WATCH: Kim Kardashian Suffers Through A Blood Facial
Ellie Krupnick
Updated
For years, we've been hearing aboutthe "vampire facial,"a skincare treatment that involves drawing blood from a patient and reinjecting it under the skin in order to achieve a healthy, youthful glow.
Ouch. What about good, old-fashioned bronzer?
The made-for-horror movie cosmetic procedureis gaining popularity in the U.S. because it's an "organic alternative to those that require chemical injections," according toDr. Sam Lam, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon based in Dallas, Texas.
"The patient's own platelet rich plasma (PRP) is applied to the skin preceded by a laser treatment and followed by a micro-needling process in which the skin is perforated with near microscopic holes,” explains Dr. Lam. “The growth factors in the platelet rich plasmareduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkleswhile improving the skin’s tone and texture.”
We still can't see ourselves trying this blood-sucking beauty treatment. But one brave soul finally took the plunge -- and filmed it -- so we could all see the results:Kim Kardashian.
On the latest episode of "Kourtney & Kim Take Miami,"she gives us an up-close view of the vampire facial. With her BFF Jonathan Cheban by her side, Kimmy can't help but scream out over the agonizing buzzing of the laser: "Oww! That hurts so badly."
Anything for ratings... er, beauty, right?
Scroll down to watch Kim undergo the pretty painful procedure, then tell us in the comments section if she's gone too far.
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Meanwhile, check out these bizarre beauty treatments:
Solid Gold Facial
Why not add a little bling to your beauty routine? Now you can -- if you live in Florida and have enough cash to dish out for the, wait for it, 24 carat gold facial. Yep! Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach offers spa patrons the opportunity to have their entire body painted in gold. The thought is karats can help stave off cellulite and prevent aging.
The Caviar Facial
At Channing's Day Spa in Chicago they think putting fish eggs on your face is better than Botox. They claim that freeze-dried caviar repairs sun damage and minimizes wrinkles.
Consuming Pig's Feet
It started in Japan and then New Yorkers found out about it. The idea is to eat pig's feet and since they are rich in collagen, it will help get rid of wrinkles.
It's not just your face that deserves a little TLC... In the US, the new 'butt facial' is a treatment that is designed to tone, de-blemish, massage, and polish your neglected derriere.
Bird's Poo Facial
A favourite with the Japanese Geisha ladies, this unusual facial made from sterilised nightingale bird excrement, is proving to be popular with Western beauty-seekers too. The treatment promises to brighten up the complexion and contains enzymes which act as an effective skin cleanser.
Vagina Brightner
Lactacyd White Intimate Wash has hit the Thai beauty market, promising to make your privates "safely fairer within four weeks" Because according to them: "Sweat and excessive friction from tight clothing can darken the skin around the intimate area, causing self-consciousness, decreased confidence or inhibiting intimacy."
Urine Therapy
When we first heard that this weird beauty treatment may well be on the rise again, we had to do a bit of research. And here's what we found out: urine therapy was historically used by the Greeks and Romans to cure all that ailed them. It was also used to, ahem, whiten their teeth. Essentially, the procedure involves drinking your own urine in the hopes you'll look and feel younger. In modern times -- and on shows like 'My Strange Addiction' -- people have been known to drink urine for various reasons. Some scientists have even speculated urine has anti-carcinogenic properties -- which could stave off cancer and wrinkles. No real evidence has been found to support those claims.
Microcurrent Therapy for Cellulite
The Smooth Synergy Cosmedical Spa in NYC scrubs your skin down with a papaya and mint scrub to take off dead skin and clean pores. But the real kicker is when they strap your booty up to a microcurrent therapy machine to zap away that cellulite.
Breast Milk Soap
Milk does do a body good. But the trend toward making your own soap -- to be used when you shower or simply wash your hands -- out of breast milk is, well, a bit extreme. The trend emerged as people started to worry that brand-name soaps were full of chemicals and detergents that would harm their skin (or worse, cause cancer). And since milk is supposed to nourish the epidermis, well, why not turn excess breast milk into something, ahem, usable?
Snake Venom Cream
Just because Gwyneth Paltrow swears by this cream -- and its accompanying facial -- doesn't mean you should actually try applying snake venom cream to your face. Apparently, using a cream which has venom as an active ingredient helps plump up the skin (much in the same way botox does).
Fish Pedicures
This popular treatment has become a spa go-to for women around the world who want softer, smoother feet. Essentially, this treatment involves dipping your feet into a tank and letting hungry little fish -- Garra rufa fish -- gently eat away at the dead skin cells that make your skin feel rough. Some places and states have banned the practice for fears it may be unsanitary.
Fire Cupping
Fire cupping is a natural treatment where a practitioner ignites a cotton ball soaked in alcohol and places it inside a cup. When the cup is placed against a patient's skin, a suction action begins to happen -- which is said to increase circulation. Once "activated," the glass bulbs can be moved to key "energy" points all over the body to boost the immune system and increase blood flow (which will help give skin a natural glow, making patients look younger). A big fan of the procedure is reportedly Gwyneth Paltrow.
Chocolate Body Wrap
A chocolate body wrap? Well sign us up. Sure, there's no scientific evidence to support the claims treating your body to some of the sweet stuff will soothe, smooth and detoxify your skin, but it involves sitting in chococlate for an hour. Sounds pretty tasty to us. Check out the spa devoted to all sorts of chocolatey good beauty treatments.
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