Skin experts share the bonkers celeb anti-ageing hacks that actually work – and why snail slime could smooth your skin
WHEN it comes to turning back the clock, celebs will try literally ANYTHING.
Last week Jennifer Aniston said that in a bid to stay youthful she once had a salmon-sperm facial.
While Jen, 54, wasn’t convinced by the fishy face mask, barmy beauty treatments abound.
Despite their hefty price tags, the popularity of bird-poop facials and seaweed serums is on the rise.
Here, skincare experts Dr Maham Khan, Dr Nowell Solish and Dr Ross Perry give Mia Lyndon their views on beauty’s oddest ingredients, while we suggest cheaper high street options that could be at least equally effective.
Cactus to combat skin dryness
A PRICKLY pear might not sound like something you would want to rub on your skin.
But when infused into skincare products, this distinctive cactus is especially effective for those with dry or sensitive skin.
“Cactus extracts are known for their hydrating and soothing properties,” says Dr Solish.
“They often contain high levels of water-binding compounds, which can help lock in moisture.”
If summer has left your skin gasping, or you are prone to dryness, this ingredient could be ideal for calming it.
The cactus-rich Weleda hydrating facial mist, £16.95 from Holland & Barrett, feels nice and refreshing, too.
Salmon sperm to reduce scarring
JENNIFER ANISTON recently admitted she will try just about anything to try to reduce wrinkles – including a fish-semen facial.
One version of the treatment involves having salmon sperm extract injected into your face and will set you back £315.
It’s said to improve the appearance of scarring, but Jennifer said she experienced few results, which doesn’t surprise Dr Khan.
She says: “The exact mechanisms of how this ingredient works are unclear, but it’s believed to provide hydration and nourishment to the skin.
“It contains DNA and proteins, so some claim it has anti-aging properties.”
It’s been said to improve cell production, leading to improved skin elasticity and a plumper, rejuvenated appearance.
“However, it’s not a common ingredient in mainstream skincare, and its efficacy is debated,” Dr Khan adds.
Caviar to firm up your face
THERE’S only one thing posher than eating caviar – and that’s smearing it on your face.
“Omega 3, which is found in caviar, helps skin appear more firm, less prone to fine lines and wrinkles and boosts hydration,” says Dr Perry.
Actress Angelina Jolie is said to be a caviar moisturiser fan, however, it’s not suitable for everyone.
“Caviar is a fish-based extract, so it shouldn’t be used if you have a fish or shellfish allergy.
“As with any new ingredient, it’s always best to do a patch test first,” advises Dr Perry.
For those with allergies, products that contain vitamin E can offer similar results.
Some caviar products will set you back hundreds, but Lacura Caviar Anti-age Day Cream, £7.99 from Aldi, is a budget-friendly option.
It’s packed with a number of great skin benefits, so it’s worth popping in your basket but don’t expect miracles overnight.
Snail slime for skin repair
SNAIL mucin is a powerful skincare ingredient – so long as the words “snail secretion” aren’t enough to put you off.
The ingredient is creating a buzz in the beauty world, with products such as Dr Organic Healthy Aging Snail Gel Facial Serum, £17.99 from Holland & Barrett, becoming increasingly trendy.
Dr Maham Khan, consultant dermatologist at London’s Cadogan Clinic, says: “Snail mucin is thought to work by forming a protective barrier on the skin’s surface and promoting skin repair.
“It can help hydrate the skin, exfoliate dead skin cells, and stimulate collagen production.”
Perfect for soothing stressed skin, it’s worth investing in, says Dr Khan, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin.
However, if it’s your first try, remember it’s always wise to perform a patch-test before applying.
Mud to exfoliate
IT may be very different from the muck you wipe off your shoes, but mud is still a debatable skincare ingredient.
Dr Perry says: “A mud mask is antibacterial and helps to exfoliate the skin.”
The ingredient can unclog pores and reduce oil as well as offering a cooling, calming effect when applied.
However, mud can also be harsh and drying, so those with especially dry or sensitive skin should steer clear.
To stay on the safe side, apply Yes To Grapefruit Vitamin C Boosting Mud Mask, £2.99 from Holland & Barrett, and rinse off after ten minutes.
While applying a mud mask may sound like the ultimate wind down, don’t trust the hype if you’re prone to sensitivity.
Seaweed to plump-up tone
THAT slimy-looking stuff you see washed up on the beach is possibly the last thing you would consider putting on your face.
But it’s rich in vitamins and minerals and is said to promote skin health and even have anti-ageing benefits.
Dr Khan says: “Seaweed provides essential nutrients to the skin, helps with moisture retention and has anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it’s suitable for most skin types.”
Supermodel Jourdan Dunn swears by seaweed-infused Creme De La Mer moisturiser, which can cost from £80 for 15ml to £2,040 for 500ml.
But Dr Organic Seaweed Ageless Daily Hydration gel cream, £11.99 from drorganic.co.uk, also contains seaweed extract and could have comparable benefits.
Seaweed is especially effective for mature skin. “Seaweed offers intense hydration, reduces inflammation, and can help combat signs of ageing,” says Dr Khan.
Bee venom to fill fine lines
WHILE most of us wince at the thought of being stung by an insect, some actually choose to apply bee venom to their face.
Said to promote a youthful appearance, the ingredient is used in moisturisers, masks and facials.
Even the Princess of Wales is said to be a fan.
“Bee venom contains peptides that can provide a mild plumping effect, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Indeed Labs dermatologist Dr Nowell Solish.
Rodial Bee Venom Jelly eye patch, £9 from lookfantastic.com, is a wallet-friendly option.
However, while it can be an effective ingredient, it can be a real stinger for those with bee sting allergies, and should be avoided by anyone who’s lucky enough to have never been stung.
Mushrooms beat pollution
THIS humble fungus has been used in skincare for decades, but recently shot to social media stardom.
While rubbing them on your face doesn’t sound particularly indulgent, mushrooms are a key ingredient in many skincare products, advises Dr Solish.
He added: “Certain mushrooms, like shiitake, reishi and chaga, are often used in skincare because they contain compounds that can help protect the skin from environmental stressors and promote a healthy complexion.”
Packed full of antioxidants, and suitable for all skin types, he adds there’s ’shroom for this ingredient in your bathroom cabinet.
Try Pai Skincare Tri-Mushroom Booster 10%, £19 from lookfantastic.com.
Bird poop to tighten pores
NIGHTINGALE guano, or poop, has been used in Japanese beauty treatments for centuries to rejuvenate skin.
Now you can pay more than £180 to have it massaged into your face – and even Posh Spice is a fan.
But its actual benefits are debatable, advises Dr Perry, medical director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics in London.
He says: “It is thought that guano helps to smooth the skin and tighten pores, but there is little evidence to suggest this works and it can actually be very expensive.”
While it’s been used for years to brighten dull skin, it’s now often met with a number of hygiene concerns and results are not guaranteed.
Dr Perry adds: “It’s likely to be an ingredient added for marketing purposes to a very expensive facial.”
Algae for an even texture
ALGAE can be toxic to humans and animals when eaten, causing severe illness.
But it has several benefits when used in moisturisers and serums, says Dr Solish.
He adds: “Algae can hydrate, soothe skin and provide essential nutrients, to help improve overall skin texture.”
The ingredient is great for improving skin texture, whether that’s fine lines or blemishes.
A gentle option is The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics, £7.90 from cultbeauty.com, which contains red and blue- green algae to help revitalise skin.
“Algae-based products are generally suitable for all skin types, especially those looking for hydration and nourishment,” says Dr Solish.