Victoria Beckham’s beauty secret – bird poop
By Alexandra Heilbron on October 9, 2008 | 41 Comments
On a recent trip to Japan, Victoria Beckham, 34, discovered a facial paste made of bird feces would combat the acne she’s suffered since her teens. A friend told Closer magazine: ‘When Victoria was in Japan recently she was admiring the local women’s clear skin and discovered it was down to these facials.” Apparently at one time, Geisha in Japan would use nightingale droppings on their faces to remove the heavy white makeup from their skin. The bird poop comes in a purified powder form with added rice bran, in order to “neutralize the smell,” according to a spokesperson for Geisha Facials, the company that makes the powder. Mixed with water it forms a paste and is applied as a mask. The cost? A mere $180 for a 50-minute treatment.
Yeah, that’s gross! Why can’t she just be ‘normal’ and use ProActive like Jessica Simpson & Alyssa Milano? It’s much cheaper and by the looks of things, it works better (and when I say “by the looks of things”, I mean because all three of them wear a ton of makeup). So, now….I wonder what she’s going to slap on her face next to get rid of all that oil?
Posh Beckham=Always beautiful.Aaah!
Nancy, Obviously you have no idea what ProActive has as far as ingredients go….what do u think could possibly be potent enough to “zap” away acne , which goes beyond the skin down into the subdermal layers…makes u wonder huh? Women will do anything to look good it seems .
As for the Japanese, it’s probbly good genetics. Try soap and water ,Posh
No wonder she never smiles!
Actually, if used right, proactive really works great, I got it for my daughter, and in 2 days she was almost clear. No joke, it’s fantastic.
Stargazer, obviously you have no idea of the ingredients in ProActive either or you would have stated them. I’m pretty sure though, that it does not contain anything as potent and disgusting as ‘bird poo’! As for you saying Victoria should use soap and water…anyone can get acne and it is not caused by not washing your face, so soap and water is not the answer.
Wow……that’s just gross.
Hey Stargazer, I guess I’m one of those “women who will do anything to look good” , and from the sounds of your comment above , you don’t know what it’s like to have to suffer with such an affliction .
Why don’t you wash your MOUTH out with soap and water….
OOOh Shae don’t get your knickers in a bunch – why don’t YOU take a chill pill?
A Full Rundown of All the Ingredients in the 3 Proactiv Products
Step 1: Renewing Cleanser
Active Ingredient: benzoyl peroxide 2.5%.
Inactive Ingredients: water (aqua), magnesium aluminum silicate, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate, disodium dimethicone copolyol sulfosuccinate, sorbitol, dimethyl isosorbide, polyethylene, tridecyl stearate, neopentyl glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, tridecyl trimellitate, cetyl esters, anthemis nobilis flower extract, sodium hyaluronate, sodium PCA, propylene glycol, xanthan gum, imidazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, fragrance (parfum).
Step 2: Revitalizing Toner
Ingredients: water (aqua), glycolic acid, hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) extract, anthemis nobilis flower extract, rosa canina fruit extract, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, sodium PCA, panthenol, glycerin, propylene glycol, allantoin, polysorbate-20, hydroxyethylcellulose, sodium hydroxide, benzophenone-4, tetrasodium EDTA, methylparaben, propylparaben, imidazolidinyl urea, fragrance (parfum), blue 1, yellow 5.
Step 3: Repairing Lotion
Active Ingredient: benzoyl peroxide 2.5%.
Inactive Ingredients: water (aqua), cyclomethicone, ethoxydiglycol, propylene glycol, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate, cetearyl alcohol, dimethicone, panthenol, allantoin, carbomer, ceteareth-20, xanthan gum, triethanolamine, diazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, fragrance (parfum).
To put it all in a nutshell, Proactiv��s interesting ingredients are benzoyl peroxide, witch hazel, and some herbal extracts. The remainders of the products are simply combinations of water and other inert components. It is noteworthy that the benzoyl peroxide lists possible, and commonly incurred, side effects including drying, itching, flaking, reddening and/or swelling facial flesh. Users are repetitively instructed to apply a sunscreen after each of the twice-daily applications of the products. They are also warned of the bleaching effects of the benzoyl peroxide on the user��s towels, washcloths, carpets and clothing.
**Pure benzoyl peroxide is highly flammable, explosive, toxic and a possible tumor promoter and may act as a mutagen[6], and should be handled with care.
Diluted in an ointment, benzoyl peroxide is used as an acne treatment and the following precautions and claims pertain to this use. Attention should be paid to the safety directions provided when purchased.
I don’t know about the rest of you…but I would not use Proactiv – it appears all of the products contain propylene glycol, which is dangerous as the body cannot expel and causes “liver abnormalities and kidney damage”. Most products contain this item. I doubt bird poop has this item, but I don’t necessarily agree with that product either. I just think that people should do their research before using any product that is ingested or absorbed by your body…even bird poop paste masks!
Check out the site: http://www.natural-health-information-centre.com/propylene-glycol.html
Japanese Traditional Beauty Secret ultra violet light treated Nightingale droppings “UGUISU NO FUN” are completely free of bacteria. They have been used for Kabuki actor & Geisha’s make-up cleansing for centuries in Japan and contain a natural enzyme (guanine, an amino acid w/ anmonic bleaching qualities) which has a natural lightening action.
With that being said, it seems as though this bird poop is WAY more healthy for your skin then putting a chemical on your face (and no matter if the benzoyl peroxide is diluted or not, it still is benzoyl peroxide and still can harm your skin).
PS…
I make and sell natural skin care products.
Can’t say I’ll ever get into either proactive or bird crap though *ick*
Nancy, Tribute girl…Re: Stargazer’s comment to me, Can I get a little give ‘er ?
»Victoria! Victoria! I…I like you! Ooh!…
I chose bird poop ;D.
At least its natural.
FECES IS BACTERIA….HOW THE HECK DO YOU MAKE IT PURE SO THAT IT CONTAINS NO BACTERIA?????????????????????? And if you could purify it, what CHEMICALS would be used and what would be the effects of those chemicals? The human body disposes of it for a reason…if it was any good the body would keep it! I wouldn’t put ANYTHING on my face that you make, Monique…seriously!! I’m lucky enough to have not experienced acne but, I would definately choose the ProActive over feces of any kind!! Do you actually know how long it would take your body (from washing your face with ProActive daily) to absorb enough of this ‘propylene glycol’ to POSSIBLY “cause liver abnormalities & kidney damage”? I have no clue how long it would take or if it would even happen….but I’m pretty sure that it would take longer than your life span. Doesn’t matter to me though. Like I said, if I had acne…ProActive would be my answer! I’d rather rather that than be called sh!t face!!!! 😀 LMFAO.
Actually, Nancy, it may take a while to absorb enough of ��propylene glycol�� to �cause liver abnormalities & kidney damage�� from the use of one product, but what about the other products you already use and have been using for years? Add those all up…Most of the symptoms are pretty severe and general ones that can be experienced, so I am sure most doctors wouldn’t be able to pinpoint the exact cause, as such, we should take a look at what we are doing to ourselves, at least we can control what products we use…we can’t necessarily control our environment though. So, maybe neither Proactiv nor bird poop are great ways to get rid of acne – my point, Nancy, is that we should all do some reseach about what we are doing to our bodies. Take a look at the website that I mentioned – it describes what propolyene glycol is (“A cosmetic form of mineral oil found in automatic brake and hydraulic fluid and industrial antifreeze”) and
different products it can be found in (makeup, shampoo, deordorant skin cream, baby wipes, mascara, toner, tire sealant, rubber cleaner, paint, adhesive, etc.) and different ailments (not just kidney and liver issues, but also “throat irritation, headache, backache, kidney problems, oedema (swelling), necrosis (cell death). If swallowed, can cause drowsiness, and slurred speech, possibly stupor, vomiting, respiratory failure, coma, convulsions, and death”) and think twice about what you put in or on your body or your child’s body. I mean, from baby wipes and skin cream to tire sealant, paint and adhesive and it can cause death!!!! We, as consumers, have the power to decide what we use – afterall, it’s our money that grows their businesses – we can make those decisions! Check out the site, Nancy, before making your unfounded comments:
http://www.natural-health-information-centre.com/propylene-glycol.html
And for the record, I would rather purchase anything that is made by Monique than anything that contains propylene glycol. I know it is impossible for us to keep away from every dangerous chemical/item found in products (Look at the list of ingredients in Proactiv products above – what is all of that stuff?) – but at least that is one that we know of. Nancy, I dare you to look at your existing products and see how many of them contain this. I bet you’d be surprised. Now, back to what you asked – “Do you actually know how long it would take your body (from washing your face with ProActive daily) to absorb enough of this ��propylene glycol�� to POSSIBLY �cause liver abnormalities & kidney damage��? I have no clue how long it would take or if it would even happen��.but I��m pretty sure that it would take longer than your life span.” Who knows, but with all of the products YOU likely already use, my guess is, probably before the end of your life span, not after.
Can’t we all just get along…..LOL
Well Roxy….my “unfounded comments”..???? How the heck would you know what products I use?? I believe in my last comment when I mentioned that I’m sure it would take longer than your life span to absorb that much, that I said “It doesn’t matter to me though.” That if I had problems with acne I would definately use ProActive. Well, let me fill you in…I shower daily using shampoo, conditioner, soap, wear makeup, hairspray, deodorant and perfume. I’ve been using all of these products for many years and I am very healthy thanks and even if I wasn’t, I would still use them…cause personal hygiene is a definate MUST!! I don’t “swallow” propylene glycol, as you mentioned above. I’m a very hygienic person and would never change that. I take care of my liver by rarely drinking alcohol and not taking any of the crap medications that Dr’s prescribe nowadays. That’s the stuff that kills the human liver, not shampooing your hair!! So Roxy, seeing as I know myself better than you and don’t have a skin condition that requires me to use these kinds of products, rarely drink or use medicines….I would say you guessed wrong and many many years from now, my liver will be harvested from my dead body and be place inside someone less fortunate!!
Shae, maybe in a fairy tale?
here you can voice your OWN opinion, who would want to read the same opinion from everyone? Boring….
Nancy, I referred to “unfounded comments” as in your comments as they related to the chemical that we are discussing – it appeared you were arguing without facts, or perhaps didn’t read it properly or you failed to retain the information that you read… Secondly, I never claimed to know what products you use (nor that I know you better than you know you. Who knows where you pulled that gem out of!) – I simply said that maybe you should check them, just out of curiousity to see what you’re taking and have been taking into your body.
Next, unfortunately propylene glycol is not found only in acne products, but in most hygiene and even food products. Obviously it is believed it would be within our lifetimes that symptoms would show themselves, otherwise studies wouldn’t be published and there wouldn’t be warnings that say we should avoid products. What does it take? Recalls (which are only done voluntarily by companies if recall costs outweigh lawsuits costs for your information) and bans by the government (which wouldn’t likely happen for some time until the government is sure they will still be making the same money off taxes for these items).
Also, Nancy, I don’t know how old you are and how long it could take for things to kick in…again, it is a generalization. It could takes years for symptoms to surface and it would depend on how much you take in through pores or by mouth.
Next, I wasn’t suggesting that you were “drinking” the stuff – I was merely quoting side-effects – which you would have understood if you had taken the time to properly and throughly read what I said. And for the record, you may have “swallowed” some as it can be found in food as well – cakes, popcorn, etc.
My suggestion is be a “wise” consumer – not just to you, to everyone in general. If anyone has ever taken Business 101, for example, you learn that consumers driver businesses. Our decisions can drive revenue. Also, we are taught the idea of supply and demand. If you can avoid one chemical (which isn’t that hard – trust me, I have and I use very high end makeup, shampoo, conditioner, cleaners, toners, moisturizers, perfumes, etc. and at times even use all natural items as well), it’s it worth our health? It is found in both high end and cheaper products…it doesn’t matter if you stick to one brand for everything – certain products of one brand can contain it while other items of the same brand may not. Wise consumer, wise consumer, wise consumer – that should be everyone’s mantra. Choose where you put your money and what you put in you.
I am not attacking you per se, Nancy. Just simply stating that a bit of research into the items we use religiously, maybe even more than once daily, warrant a bit of research.
I work in an industry that deals with scientific reseach into products (with a main view from a financial aspect) and it is clear that companies will do what it takes to make profits and it doesn’t usually matter if it is unsafe to a customer (how can a customer pinpoint and prove negative effects of one product overtime if it takes years, let’s say for something to cause harm?) as long as they follow what they must by law, but will not necessarily go above that unless it will provide them with tax credit benefits from the government. If something is “safe in small quantities” and you purchase it, that’s fine for you, but what if that small quantity is an items is in many or all of your products? Then suddenly the quantity is not so small, is it?
In addition, I too believe in personal hygiene and am incredibly “clean” and follow basically the same routine as you do daily before work and on the weekends and again if I am going out in the evening after work or later in the day on the weekends.
As I said before, my point is that we don’t need to sacrifice our routines, just make better, informed choices about certain things. It appears that syntax is your issue. Think logically, Nancy – To sacrifice certain “brand” or a certain “product” from a company isn’t to say you are going to abandon an item altogether – i.e., Company A uses propolyene glycol in their shampoo and conditioner, so I will no longer use the shampoo and conditioner from Company A, I will instead choose the same from Company B because it does not contain something that I know is harmful to me and it has the same benefits I was looking for in the first place. It’s clear it seems – common sense – You wouldn’t have to give up shampoo and conditioner, just from that company. That’s my point – making better choices for your body so that when you reach your 60s, 70s or 80s (neither of which I really think is your age bracket Nancy… but may be, otherwise how can you be so sure about the long term effects of chemicals you are taking in?) It boggles my mind how many people still today would give up their health (even when it calls for just a small adjustment) for vanity!
It’s great that you don’t take all of the bad medications from doctors (which usually have more immediate side effects), Nancy and that you don’t drink much – same here. I just don’t get why you wouldn’t even consider just taking a look at your current products. No, shampooing your hair in and by itself won’t likely harm your liver, but what if this chemical is in your soap, hairspray (gel or mousse), skin cream/lotion, face cream, etc.?
Bird poop may be healthier – it’s definitely more gross but it certainly doesn’t cause nearly as much of a dire situation as propylene glycol, even bearing in the bacteria it contains.
Nancy, it seems there is a misunderstanding. There are two things I think you don’t “get” – I think you think that I am saying you shouldn’t shower, cleanse, tone moisturize, etc. – I am saying, just be careful which products you choose. Also, I think you think that this is an acne-related issue, but I am saying that even non-acne fighting cleansers, toners, moisturizers contain propolyene glycol as well. You can keep shopping at Wal-Mart or where ever you shop, just check the ingredients. Since you seem to display characteristics of one who often holds beauty over health, I would assume you check labels when choosing what foods you choose – this is the same. Check labels for the things you put in your hair, on your face, on your skin, etc. (and again, it does include food…it can be found in food).
HOLY BOOK!!!!!
“Since you seem to display characteristics of one who often holds beauty over health, I would assume you check labels when choosing what foods you choose”…..makes about as much sense as the rest of your book, Roxy…. YOU “seem to be failing to retain” the fact that I DON’T CARE! As I am about 99% sure that my liver, as I stated above, will last for my lifespan and the rest of someone else’s.
Nancy, I had 15 minutes at lunch to address your comments. If you didn’t care, you’d stop reading and replying. Just sharing some info – mostly for the benefit of others, not just yours. Do with it what you will. For your sake, I hope your liver and all else does last your lifetime and another’s. I am just as healthy, if not more so, so I don’t have to worry. I hope you can say the same. Wow, I am glad that there are less ignorant people out there (that can understand the written word!) than you that will get the facts and then argue, rather than assume their way of life is correct. People have to learn from experience, grow and change – not be stagnant and un-bending.
Oh, so now I’M ignorant, Roxy? I never “assumed” my way of life is correct for everyone…they can make their own choices and smear their faces with all the bird crap they want (LMFAO). But, I choose what is right for me, yes. As for your little lesson on economics…supply/demand, business 101…DUH! We don’t understand cause we’re all stupid, oh wise one!!!
Rock on, Roxy! Love the un-bending….so so bang dead on, among other comments you made.
Very interesting comments – and agree with your “choose what you put in you” – personally I have avoided a lot of products over the last 20 years and have invested much time and money into alternative products and therapies, use antibiotics only when absolutely necessary and continue to learn what works best for me. Yes, continue to learn with an open mind.
For the record, I don’t think the saracastic “mere $180” is a large amount of money to pay for a treatment, not necessarily referencing this treatment but for any treatment you find offers some value for yourself. It’s a personal thing.
Beckham’s treatment choice is her choice and I don’t fault her for it. It’s not mine, but compared to ProActive…it comes out on top.
Wow. Lots of info to take in there.
Anyway, I believe that there are precious few products that don’t contain something harmful, even if you plant your own veggie garden, your veggies are likely going to absorb some bad stuff from the ground. So my vote would be for the pro-active over the bird crap.
I don’t think we’re all stupid…I think that companies think we as consumers are stupid and we should avoid feeding their pocketbooks. They give us sub-standard products by taking shortcuts, we should give them sub-standard business and put money in the pockets of companies (or choose products from the companies that are in fact “good products) that warrant our business. We should all be smart.
Okay, Jo-Anne, in your own words “here you can voice your OWN opinion, who would want to read the same opinion from everyone? Boring��.”
then why is it you constantly attack those opinions?
I just read through some of the posts above and thought I’d let you know what the following 2 ingredients are in ProActive: methylparaben & propylparaben – parabens are forms of estrogen-mimickers. Too much estrogen and our risk of breast and uterine cancer rises, endometriosis and ovarian cysts develop, PMS, uterine fibroid tumors and painful breast cysts occur. There isn’t much out there that is completely safe for us humans!
Oops Sorry Jo-Anne I meant to dis Roxy, not you . I am always intrigued by your canter (no i’m not a lesbian) LOL
Well Jo-Anne, for some people such as yourself, Roxy and Victoria Beckham apparently, smearing feces upon your face would most likely make a huge improvement!! 😀
Nancy, I surely don’t agree with smearing feces on my face as it is potentially dangerous. I am saying just the opposite – Be careful what you put on your face. Yuck!
I guess I could not truly say it’s a horrible treatment until I looked at the ingredients and did the research, but at first glance, it seems that since they simply “added rice bran, in order to ‘neutralize the smell’, ” they likely did nothing to neutralize the bacteria. Maybe bacteria is the active ingredient for their pimple popping promise! lol
Further, I don’t think anyone (except Ms. DVB) agreed that heading out to smear feces on their face is the answer to acne. I don’t have acne and if I did, I doubt that that would be the answer. The point is choice is our power.
And smearing fecal matter would be a huge improvement on what? On our acne that Jo-Anne and I never professed to having?
And, Stargazer, I didn’t make the “voice your own opinion” comment.
Thanks, Jo-Anne. I completely agree with the limited use of anti-biotics and research into alternative treatments (where necessary). The more you know the better off you are. Knowledge is key. In your words “continue to learn with an open mind” is the best way to grow and be healthy (inside and out) – well-put. I also agree with your $180 comment. Good point about using treatments/products that work best for you. We are all different – different backgrounds, different financial makeup, different medical histories, so accordingly, we have to do what is right for us as individuals. Perhaps the bird poop concoction works on the ladies of Japan but may not work on Mrs. Beckham.
Thanks Roxy, I see your points are well made
Stargazer, that WAS me! I stand by the comment too, difference of opinion is good, disagreeing with others is not attacking, you should stand up for what you believe in and enjoy a healthy argument, different point of view. I am unsure what you are meaning.
If you are referencing Nancy, Tribute Girl, I don’t put any value in their opinion….but hey, that’s a no brainer.
Ya, that’s typical…seeing as you are a “no-brainer” Jo!! See…I value your screwed up opinion just as much.
Gee, thanks Jo-Anne, for NOT attacking. Typical contradictions coming from you.
She’s an old hag! LOL.
ha thats funny, not even bird poop has helped her ugly face
Ugly? V.Beckham??
I don’t think so, but to each his own…
It’s not like she’s some 6 foot Freak or anything….she’s petite, keeps in shape, great hair….
Yes Jo Jo, I am 6′ tall. Far from a freak though, in great shape, great hair, etc. Better looking than Victoria as well. And, when I commented that she is an old hag…I was referring to you as per the comment above mine from Tributegirl, not Victoria. Now, it’s very typical of you though to refer to tall people as being freaks….I’m sure alot of your ‘cop buddies’ (cops tend to be taller) would love to know that you think they are “freaks”. LMFAO!
Oh, I almost forgot…..click my name!!
Oh, and I have great skin as well….no poop needed!! 😛
V. Beckham is ugly as he11! Look at that pic, looks like she’s all ready for Halloween!
And she NEVER smiles! Why not, afraid to show off those lovely British teeth?
Smiling or frowning causes wrinkles….lord only knows what the facial cure for that is! I mean, Botox is full of ‘harmful chemicals’. She would probably need to smear cow dung on her face or something….LMFAO!