Health, Health Care, Medical Plans

Bizarre beauty trends are nothing new. From flappers rouging their knees in the 1920s to beer-based shampoo in the ’70s and beyond, women have always gone to great lengths to improve their appearance – and it’s clear that this phenomenon persists well into the twenty-first century, as well. If you need evidence, look no further than some of the more outre treatments that are currently causing a stir in the beauty world. Here are some of the key ingredients in these very strange beauty products:

* Snakes. Despite their slithery movements and unsettling appearance, snakes have gone from creepy to highly coveted – at least according to some beauty experts. A spa in northern Israel has been offering customers an undoubtedly shivery “snake massage,” which involves as many as six (!) non-venomous snakes, which are placed on the back and legs in order to reduce tension and soothe stress. In the U.S., a Beverly Hills-based clinic has created an anti-aging cream that counts synthetic snake venom as one of its key ingredients. Why? Because the faux venom helps inhibit muscle contractions and thus prevent outward signs of aging.
* Snails. If the synthetic snake cream wasn’t enough for you, why not sample something from the Snail Serum line? According to organic cosmetic and skincare company, Bohemia Style, the slimy stuff secreted by Chilean snails can help smooth and soften your skin, thanks to proteins and vitamins. No word yet on whether grabbing some garden variety snails out of your yard and letting them crawl all over your face would have the same effect…
* Bird poop. Okay, the Manhattan spa that actually offers the “Geisha Facial” refers to it as “nightingale droppings,” but let’s be honest here. Fortunately, the droppings come in the form of a sterile powder that is applied to the face in order to exfoliate and brighten the skin. Japanese geisha have apparently used this trick for centuries due to the naturally occurring enzymes and amino acids present in the droppings.
* Bone marrow. Brazil’s Tutannol shampoo contains bone marrow from oxen, along with other bovine-based ingredients, in order to give users stronger, healthier hair. If that’s not disturbing enough for you, you could try the bull semen hair treatment offered by one enterprising U.K. Salon, which charges patrons upwards of $100 for the privilege.
* Gold. The precious metal sounds awfully innocuous next to these animal and insect-based beautifiers, but the 24 carat gold facial created by a Palm Beach-based salon is still plenty bizarre. The face is coated in pure gold leaf and then massaged. While this may sound like the height of indulgent luxury, applying gold directly to the skin can actually trigger an allergic reaction and even lead to skin disease.
* Breast milk. Yes, we’re talking human breast milk here, and it’s being used to make soap. While there are no companies currently selling breast milk soap (yet), there are how-to guides readily available online just in case you or someone you love happens to be looking for a little craft project to occupy their time in between, you know…actually nursing a baby.

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yuliya_Polovinchik