Let’s be real, ladies. We have all rubbed strange concoctions on our faces in the name of skincare. But actor Cate Blanchett’s penis facial certainly takes the cake for the most bizarre one.
In an interview with Vogue Australia, Blanchett admits to trying a this strange facial with co-actor Sandra Bullock.
“Sandy Bullock and I saw this facialist in New York, Georgia Louise, and she gives what we call the penis facial and it’s something — I don’t know what it is, or whether it’s just ’cause it smells a bit like sperm — there’s some enzyme in it so Sandy refers to it as the penis facial,” the 48-year-old Elizabeth actor said.
As innocent as it was, Blanchett’s admission of this bizarre treatment received a lot of backlash. So much so that Vogue had to remove the quote from their original interview (reprinted in full here).
However, this created a surged interest in this skincare treatment and led to people flocking to Georgia Louise for some answers.
Here’s the truth about the penis facial
As per the celebrity facialist, the “penis facial” is a $650 (SGD 855.50) Hollywood EGF — Epidermal Growth Factor Facial.
While explaining this treatment, Louise told The Hollywood Reporter, “EGF is derived from newborn baby foreskin, but cells were taken and from that, new cells are cloned from a laboratory.”
The cells used in the penis facial are donated from newborn baby foreskin. | Image courtesy: stock image
She added that she collects the foreskin during circumcision and then after harvest of the stem cells, experts extract them through a centrifuge.
In fact, the facialist even promoted this treatment on her social media, detailing its process through an Instagram post.
“We are not using original stem cells, only clone!” Louise shared on her Instagram. | Image courtesy: Instagram screengrab
Celebrity facialist Louise explains the technique
In her post she explains, “EGF is clone cells taken from progenitor cells (original cells) of the human fibroblast.”
She shared that these are “donated from newborn baby foreskin.”
“We are not using original stem cells, only clone!! The stem cells were [given] to a stem cell bank in Korea!!!!” Louise further explained.
Even her website said that this treatment includes stem cells that are “FDA approved.”
Even though this bizarre treatment has stirred a global debate about the extent to which we are willing to go to be an ageless beauty, it is not the only strange treatment that involves body parts and fluids.
4 bizarre beauty treatments
1. The placenta facial
Looks like humans have found a way to include animal-derived placenta in the skincare routines. It supposedly includes proteins, nutrients and enzymes that promote skin-cell growth.
In fact, U.S. designer Alexander Wang swears by the placenta facial.
“I’m a diva when it comes to skincare,” Wang told Page 6.
“I use a lot of placenta and a lot of stuff that smells like it shouldn’t be put on your face. . . Things that really burn your face and make your face really red. But then you wake up in the morning, and you’re like, ‘Oh s–t, I look amazing!’” he added.
2. The urine facial
Yes, there is such a thing! Believe it or not, there are people who splash their faces with urine to get a more youthful and flawless look. Urine has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties and can reportedly treat rashes, sun burns and even acne.
In fact, a UK-based life coach told The Sun that her life changed once she started rubbing urine on her face.
“People think of urine as something that is dirty but it is not. It is your own DNA and that is what makes it so powerful. When it comes out of you it is fresh and it doesn’t smell. You can use it to treat eczema, psoriasis, rashes, outbreaks, anything to do with skin,” she told the daily.
3. The breast milk facial
The colostrum in breast milk has antibodies and nutrients. So facialists are now producing colostrum gel which includes Vitamin C and E that boost elasticity of the skin and lend radiance to the face.
4. The vampire facial
You must have heard television personality Kim Kardashian talk about the vampire facial a few times. It is the extraction of one’s own blood, which is used on your face. But, it can set you back by $950 (SGD 1250).
Well, Kardashian thinks it works and there is nothing spooky about it!
German orthopedic Dr Barbara Sturm started this treatment and has an enviable list of clients including Kim, Cher and supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
She told New York Post that she first takes out the blood and then incubates it for four to six hours. She then spins it in a centrifuge to create protein-rich plasma. This is injected into a cream and used by her clients.
While these are bizarre treatments, they are also a celebrity go-to for a reason.
If you do try them, let us know in the comments section below.
Sources: Vogue Australia, New York Post, Hollywood Reporter
ALSO READ: 10-Step Korean skincare routine you should be doing every night
(Feature image courtesy: Flickr, Lead courtesy: Instagram)
