From vampire and snail facials to caviar masks and LED therapy, there are a lot of kooky-sounding beauty treatments out there. But are they just fads, or are they really worth your hard-earned bucks? Top beauty pros share which treatments they say are worth getting once in your life (even if they’re a little out there). So, we hereby give you permission to treat yourself!
Remember the famed Instagram post-Kim Kardashian West shared of a bloody post-facial selfie? Yes, it may look a bit terrifying, but Mona Gahara, M.D., a dermatologist and clinical instructor at Yale School of Medicine, says the treatment does have benefits. “You use your own blood to stimulate collagen production on the face,” she says. “The person’s blood is drawn and then it gets re-infused back into the skin with microneedles for the desired effect.” The results: Smoother skin and less defined wrinkles, thanks to the filler effect of the blood’s platelets and plasma.
Microneedling for the scalp is a must, says Leanne Citrone, co-owner and stylist at the Andy Lecompte Salon in Beverly Hills, who swears by the treatments she’s gotten from dermatologist Brian Dubow, M.D. “With a rolling device, he creates microscopic wounds to the scalp that are supposed to promote blood flow to the area and stimulate new hair growth,” she says. The treatment kick-starts hair growth and is ideal for someone looking for thicker strands. Citrone says she notices a noticeable difference in her clients’ manes when they have it done.
No, we aren’t joking. The snail slime facial is real and really good for your skin, says New York City-based dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D. “The slime that snails produce is rich in hyaluronic acid, which explains why snail facials can help soothe the skin,” he says. “Hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar with powerful humectant properties. It attracts water from deep within the skin to help hydrate the dry outer layers.”
One extra-special offering at New York City’s Cornelia Spa at the Surrey is a must, says Tara Cruz, spa director. The Reparative Caviar and Oxygen Quench combine exfoliation, a caviar mask, and liquid oxygen for a refreshed, smooth face. “Caviar is great for instant tightening without the drying effect while eliminating fine lines,” says Cruz. “This is a great splurge for a big occasion or special event.”
Non-ultraviolet blue light can help improve acne, while red light can help with fine lines. “Blue and red lights have potential antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and oil gland inhibition benefits,” says Robert Anolik, M.D., a dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York. The FDA has actually cleared blue light as a therapy for acne, and at-home devices are available. One of our faves:
