10 bizarre beauty treatments to know

Vitamin intravenous (IV) therapy and fish pedicures are just some of the unusual beauty therapies promising more youthful-looking skin, stress reduction, and even relief from pain. But do these fixes always deliver? We’ve rounded up some of the strangest-sounding beauty treatments to find out the ones you might want to try—and which ones to skip.

The so-called “vampire facial” is a type of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. It claims to stimulate collagen production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles and giving skin a young, bouncy look.

During the procedure, blood taken from the patient is spun in a centrifuge, separating red blood cells from platelet-rich plasma. The plasma is then injected into the deep dermis—the fatty layer of the skin—of the face and neck. The entire procedure can cost up to $1,500 and lasts up to 18 months, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).

Sometimes dermal fillers such as hyaluronic acid (Restylane) or poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra) are also injected. 

What to know: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved the vampire facial because PRP is classed as a medical device, a category with separate and more lenient rules. There have been very few studies to determine whether it actually works, whether there are side effects, and what the dosage of treatments should be for any particular person. 

The process seems to be safe, according to the AAD, but it’s crucial to make sure that you receive the treatment from a board-certified dermatologist at a clinic that uses sterilized transfusion equipment properly. 

Activated charcoal is a carbon-based substance that can be found in a range of skin and beauty products, from teeth whiteners to pore-cleansing facial scrubs and masks. Companies that sell these products often claim that charcoal’s natural absorbency helps to collect and remove dirt and oil from skin.

What to know: There has been little research on the effectiveness of charcoal in beauty products. But these items often contain other ingredients, like salicylic acid, that are known to be skin-friendly. They may help give the impression that improvements are due to charcoal. 

If you’re going to incorporate charcoal into your beauty routine, try it in a gentler form such as a scrub or gel, which exfoliates and nourishes the skin instead of removing vital layers—taking care to not overuse at the risk of irritation and dryness. Those with dryer skin types may want to go easy on scrubs, or avoid them altogether.

Like any skin treatment, there is potential for an allergic reaction or irritation. Take care to buy only from trusted brands and to always read ingredient lists.

Permanent makeup consists mainly of tattoos resembling cosmetics on the lips, eyelids, and eyebrows. It's often done for convenience, though some people have it for health-related reasons, like concealing skin conditions and surgery scars. The problem is, all tattoos come with potential health problems, including rash, irritation, and infection from contaminated ink. The process of getting makeup tattooed on these sensitive areas is not exempt from these complications.

What to know: Though you may know someone who's had it done, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn't approved the practice of tattooing permanent makeup. It may also make it difficult to have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. There have been reports of irritation and swelling in tattooed areas during the scan.

Ultimately, know that while permanent makeup may save time and have some aesthetic benefits, it may not be worth the risks, pain, potential regret, and recovery time. Not to mention, if you decide you don't like your makeup, removal can be particularly difficult and may cause scarring.

This treatment entails customers dipping their feet in a tank full of water so hundreds of tiny fish can nibble and remove their dead skin, allowing new, healthy skin to grow.

While the experience is painless, you might consider the reason why Garra rufa feast on your feet: Their food is often withheld, making them eager to eat anything, including your dead skin. Often the water is not changed between clients (and the fish cannot be sanitized without harming them), increasing the chances of infection from diseases like HIV and hepatitis C. Less serious conditions like athlete’s foot can also be transmitted via fish pedicures. 

What to know: Fish pedicures don’t meet the legal definition of a pedicure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Several states have even banned the practice due to sanitization problems that can lead to infection. It’s safest to just try using a pumice stone to get rid of dead skin cells on your feet.

More than a millennium ago, the Japanese began using nightingale droppings to clear the skin of blemishes, sometimes combining it with lead. Nowadays, spas in New York and other cities in the U.S. have ditched the lead, but are keeping the poop, as it’s believed to tone skin and rid it of marks. In newer applications, the poop is combined with rice bran after being sanitized with UV light.

What to know: While the FDA has not approved the use of nightingale droppings for cosmetic use, products containing the substance are available for purchase online and at some spas. While some say it’s effective at smoothing skin and tightening pores, many report that it’s messy and pricey—in the range of hundreds of dollars for a jar.

A traditional healing technique, cupping is often practiced in China, the Middle East, and other parts of the world. Bamboo, ceramic, glass, or even plastic cups are emptied of oxygen to create suction on a person’s skin. Sometimes this is done by using a flame to burn away the oxygen in the cup before placing it on the skin. Sometimes a suction device is used instead. 

The hot cups are placed on the tense or injured part of the body, typically the back or shoulders. A vacuum is created as the cups cool, drawing blood through to the surface of the skin. This is believed to stimulate blood circulation, thereby easing muscle tension.

Cupping is frequently used for people with chronic conditions like arthritis, back pain, or irritable bowel disease. On average, one 45- to 60-minute session of cupping therapy will cost $50 to $100.

What to know: What little research there is on cupping is low-quality, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). There’s little evidence cupping eases pain or any other conditions. 

Still, some people sing cupping’s praises, claiming it reduces inflammation, enhances blood circulation, eases pain, and promotes relaxation, among other benefits. 

Cupping is usually safe, but there is a chance of bruising, soreness, burns, discomfort, or skin infections. Be sure to avoid cupping if you’re pregnant, have a pacemaker, hemophilia, blood clotting problems, epilepsy, heart disease, or skin conditions like eczema.

Cellulite is a harmless fat deposit that collects under the surface of the skin, usually around the buttocks, thighs, and hips. While cellulite is normal and common, it can cause skin to look dimpled. It’s caused by factors like genetics, sex, race/ethnicity, hormone changes, dehydration, and the ways your body burns energy. 

Carboxytherapy is the process of injecting a needle filled with carbon dioxide under the skin. This is said to reduce the appearance of cellulite, stimulate blood flow, and improve skin elasticity and irregularity. People with dimples and wrinkles in the skin due to aging, and those with striae distensae (stretch marks) may also see changes.  

Carboxytherapy isn’t cheap, although it costs less than more intensive treatments like surgery. A person might need up to 20 sessions, each costing between $75 and $200. 

What to know: Carboxytherapy is painful, and can include tingling, burning, and a sensation of heat. While any pain typically resolves in minutes, it sometimes lasts for up to 24 hours. It can also occasionally cause bruises and swelling. 

The FDA has not approved this practice, but a 2023 review published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found it to be safe and minimally invasive. The authors did, however, note that more research is needed to evaluate carboxytherapy’s effectiveness at treating different conditions. Experts and healthcare providers warn against the use of carboxytherapy outside of a licensed physician’s office.

Vitamin IV therapy is a treatment that involves taking in nutrients intravenously. It is used to reduce stress and fatigue, boost immunity, and as treatment for a variety of medical conditions. 

Studies suggest that people with serious illnesses like cancer, or who are unable to eat or swallow, can benefit from vitamins in IV form. Otherwise, there’s not much evidence for its effectiveness. 

Treatment usually costs between $250 and $800, depending on the location and infusion cocktail, and takes 30 to 60 minutes. 

What to know: The FDA has not approved this as a medical practice, and some professionals caution the use of vitamin IVs from an unlicensed individual. If you’re interested in trying it, consult with a healthcare provider (HCP) first and make certain the people administering the treatment are using sterile needles.

Also consider simply keeping yourself hydrated and following a healthy diet. It’s the best way to get the nutrients your body needs. 

During this procedure, a microneedle roller—a small, spinning device topped with thousands of tiny needles—is run lightly over your skin, penetrating the very top layer. Supposedly, it spurs collagen production and enhance skin for a more youthful, glowing look. Treatments are typically spaced three to eight weeks apart, and cost between $150 and $800 per session.

What to know: The FDA has approved of microneedling devices for three specific issues: facial acne scars, facial wrinkles, and abdominal scars. Only people aged 22 or older should receive the treatment, according to the FDA. If you’re thinking of getting a device to use at home, be aware there aren’t FDA-approved devices available over the counter. 

This minimally invasive practice is considered by experts to be safe and effective, though it can cause bruising or even scarring in some instances. Be aware of the possibility of infection, as well, as you would for any procedure that punctures the skin.

Cryotherapy involves using cold therapeutically to help the body manage pain, smooth skin, and encourage weight loss. Its cosmetic applications include four main approaches: 

• A cryotherapeutic facial is performed with the use of pressurized, liquid nitrogen. It’s pumped over your face to cool the skin very quickly, which is said to help blood flow and tighten skin.
• Skin icing involves applying ice or ice packs to the face. It can help lower swelling or puffiness, including in the areas under the eyes. To do it, wrap some ice in cloth and use it to slowly massage your face in a circular motion. To avoid irritating your skin, keep the motion consistent and apply lotion afterward.
• Targeted freezing with a cotton swab and liquid nitrogen can help treat a discolored age spot. This should be done only by qualified HCPs.
• Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) involves putting your whole body into subzero temperatures (down to -200 degrees F), usually in a special spa equipped with cryotherapy chambers. 

What to know: While the facial, icing, and targeted freezing are generally harmless if done correctly, no research supports WBC as a method of improving skin or treating acne and other skin disorders, according to the AAD. The AAD also cautions that oxygen deficiency, frostbite, frozen limbs, and rashes are all possible with WBC, as are eye injuries and a temporary loss of memory. Use discretion to determine if cryotherapy is right for you.

Before trying any unconventional beauty treatment, understand that some have more risks than they’re worth. Always take care to investigate potential health hazards and use discretion when determining which treatment to try. If you're concerned, reach out to an HCP to discuss the best course of treatment for you.