It’s no secret that celebrities have access to some of the best beauty treatments to keep their complexions looking youthful.
But from snail slime to bee venom, the list of remedies credited against some of the freshest skin in Hollywood continues to become more extravagant and unusual.
For those of us who attempt to model our own skincare against our favourite A-listers, this can present a problem. Is it worth splurging on 24k gold facials in pursuit of better collagen production? Will facial acupuncture do anything beyond hurt?
Luckily for us, Dr Amy Chahal, one of Australia’s most in-demand cosmetic doctors and founder of The Centre Of Medical Aesthetics , is here to weigh in. Below, she’s sounding off on the celebrity-endorsed beauty treatments worth pursuing – and those that might not be worth your time.
24k Gold Facials
According to Dr Chahal, the efficacy of 24k gold facials is contentious.
“Scientific evidence supporting the claims of collagen stimulation and age spot reduction is limited. There’s a risk of allergic reactions in some individuals, and the radiant glow post-treatment is typically temporary,” she explains.
With this in mind, she warns that the high cost of 24k gold treatments might not necessarily provide a strong value proposition for every customer.
“With proven alternatives like retinoids, hyaluronic acid, and peptides available, it’s worth questioning whether the investment in gold facials is more about the experience than tangible, lasting skin benefits,” she says.
Snail Slime Creams
Snail slime (or snail mucin) is another that Dr Chahal feels lacks robust scientific backing.
“Snail mucin does contain glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, and zinc, which can be beneficial for the skin, but the concentration and efficacy in commercial products can vary,” she explains.
“There is no way to know if it is actually formulated in a way that is active and biologically useful. And, once again, there’s potential for allergic reactions in some individuals.”
Bee Venom Creams
Bee venom is an experimental beauty ingredient that has been endorsed by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow thanks to its purported anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects, however Dr Chahal remains unconvinced.
“The underlying principle is that the venom stimulates skin, increasing blood flow and producing collagen, leading to plumper skin. However, the scientific consensus on its long-term efficacy and safety remains unclear.”
Facial Acupuncture
Arguably the most painful on the list, according to Dr Chahal, facial acupuncture has been likened to more invasive procedures like Botox and surgical facelifts. However while some studies have suggested potential benefits of this method, she says more substantiated testing is needed to know for sure.
“The results of facial acupuncture can be highly variable, depending largely on the practitioner’s expertise. As the field is less standardised than many medical practices, the quality of treatment can differ substantially from one practitioner to another,” says Dr Chahal.
“Any positive effects from facial acupuncture are typically temporary. This means that for sustained results, regular and ongoing sessions are required, which can be time-consuming and expensive.”
Radiofrequency Microneedling
High on Dr Chahal’s list of treatments worth investing in is radiofrequency microneedling.
This popular method combines the benefits of microneedling with radiofrequency energy, she explains. “Tiny needles penetrate the skin, delivering RF energy to the deeper layers, stimulating collagen and elastin production.”
The result? According to Dr Chahal, radiofrequency microneedling can effectively address skin laxity, fine lines, scars, and enlarged pores, leaving skin feeling firmer and smoother, with a more even texture.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments are also loved by Dr Chahal for their proven efficacy and safety.
“Lasers deliver concentrated light to treat various skin concerns, with different lasers designed to penetrate different skin depths,” she says.
These can work to address a host of skin issues, like pigmentation, redness, broken capillaries, wrinkles, and scars, and can also aid in skin resurfacing and tightening.
Importantly, Dr Chahal adds, “Laser treatments have been a cosmetic medicine mainstay for years, with a wealth of studies supporting their benefits and safety profiles.”
