety and efficacy.

Ultimately, experts agreed that a dermatologist and cosmetologist should always be consulted before trying any new skincare treatment, especially if it seems too good—or too weird—to be true.

Tell us, which is the most bizarre skincare trend you have encountered so far?

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