Self-improvement is the name of the game. Whether training for that mythical marathon, adopting a healthier diet, or achieving true clarity with meditation, your best self is always within reach.

‍

This also applies to skincare ingredients. It’s important to take care of your skin — it’s the only one you’ve got.

‍

‍

And just like your diet or workout routines, there’s no one-size-fits-all plan for your dermatologic needs. As a result, sometimes the road less traveled can offer some unlikely but profound benefits.

‍

The off-beaten path is worth looking into, and these out-of-the-box skincare ingredients can send you into a rabbit hole.

‍

‍

Vampire Facials

‍

‍

Some of the weirdest skincare ingredients or routines can also be the most expensive. It can also be — for lack of a better word — pretty bloody.

‍

That’s what vampire facials are all about. The Center for Surgical Dermatology defines vampire facials as “simply a micro-needling treatment with the addition of platelet-rich plasma (PRP)”.

‍

For those who haven’t heard of vampire facials, this probably sounds alarming for several reasons. Let’s address the elephant in the room: blood.

‍

The key skincare ingredient of vampire facials comes directly from your body. Spooky, right?

‍

Specifically, the process starts with your dermatologist drawing your blood. They then place it into a machine that separates the platelets from the rest of your blood.

‍

‍

Then they either re-inject or topically apply the blood that has a high concentration of platelets into your face or scalp. If you’re wondering, the Center for Surgical Dermatology recommends you get vampire facials through injections.

‍

This might sound like a Halloween novelty, but the benefits of vampire facials are year-round:

• Reduces wrinkles
• Plumps up sagging skin
• Diminishes acne scars
• Reduces signs of aging
• Helps treat skin damage from prolonged sun exposure

‍

Don’t let the visuals deter you. Vampire facials can do wonders for your skin health, as long as you’re willing to shell out the cash.

‍

‍

Bee Venom Masks

‍

‍

Anything with the word “venom” is sure to send chills down your spine. The word naturally evokes feelings of fear and uncertainty. Then you add bees to the occasion and you might have flashbacks from childhood summer vacations.

‍

But lo and behold, bee venom might be your skin’s best friend. A bee venom mask is one of those skincare ingredients that you need to see (or apply) to believe.

‍

Bee venom masks help support blood circulation, stimulating cell regeneration and giving you healthier-looking skin. It also helps smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, according to Living Nature.

‍

If you’re concerned about the bee’s well-being after venom extraction, no need to fret.

‍

Living Nature states their extraction process leaves the bees’ stingers and venom sacks intact with their abdomen. It’s only when the bee lodges its stingers into a soft surface (like human skin) that they die.

‍

All in all, you’re not getting stung and the bees are completely unharmed — and you have brighter and healthier skin. What’s not to love?  

‍

‍

Bird Poop

‍

‍

When we talk about weird skincare ingredients, we mean weird. Extracting your own blood is one thing, but bird excrement?

‍

Bird poop facials aren’t just an out-there skincare routine — they are a time-honored custom.

‍

First, let’s know the basics of bird poop facials. For starters, the technical term is “uguisu no fun,” the Japanese term for “nightingale feces.” Its facial use dates back to the Heian period (794-1185) when the Korean people introduced it to the Japanese.

‍

Originally used as a sort of stain remover, the Japanese went on to use it to heal damaged skin from the high lead content in their white makeup. It is said that the excrement contains enzymes that break down dead skin cells.

‍

It’s an ancient Japanese tradition that has stood the test of time. Who knows? Maybe the Geisha Facial is the next breakthrough in your skincare journey.

‍

‍

Goat Milk

‍

‍

It’s not just your normal milk substitute. Arguably, it’s just plain abnormal. That’s what this blog and this next healthcare ingredient are all about.

‍

Goat milk is perfect for farming enthusiasts and milk connoisseurs who pay close attention to their skincare. If blood transfers or bird venom aren’t for you, try out some goated goodness.

‍

Speaking for Healthline, Dr. Brent Ridge, co-founder of Beekman 1802, describes how people have used goat milk for “thousands of years” to soothe sensitive skin. He also says goat milk is perfect for those wanting a simpler skincare routine.

‍

Goat milk skin products can provide you with a simpler and more novel path to healthy skin. Whether you’re in the mood for goat milk soap, cream, or lotion, it’s there for many of your skincare needs.

‍

‍

Snail Slime

‍

‍

And to top it all off, we have yet another off-the-wall, off-putting, and somehow miraculous skincare ingredient: snail slime.

‍

Whether you want to call it slime, mucus, or mucin, there’s one concrete fact: it’s one of the most fascinating skincare ingredients out there. What does snail slime do exactly?

‍

The literal snail excretion has several acids that can result in healthier, younger-looking skin. Its glycolic acid helps stimulate collagen growth that helps diminish fine lines and wrinkles, according to Women’s Health.

‍

Snail slime also contains zinc, which helps soothe irritated skin.

‍

On another miraculous note, snail slime can combat skin cancer. A study by the National Library of Medicine found that snail slime can fight against the development of melanoma cells.

‍

This is by no means a full-sail endorsement that snail slime/mucus/mucin can definitively deter cancer development. Even the NLM study acknowledges the need for more research. For now, let snail slime give you a brighter, softer glow.

‍

‍

Conclusion

‍

‍

The road to healthy skin has many turns, potholes, and detours. As mentioned earlier, no product will give the same results to everyone.

‍

Your skincare path is of your making, so why not get a little weird?

‍

These skincare ingredients sound baffling on paper. However, research shows that they are worth a second glance. Nature offers odd solutions to some of the biggest skincare problems. These skincare ingredients are the epitome of “don’t knock it til you try it.”

‍

So what are you waiting for? Go to your nearest independent pharmacy to stock up on some of these wildly effective skincare ingredients.

‍

You could be steps away from your own skincare revelation.