From snail slime to sheep cells - bizarre spa treatments that use animal products

The spa industry has come a long way since Cleopatra coloured her lips with pulverized carmine beetles. Or has it? Today there is much more awareness of animal cruelty as well as increased product regulation - thank goodness - yet it doesn't mean the animal world is no longer being looked to in the name of beauty and wellness.

To see how ingredients from the animal kingdom contributes to the spa world, check these unusual spa treatments out. (To read about spa therapies that involve live animals click here.)

Placenta - yup, that's the stuff expelled at birth - contains nutrients, vitamins and anti-oxidants. What better way to get back your skin's baby-soft glow? According to the Biolite Skin Clinic at DubaiHealthcareCity, which offers a Placenta Diamond Facial, celebs like Madonna and JLo are fans.

Bah bah black sheep, have you any fetal cells?

The most famous Revitalization Treatment of all time can be found at Clinique La Prairie in Switzerland. Starting at a meaty $19,000 this six-day immune-boosting stay involves ingesting the cells from the fetus of a black sheep. Legendary figures like Marlene Dietrich, Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin all gave it a try, though the treatment has evolved since its beginnings in 1931 - oral emulsions are now used instead of injections - and it's still a big draw for those who want to slow the aging process.

Note: La Prairie products are not affiliated with Clinique La Prairie

But is it beluga?

We eat it, why not slather it all over our bodies? Caviar, unfertilized fish eggs or roe, has long been an edible indulgence of the rich and ravenous. It's also a key ingredient in many high-end facials. The draw? Caviar is chock full of proteins, moisturizers and vitamins, ideal for hydration and cell renewal. Try a 90-minute La Prairie Caviar Firming Facial at the ultra-luxe Dolder Grand in Switzerland or a Myoxy-Caviar Facial at the Rimrock Hotel in Banff, Alberta.

For the birds

The geishas did it for centuries, now it's your turn. Bird poop might not be your idea of a fun facial but enzymes in sterilized nightingale droppings, an ingredient in the Geisha Facial at Shizuka New York Day Spa, is said to make skin radiant.

You missed your chance

No bull - the upscale Hari's Salon in London, UK, found a unique way to condition hair -with bull semen. Packed with protein, their Aberdeen Organic Bull Sperm Treatment was said to repair and brighten - but word has it the treatment is no longer available due to EU regulations. No word on how the bulls feel about that.

What's next?

Snail slime. Said to be a powerful anti-oxidant containing enzymes, minerals and peptides, snail mucus is being added to cosmetic products to moisturize, reduce wrinkles and help with acne scarring. Will it ever catch on in Toronto spas? We'll just have to wait and see. But snails travel slowly, so don't hold your breath.

To read more spa articles visit the spa page on Carol's blog.