Vampire Detox

Demi Moore may have punk’d us when she claimed blood-detox by leeches is the secret behind her youthful appearance. But the very same bloodsuckers used from Hippocrates’ time actually do have modern uses; mainly, in surgery. Some doctors use leeches rather than a post-surgical drain to suck out blood from a wound or graft. The powerful blood thinner in leech saliva improves both cosmetic outcome and cuts down chance of infection.

Preparation H cream is marketed to treat hemorrhoids, but beauty queens have long used a tiny dab under the eyes to reduce bags and dark circles after a long night. One ingredient in Preparation H is shark liver oil, a folk remedy for skin conditions. In Canada, the cream is formulated with BioDyne, a yeast derivative thought to smooth wrinkles. However, the maker of Preparation H, states that the product is not to be applied on the face.

Baby Face
What could be more powerful than the placental protein that surrounds growing babies in the womb? Placental protein is high in antioxidants, amino acids and nutrients, making it a rejuvenating ingredient in facial creams reportedly used by ever-youthful Hollywood stars. It’s known to be effective in eliminating wrinkles and improving skin texture. If putting placenta on your face doesn’t freak you out too much, consider popping placenta pills — a remedy for fending off the baby blues.

Toxic Beauty

Who knew food poisoning could be sexy? Botox, Hollywood’s must-do skin tightening injection, is derived from Botulinum toxin A, a neurotoxin produced by the same bacteria that causes botulism. Need another reason to be ambivalent about this face-lifting wonder? New research points to evidence that Botox may make a beeline from the injection site to the brain. The bottom line? Botox may affect what’s going on upstairs, which is nothing to smile about.

Snake Charming

Afraid of needles, but desperate for the results of Botox? How about applying a little snake venom instead? Gwyneth Paltrow brought attention to a venom-like synthetic ingredient called Syn-Ake, a key element in her UltraLuxe 9 facial cream, which claims to de-wrinkle skin by relaxing facial muscles. The cream costs nearly $185 an ounce, so you may want to opt for a cheaper alternative, but don’t think of inducing a viper at the zoo to inject your cheeks free of charge.

Frog Face

Kissing a bullfrog may not get you a fairy prince, but it may leave some anti-oxidant rich extract on your face. Scientists have recently discovered a peptide in the skin and muscles of bullfrogs that reduces the appearance of wrinkles on human skin. Expect to see new skin creams with this magical bullfrog extract soon. But it gets better. Since the extract is water-soluble, it can be added to a variety of products, perhaps even future beauty drinks. Cheers to that!

Fant-ass-tic Skin

Donkeys have served as beasts of burden for centuries, but they have never been known as a means of skin restoration — until now. After a 116-year-old Ecuadorian woman attributed her long life to drinking donkey milk, women flocked to purchase skin care products that included it as a key ingredient. Donkey milk is said to be extremely effective as a moisturizer and has numerous regenerative properties that may reduce signs of aging.

Sticker Shock

Maybe you wouldn’t have so many wrinkles if you didn’t move your face. Ever. One brand of sticky facial pads called Frownies, which are made from natural materials, make this solution a reality. Frownies pull skin flat while you sleep, which is said to correct the deep lines formed as a result of repetitive facial movement, like furrowing your brows. Applied directly to the wrinkle, Frownies are said to produce results in up to 3 weeks. Plus, you’re allowed to smile during the day.

Pretty in Pink

Although you may acquaint it with a bad case of the runs, Pepto-Bismol works double duty as a facial mask. Thrifty women looking for the benefits of a spa facial, apply the chalky pink substance to their face and let its salicylic acid, a great facial peel, do its duty. Some believe that Pepto may be even milder and gentler than most commercial salicylic products because the same ingredients that coats your tummy also coats the face.

(Castor) Oily Hair

If your hair is lacking moisture, castor oil can dampen your locks and amp up the shine. Catherine Zeta-Jones attributes her shiny mane to castor oil, which can be added to conditioner in the shower or brushed through wet hair. The smell of castor oil isn’t pleasant, but it does keep hair lustrous and healthy, which makes the smelly sacrifice worthwhile to many women.

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