Jennifer Aniston has revealed she once tried a salmon sperm facial in the name of skincare – and yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. But while this unusual treatment has people scratching their heads, it’s hardly the strangest thing to come out of Hollywood. Let’s take a look at a few other bizarre methods celebs have tried, from Sandra Bullock to Simon Cowell.

Before we dive in, let’s just unpack what on earth a salmon sperm facial is – as the name suggests, it involves the use of salmon sperm DNA extract as a key ingredient in a facial treatment. Proponents of this treatment claim that the DNA extract is rich in nutrients and antioxidants that can help rejuvenate the skin, reduce wrinkles, and combat the signs of ageing. The idea is that these components can stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture, and give the skin a youthful glow. Now that all sounds good, but does it actually work? Well, it turns out that, while these components do promote collagen production, they just don’t pack enough of a punch to make a noticeable difference.

Aniston candidly shared that she had tried the salmon sperm facial in her quest for smoother skin, but says the treatment left much to be desired.   

“First of all, I said, ‘Are you serious? How do you get salmon’s sperm?’”, Aniston told the Wall Street Journal.

But the pressure on women – particularly women in Hollywood – to defy the ageing process is nothing new. The 54-year-old actress has previously spoken out on how damaging these pressures can be.

“There is also this pressure in Hollywood to be ageless. I think what I have been witness to, is seeing women trying to stay ageless with what they are doing to themselves,” she said. “I am grateful to learn from their mistakes, because I am not injecting s**t into my face.”

The glitz and glamour of Hollywood often mask the intense pressures that celebrities, particularly women, face to maintain a youthful appearance. The entertainment industry's obsession with agelessness has given rise to a culture where the passage of time is met with skepticism, and the pursuit of eternal youth seems like a never-ending endeavour. In recent years, this pressure has extended beyond women and onto male celebrities, shedding light on the complex dynamics that shape perceptions of beauty and age in the entertainment world. 

For decades, the entertainment industry has placed immense pressure on women to defy the effects of ageing. The age-old narrative of "fading beauty" often leads to actresses feeling the need to undergo cosmetic procedures, maintain strict diets, and adhere to rigorous exercise routines. The fear of being typecast into roles that are less substantial further fuels this anxiety. We also know pressure to stay young is magnified by the relentless scrutiny of paparazzi, tabloids, and the constant presence of social media – how many cruel headlines do we see mocking a celebrity’s appearance?

Penis Facial

Well, it’s not technically called a penis facial, that’s just what Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett dubbed it when the former went on the Ellen Show to reveal they’d both tried the strange treatment. Oh and if you think it sounds disturbing now, just wait until you find out what it really is. Formally known as the Hollywood EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) Facial, this treatment involves the application of a serum, often derived from newborn baby foreskins, onto the face. Human babies, if that part wasn’t obvious. The serum, which contains epidermal growth factors, is believed to promote collagen production and skin rejuvenation. You might be wondering how ethical this treatment is – after all, it doesn’t exactly sound kosher. It's not a clear-cut answer, but we certainly wouldn’t be advocating the practice – the ethical implications largely depend on how the EGF serum is sourced. If the serum is derived from human sources, such as newborn baby foreskins, there are ethical concerns related to consent, exploitation, and cultural sensitivity. Using biological materials from donors without proper consent or understanding can raise a whole host of ethical issues.

Sheep Placenta Facial

While the expectation for women to remain youthful in Hollywood is deeply ingrained, there is a noticeable shift in recent years with growing expectations upon male celebrities to defy ageing as well. The rise of male grooming products, fitness trends, and cosmetic procedures targeted at men underscores this evolving narrative – Simon Cowell is one of the many celebs crumbling under the pressure to have wrinkle-free skin. The X-Factor guru would reportedly get sheep placenta facials from New Zealand sheep! It might sound like something out of science fiction, but this unusual beauty regimen has gained popularity in some circles – namely celebrity circles. The treatment involves applying placenta extract onto the skin in the hopes of rejuvenating and revitalising it.

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