10 Bizarre Practices People Do to Look Younger

Time has this weird habit of marching forward, constantly and without end. Aging is a universal experience, yet the quest for eternal youth has inspired countless bizarre and sometimes shocking methods to combat its effects. While some anti-aging treatments have genuine backing in medicine and science, others veer into the absurd territories of bodily fluids and questionable practices. In this article, we’ll delve into ten of the most bizarre things people do to chase the illusion of youth.

1. Urine Therapy

One of the oldest anti-aging remedies is urine therapy, which dates back centuries and can be found in various cultures. Some believe that applying their own urine to their skin can help rejuvenate it due to the presence of urea and other compounds. Despite its popularity in certain circles, most dermatologists would advise against this practice, highlighting the lack of scientific evidence to support any claims of effectively turning back the clock with urine.

2. Bull Semen Facial

In an eccentric twist on skincare, some beauty enthusiasts have turned to bull semen as a secret ingredient in facials. Rich in proteins and nutrients, proponents claim it can moisturize and rejuvenate the skin. While it might sound like something out of a science fiction novel, certain high-end salons offer this treatment, suggesting that beauty truly knows no bounds—even when it comes to bovine bodily fluids.

3. Vampire Facials

The vampire facial, or PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatment, has garnered significant attention, especially among celebrities. The procedure involves drawing your own blood, processing it to extract the plasma, and then injecting it back into your skin. The idea is to harness the body’s natural healing properties to promote collagen production and skin regeneration. While somewhat less disgusting than the aforementioned options, the combination of blood and aesthetics might make some squeamish.

4. Bee Venom Therapy

Bee venom, often referred to as “nature’s Botox,” has gained traction in the world of cosmetics. Some skincare products incorporate this venom for its purported ability to stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity. While it’s much less extreme than some other items on this list, the idea of deliberately exposing oneself to an insect’s venom to achieve a youthful glow is undeniably odd.

5. Snail Slime Facials

In recent years, snail mucin has burst onto the beauty scene, promising hydration and anti-aging benefits. Some enthusiasts are so dedicated that they have taken to letting snails crawl across their faces! While many skincare products now incorporate snail slime for its benefits, the concept of using live snails in your beauty regimen is still a bit bizarre—and perhaps smells like a shellfish dinner gone wrong.

6. Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT)

Though primarily known for its use in treating certain medical conditions, FMT has infiltrated the anti-aging sphere. Some proponents believe that restoring balance to gut bacteria through fecal transplants can enhance skin appearance and overall health. While gut health does correlate with skin health, the idea of utilizing fecal matter as a skincare solution borders on the absurd for most people.

7. Cupping Therapy

Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which is believed to improve circulation and promote healing. While more widely accepted in wellness circles than some examples here, the sight of cupping marks left on one’s back, which resemble bruises, can be bizarre enough to leave onlookers confused. Some swear by it for youthful skin, but the evidence remains largely anecdotal.

8. Cryotherapy

The idea of freezing oneself to look younger may sound odd, but cryotherapy has gained popularity in recent years. Individuals will expose their bodies to extremely low temperatures for a short duration to purportedly promote anti-aging effects, boost metabolism, and rejuvenate the skin. While there’s some science behind the benefits of controlled cold exposure, the intense cold might not be for everyone.

9. Wormwood Infusion

This herbal infusion, made from a plant known for its use in absinthe, is gaining traction among those seeking a youthful appearance. Advocates claim that wormwood can detoxify the body and improve skin elasticity. Drinking the concoction or incorporating it topically can seem a bit strange, especially since it was once associated more with hangovers than healthy skin.

10. Animal Placenta Treatments

Finally, there’s the bizarre trend of using animal placentas in skincare products or treatments. Rich in growth factors, some swear by the rejuvenating properties of placenta extract for reducing wrinkles and improving skin texture. While it may sound repulsive, it’s not uncommon to find this ingredient in luxury anti-aging products, where cost is no object in the quest for youth.