First things first—aging happens. Science has yet to find a way to turn back the clock and eventually fine lines, saggy skin (saggy everything…) and an affinity for prunes just become a fact of life.
And yet people still go to some truly extraordinary lengths to not look old. The whole market for anti-aging products is growing at a CAGR of 6.77 percent from 2013-2018.
Both men and women are demanding an increasing range of anti-aging products, with skincare products accounting for more than 72 percent of the market and the rest being made up of cosmeceuticals and hair care products.
And while a few basic lotions and potions are pretty common on anyone’s bathroom counter, we’ve taken a look at some of the truly bizarre anti-aging products and techniques on the market.
1. Snail Slime
That slimy trail you see following in the wake of a snail is actually skin care gold, according to some. Apparently the mucous secreted by the little mollusks is actually full of collagen, elastin and a whole load of vitamins and minerals that are great for repairing and regenerating skin.
Now the thought of having snails slime their squishy way across your face might not be overly appealing to most. Luckily, some retailers are offering snail slime gels and creams, so consumers can their fix without the gross-out factor.
2. Japanese Anti–Aging Facemask and Headband
Leave it to Japan to have some really strange anti-aging paraphernalia on the market. First there’s the age-ru, a strange elastic mask that fits similar to a surgical mask. The wearer is meant to do facial exercises while the mask pulls the skin taut. Additionally, since the thick plastic assumingly doesn’t breathe, it also acts as a face sauna to help the wearer sweat out dirt and oil.
Then there’s the Oyasumi Goodnight Brow Stretcher. The concept here is simple—the headband stretches out your forehead while you sleep, so that the skin doesn’t bunch up and create wrinkles.
The jury’s still out on the efficacy of these products, but we’re willing to bet the success rate is low.
3. Geisha Facial
This sounds nice, right?
Wrong. The main ingredient in a geisha facial is poop. It’s made from the feces of a Japanese breed of nightingale, which are sterilized and made into a paste by blending them with rice bran and water.
The bird poop in chock full of nitrogen-rich urea as well as guanine, which can help skin retain moisture and look brighter. All this is well and good, but customers looking to have their face slathered in poop paste will probably pay about US$180 for the treatment.
4. Platza Massage Treatment
This is yet another anti-aging treatment that sounds rather pleasant but isn’t actually at all because it involves getting hit repeatedly with a tree branch. For the treatment, which is part of the Russian Baths experience, birch, oak or eucalyptus leaves are bundled together and then soaked in warm then hot water.
The ‘massage’ part consists of the masseuse literally slapping the branches against your body with increasing intensity. This is supposed to tone muscles, boost energy levels, improve circulation and boost metabolism. But from the sounds of it, so would running naked through the forest, and that version is free!
5. Teosyal
Teosyal is an acid-base, injectable wrinkle filler. It’s got great longevity and sculpting capacity, which makes it a perfect option for anything from fine lines to total facial restructuring (which would cost you about US$5,000, btw).
This is probably the treatment that most would consider the most ‘normal’ on the list, but in our opinion, paying US$500 and up to inject your face with acid is right up there with snail slime and bird poop as a truly odd choice for a beauty regimen.
Luckily for the Global Anti-Aging Products Market, most vendors are offering significantly less odd creams and lotions to appeal to regular folks. A growing ageing population, better marketing of products and the ever-present desire to look youthful will continue driving the market over the next four years.
