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20 Beauty Treatments That Spark Heated Conversations

Written By Anne Kostick
Last updated: February 3, 2025

The world of beauty is vast and complex, with numerous treatments available to enhance one's appearance. However, some of these treatments can be quite controversial, sparking intense debates and discussions among beauty enthusiasts.

From unusual ingredients to unconventional methods, these treatments often raise questions about effectiveness, safety, and ethics. In this blog, we'll explore 20 beauty treatments that have sparked heated conversations, shedding light on the fascinating and sometimes bizarre world of beauty.

1. Vampire Facials

Vampire facials, also known as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, involve injecting platelet-rich plasma derived from the patient's own blood into the face to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture.

This treatment has garnered significant attention and controversy due to its unusual nature and potential risks, including infection & scarring. Proponents claim that it can lead to significant improvements in skin appearance, while critics argue that benefits are largely anecdotal & require further scientific validation.

2. Snail Trail Facials

Snail trail facials involve applying a mask infused with snail mucin, which is rich in hyaluronic acid, glycoproteins, and glycolic acid. This treatment is believed to hydrate and brighten the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

However, some critics have raised concerns about the potential for allergic reactions and the sourcing of snail mucin, with some farms allegedly using inhumane methods to extract the mucin.

As a result, this treatment has sparked intense debates about animal welfare and the ethics of using animal-derived products in beauty treatments.

3. Bee Venom Therapy

Bee venom therapy, also known as apitherapy, involves using bee venom to stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity. Proponents claim that it can lead to significant improvements in skin appearance, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

However, critics have raised concerns about the potential risks, including allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. Additionally, the sourcing of bee venom has sparked debates about the welfare of bees and the potential environmental impacts of large-scale bee venom harvesting.

4. Charcoal Teeth Whitening

Charcoal teeth whitening involves using activated charcoal to remove stains and whiten teeth. While some proponents claim that it can lead to significant improvements in tooth appearance, critics have raised concerns about the potential risks, including tooth erosion and gum damage.

Furthermore, the effectiveness of charcoal teeth whitening has been questioned, with some studies suggesting that it may not be as effective as traditional teeth whitening methods.

5. Placenta Facials

Placenta facials involve applying a mask infused with placenta extract, which is rich in growth factors and other nutrients. Proponents claim that it can stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture, leading to a more youthful and radiant appearance.

Beauty Treatments

However, critics have raised concerns about the sourcing of placenta extract, with some suppliers allegedly using unethical methods to obtain the extract. Additionally, the effectiveness of placenta facials has been questioned, with some studies suggesting that the benefits may be largely anecdotal.

6. Fat Dissolving Injections

Fat-dissolving injections, such as Kybella, involve using a synthetic version of a naturally occurring molecule to dissolve fat cells under the chin.

While proponents claim that it can lead to significant improvements in appearance, critics have raised concerns about the potential risks, including nerve damage and uneven fat distribution.

Furthermore, the long-term effects of fat-dissolving injections have not been fully studied, leading to ongoing debates about their safety and effectiveness.

7. Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic drainage massage involves using gentle, rhythmic strokes to stimulate the lymphatic system and improve the removal of toxins from the body.

Proponents claim that it can lead to significant improvements in skin appearance and overall health, while critics have raised concerns about the lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness.

Additionally, some practitioners have been accused of using overly aggressive techniques, leading to bruising and other adverse effects.

8. Golden Facials

Golden facials involve applying a mask infused with 24-karat gold, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Proponents claim that it can lead to significant improvements in skin appearance, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

However, critics have raised concerns about the potential risks, including skin irritation and allergic reactions. Furthermore, the effectiveness of golden facials has been questioned, with some studies suggesting that the benefits may be largely anecdotal.

9. Electrical Muscle Stimulation

Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) involves using electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contractions and improve muscle tone.

Proponents claim that it can lead to significant improvements in body shape and appearance, while critics have raised concerns about the potential risks, including muscle strain and nerve damage.

Furthermore, the long-term effects of EMS have not been fully studied, leading to ongoing debates about its safety and effectiveness.

10. Hydrafacial

Hydrafacial involves using a combination of exfoliation, extraction, and hydration to improve skin texture and appearance. Proponents claim that it can lead to significant improvements in skin health, while critics have raised concerns about the potential risks, including skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Additionally, the effectiveness of hydrafacial has been questioned, with some studies suggesting that the benefits may be largely anecdotal.

11. Micro-Needling

Micro-needling involves using tiny needles to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. Proponents claim that it can lead to significant improvements in skin appearance, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

However, critics have raised concerns about the potential risks, including infection and scarring. Furthermore, the effectiveness of micro-needling has been questioned, with some studies suggesting that the benefits may be largely anecdotal.

12. LED Light Therapy

LED light therapy involves using different wavelengths of light to stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and improve skin texture.

Beauty Treatments

Proponents claim that it can lead to significant improvements in skin appearance, while critics have raised concerns about the potential risks, including eye damage and skin irritation.

Additionally, the effectiveness of LED light therapy has been questioned, with some studies suggesting that the benefits may be largely anecdotal.

13. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels involve using a solution to remove the top layers of skin and improve skin texture and appearance.

Proponents claim that it can lead to significant improvements in skin health, while critics have raised concerns about the potential risks, including skin irritation, scarring, and uneven skin tone.

Furthermore, the effectiveness of chemical peels has been questioned, with some studies suggesting that the benefits may be largely anecdotal.

14. Facial Cupping

Facial cupping involves using suction cups to stimulate blood flow and improve skin texture. Proponents claim that it can lead to significant improvements in skin appearance, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

However, critics have raised concerns about the potential risks, including skin irritation and bruising. Additionally, the effectiveness of facial cupping has been questioned, with some studies suggesting that the benefits may be largely anecdotal.

15. Gua Sha

Gua sha involves using a tool to scrape and stimulate the skin, improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.

Proponents claim that it can lead to significant improvements in skin appearance and overall health, while critics have raised concerns about the potential risks, including skin irritation and bruising.

Furthermore, the effectiveness of gua sha has been questioned, with some studies suggesting that the benefits may be largely anecdotal.

16. Breast Massage

Breast massage involves using gentle strokes to stimulate blood flow and improve breast health. Proponents claim that it can lead to significant improvements in breast appearance and overall health, while critics have raised concerns about the potential risks, including discomfort and pain.

Additionally, the effectiveness of breast massage has been questioned, with some studies suggesting that the benefits may be largely anecdotal.

17. Ionized Water Therapy

Ionized water therapy involves using alkaline or acidic water to balance the body's pH levels and improve overall health.

Proponents claim that it can lead to significant improvements in skin appearance and overall health, while critics have raised concerns about the potential risks, including electrolyte imbalance and kidney damage.

Furthermore, the effectiveness of ionized water therapy has been questioned, with some studies suggesting that the benefits may be largely anecdotal.

18. Hair Laser Therapy

Hair laser therapy involves using low-level laser therapy to stimulate hair growth and improve hair thickness. Proponents claim that it can lead to significant improvements in hair appearance, while critics have raised concerns about the potential risks, including eye damage and skin irritation.

Additionally, the effectiveness of hair laser therapy has been questioned, with some studies suggesting that the benefits may be largely anecdotal.

19. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Therapy

TENS therapy involves using electrical impulses to stimulate nerve endings and improve muscle tone. Proponents claim that it can lead to significant improvements in body shape and appearance, while critics have raised concerns about the potential risks, including muscle strain and nerve damage.

Furthermore, the long-term effects of TENS therapy have not been fully studied, leading to ongoing debates about its safety and effectiveness.

20. Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy involves using extremely low temperatures to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. Proponents claim that it can lead to significant improvements in skin appearance, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

However, critics have raised concerns about the potential risks, including frostbite and nerve damage. Additionally, the effectiveness of cryotherapy has been questioned, with some studies suggesting that the benefits may be largely anecdotal.

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Charles Eames

Anne Kostick has been Editor-in-Chief since September 2007. Previously, Anne was a principal at Foxpath IND, a publishing, consulting and editorial services company specializing in the transition to and from traditional content publishing and online content management, development and publishing. Her clients included trade book publishers, technology and financial services Web sites, and arts and cultural institutions. Previously, she worked as Licensing and Product Development Director, Senior Acquisitions Editor and Director of Electronic Publishing for Workman Publishing, and as Senior Acquisitions Editor for Harry N. Abrams/Stewart, Tabori & Chang. In the online world she worked as Director of Content Development for Vitaminshoppe.com. Anne has a B.A. in Greek and Latin, with a minor in Theater, from Beloit College. She is the author of several books for children, as well as a definitive collection of jokes.

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