Just how far would you go in pursuit of youth? We’ve explored the weird and the wonderful treatments that take pampering to a whole new level. You’ve been warned…

BEE STINGS (Dhs500)
Worry not. The Bee Sting Facial (above right) does not involve a close encounter with a swarm of angry bees, but rather a very pleasant 70 minutes of cleansing, toning and moisturising. The bee venom acts as a natural alternative to botox, which ‘tricks’ the surface of the skin into thinking it has been stung. We have it on good authority that no bees were harmed in the making of the mask.
The Nail Spa, The Dubai Mall, Downtown, Dubai
Metro: The Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa.
Daily 10am to 10pm
thenailspa.com

FISHY FACIAL (Dhs600)
We all know that the omega 3 oils in fish are good for you if you eat it. But what about slapping it on your face? The Salmon Collagen Facial (above left) uses actual extracts of salmon to boost collagen in the skin, leaving it plumped and radiant. We’ve heard on the grapevine that the movers and shakers of Dubai have a fondness for this facial before going to big events to get that Hollywood glow.
Silkor, Villa 708, Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai
Tel: (04) 3480500. Taxi: Third villa after Dubai Municipality.
Mon to Thur 9am to 6pm, Sat 9am to 2pm 
silkor.com

PLACENTA (Dhs2,500)
If you’re anything like us you’re probably imagining a gory scene in the maternity wing of the local hospital. But fear not, the placenta in question is actually bio-identical plant extract that has the same make up as the real deal. The idea behind this facial is that the proteins and amino acid tackle ageing and pesky wrinkles with visible results in just six weeks. Acne sufferers will also benefit from the added bonus that the placenta facial (below left) is perfect to calm down inflamed skin.
Biolite Aesthetic Clinic, Villa 57, Al Thanya Road, Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai
Tel: (04) 3466641. Taxi: Emarat petrol station.
Sun to Thur 9.30am to 8.30pm
biolitedubai.com

Gruesome Grooming

BIRD DROPPINGS (Dhs850)
Legend has it that geishas believed nightingale droppings did a pretty amazing job of scrubbing off make up and healing damaged skin. Seeing as geishas had such beautiful and clear complexions, maybe they were onto something. With a celebrity following including Victoria Beckham and Tom Cruise, the wastage from these little critters has never been more popular. A 60-minute treatment (above right) t will brighten dull skin and treat sun damage to reveal a porcelain complexion.
Biolite Aesthetic Clinic, Villa 57, Al Thanya Road, Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai
Tel: (04) 3466641. Taxi: Emarat petrol station.
Sun to Thur 9.30am to 8.30pm 
biolitedubai.com

SNAKE VENOM (Dhs600)
The Rodial Venom Freeze Ritual is one for the lads. It involves a tailored facial using snake venom to iron out expression lines. The reason the facial is just for the boys is that men naturally have thicker skin, which can withstand the effects of the venom. And they are way braver, obviously.
ShuiQi Spa and Fitness, Atlantis, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Taxi: Atlantis.
Daily 10am to 10pm 
atlantisthepalm.com