Why These Unusual Celeb Health Habits Are Actually Good For You
Let's face it: When celebrities speak, people listen. This goes for almost anything: Whether they're promoting a product, a workout style, or some wacky health habit, people tend to want to try the things they recommend — even when it's something as crazy as Kourtney Kardashian's detox cleanse, which basically consists of downing green smoothies and munching on nothing else but salads (via Refinery29). We don't need to tell you that's a bad idea (we hope).
However, every now and then, some of the weird health habits celebs promote are actually not the worst idea (though it's incredibly important to never follow their advice blindly). Speaking to Refinery29, researcher Steven Hoffman Ph.D., explained why people are so eager to believe celebrity health advice. "In some respects, it's hard for people to be critical of those who they at the same time admire," he said, adding, "In order to protect ourselves from some of the bad advice that celebrities give, we really need to be on guard and seek out better advice from better sources."
Even though health advice from celebrities is typically bogus (sorry, not sorry), some of their strange health habits actually do hold some benefits for us ordinary folks. Read on for some unusual celebrity health advice that can actually be good for you (if implemented with the guidance of medical professionals, of course).
Going commando like Kelly Clarkson can help prevent infections
While she was competing on "American Idol," singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson decided to ditch her underwear, Page Six reported. Perhaps going commando was like her lucky charm? "Why'd anyone want a little thing up their butt when they can go free?" Clarkson reportedly said.
If you've ever had the urge to follow in Clarkson's footsteps, you might actually reap a few benefits, believe it or not. Speaking to Bustle, OB/GYN Brittany Noel Robles, M.D., M.P.H., C.P.T., explained that ditching your underwear could mean lowering your chances of developing yeast infections like vaginitis and trichomoniasis, because the vagina is allowed to "breathe" without being restricted by tight underwear. Forgoing underwear can also prevent bacterial vaginosis. OB/GYN Felice Gersh, M.D., adds that you'll also have a lower risk of developing fungal infections like tinea cruris. This pesky infection usually develops when there's a build-up of heat and moisture in the genital area (you might know this condition as jock itch).
If you've ever had any of these infections, you know just how annoying and uncomfortable they can be, so ditching your underwear every now and then, or even making a habit of going to bed without underwear, could have a positive impact. It's important to pay attention to your clothing as well. Gersh notes that going commando while wearing loose, comfortable clothing can work wonders, but if you opt for tight pants or leggings, you're defeating the purpose.
Washing your face with olive oil like Chloë Grace Moretz can be good for your skin
During an interview with Allure, actress Chloë Grace Moretz revealed that she struggled with cystic acne that was so bad that she eventually opted to go on Accutane. Now, she keeps breakouts at bay by using oil to cleanse her face. "I wash my face with olive oil. I swear my skin is so much clearer because of it," she told the outlet. So, should you be moving the oils from your kitchen to your bathroom sink? According to experts, you can consider it.
Speaking to Buzzfeed, dermatologist Sejal Shah explained that using oils as cleansers is actually an excellent idea, as long as you steer clear of processed varieties like vegetable and canola oil. "People with oily or acne-prone skin tend to over-cleanse and dry out their skin, which can cause the skin to overcompensate for the dryness by producing more oil," she explains, adding that proper oil cleansing achieves what many commercial cleansers can in terms of moisturizing the skin, minus the irritation.
Gary Oldberg, M.D., told Self that olive oil works great to nip inflammation in the bud and is like a moisture bomb for your skin, which means it can be heaven-sent for people with skin conditions like eczema. Dermatologist Ava Shamban, M.D., recommends using olive oil as a face wash because it removes makeup without leaving skin dry.
Getting stung by bees like Gwyneth Paltrow is actually not the worst idea (really!)
We won't pretend that actress and businesswoman Gwyneth Paltrow's health advice isn't controversial (at best) most of the time, but getting stung by bees for certain health benefits is actually something medical professionals implement from time to time.
This treatment, also known as apitherapy, should only be completed under the supervision of a medical professional. Dermatologist Jeannette Graf, M.D., told Vogue that controlled bee stings can actually provide some relief from chronic conditions like hives, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and skin lesions. W. Clay Jackson, M.D., agrees with Graf, saying that bee venom could help those with chronic nerve pain, but that it shouldn't be implemented as the sole treatment for the aforementioned conditions. "Bee venom should be a complementary treatment, not the only treatment," he says. We should add that you won't actually have to encounter any bees to get this therapy: These days, bee venom can be stored and injected by medical professionals. According to a 2021 study published in Molecules, bee venom can also be administered via acupuncture.
It's important to know that this treatment comes with some serious risks. If you're allergic to bee venom, your body could go into anaphylactic shock, and in rare cases, people can suffer a stroke. Other side effects include headaches, body aches, weak muscles, coughing, and jaundice (via Medical News Today). This is why it's imperative you only undergo apitherapy under the supervision of your doctor.
Putting food in your hair like Salma Hayek can actually be beneficial
Mixing food into your hair can seem gross, but according to actress and film producer Salma Hayek, it can give your tresses back their shine in no time. Speaking to Buzzfeed, Hayek shared the secret to her gorgeous locks: She regularly applies avocado oil, mayonnaise, and egg yolk to her hair. Gross? Definitely. Effective? According to experts, yes.
According to Healthline, avocados are chock-full of healthy fats and oils that can provide excellent hydration to dry strands. The vitamins in avocados can feed the scalp as well, leading to renewed shine. Another great ingredient in avocados is biotin. You've probably seen this listed as an active ingredient in hair growth tonics, but eating avocados (or applying it directly to your hair) can give you all the biotin you need to encourage hair growth.
Mayonnaise, on the other hand, works great as a natural conditioner and should preferably be applied to the scalp, according to an article published in the International Journal of Phytocosmetics and Natural Ingredients. What makes mayonnaise an ideal hair treatment is its vegetable oil content (via Medical News Today). This ingredient can strengthen hair and help restore moisture. Thanks to its egg yolk content, mayonnaise can also help hair grow. Egg yolks contain amino acids, which can encourage hair growth, according to a 2018 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food.
Using coffee grounds to reduce the appearance of cellulite like Halle Berry can actually work
There is no way to completely eliminate cellulite, but there are some things we can do to reduce its appearance, and Halle Berry swears by this secret hack: a coffee ground exfoliator. According to Style Bistro, the actress revealed that she mixes coffee grounds with her body wash. So, is it worth a try?
According to experts, it could be, but as previously noted, you can't ever completely get rid of cellulite. "Cellulite is fibrous bands that go from the top of your skin to the fat layer, pulling it down," dermatologist Mona Gohara told Good Housekeeping, adding, "Those bands need to be severed to make cellulite go away." With that said, Gohara says that coffee grounds can really work to improve the appearance of cellulite, albeit only temporarily.
When you use coffee grounds as a scrub, the rubbing helps improve blood circulation, while the caffeine causes blood vessels to dilate. Because coffee is chock-full of antioxidants, your skin's collagen production can be stimulated as well. This results in some serious skin plumping, and makes cellulite almost invisible. It's definitely worth a try if you're interested in reducing the appearance of those bumps.
Using apple cider vinegar to get glowing skin like Scarlett Johansson could be effective
There's no arguing that actress Scarlett Johansson has incredible skin, and according to Glamour, you don't even need expensive skincare to get the look. "I researched natural skincare and found that apple cider vinegar is really effective," Johansson revealed. "Using it as a toner can be harsh, but if you have breakouts it can be really healing."
It turns out she's not wrong. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which is touted for its ability to kick fungi and bacteria to the curb (via Healthline). It may also help to clear up acne thanks to its antimicrobial properties. A 2015 study published in Advances in Wound Care found that the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar works to decimate biofilms created by bacteria, and can prevent harmful bacteria from growing. Using it daily could help clear up breakouts, giving your skin back its flawless glow. Apple cider vinegar also contains some fruit acids, one of which is malic acid. This compound works as a chemical exfoliator and can get rid of dead skin cells, which can help prevent pores from clogging and leading to breakouts.
Apple cider vinegar is pretty powerful and should be used on your face with caution. "Apple cider vinegar can be very irritating to the skin and can even cause chemical burns, so it should definitely be diluted," Sejal Shah, M.D., told Women's Health.
Using placenta skincare like Eva Longoria could have some benefits
According to Popsugar, actress Eva Longoria is a big fan of skincare that includes placenta (yes, the organ that develops to protect a fetus during pregnancy). If your immediate thought is "That's so gross!" you're definitely not alone, but it turns out that placentas are actually chock-full of skin-loving nutrients, Healthline reports.
Typically, the placenta extracts found in skincare come from sheep, but it's not uncommon for human or even plant placenta extracts to be used. Research regarding placenta skincare is admittedly lacking, but existing studies suggest that placenta contains antioxidants and can curb inflammation. A 2014 study in PLOS One confirmed that placenta extract contains some antioxidants, while a 2018 study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that placenta extract from pigs can regulate oxidative stress, which can help curb inflammation. The 2018 study was conducted on mice, which means human studies need to be conducted to confirm the results.
According to Healthline, placenta skincare could help slow the signs of aging, thanks to its antioxidant content. A 2020 study published in Nutrients that looked at the effect pig placenta supplements had on women's skin found that it reduced signs of aging. Another 2019 case report published in the Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences, and Applications found that injecting human placenta extract into participants helped lighten hyperpigmentation. While this type of skincare is a little unconventional, it could be worth a try.
Using beer and honey to condition your hair like Catherine Zeta-Jones has some benefits
There's no arguing that Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones has gorgeous locks, and she credits conditioning her hair with honey and beer for that extra shine. "I smell like the bottom of a beer barrel for days afterward but it's very good for the hair," she told Marie Claire during an interview.
According to Healthline, Catherine's habit of washing her hair with beer might hold some benefits, but none of them have been clinically proven yet. It is thought that the malt and hops could have strengthening and nourishing properties for the hair follicles, but this is yet to be proven with research. If you want to try it, check with your doctor or dermatologist first.
Using honey in your hair, on the other hand, is actually a really good idea. Per Healthline, honey can work miracles for dry hair, thanks to its vitamin and mineral content. It's also rich in antioxidants and amino acids. If you want to transform dry and brittle hair into gorgeous flowing locks, honey is the answer. If your hair is lacking shine, honey can help with that too. It's a natural humectant (which means it retains moisture) and emollient. This makes it the superhero of all conditioners. Honey will hydrate dry strands, while the emollients will work to restore shine to your hair. Honey can also promote scalp health, according to a 2013 study review published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
Sniffing grapefruit oil like Jennifer Lopez might actually help keep cravings at bay
Singer, actress, and dancer Jennifer Lopez is known for her amazing figure, but like the rest of us, she's only human and deals with cravings from time to time. J-Lo has a secret hack that helps her stick to healthy foods, however. According to Glamour, the star sniffs grapefruit oil to kick cravings to the curb. Apparently, all it takes is 15 minutes, and cravings disappear.
We'll admit this sounds a little far-fetched, but aromatherapist Eugeny Couture says that certain scents, like grapefruit oil, can indeed send cravings on their way. "Of course, healthy eating and exercise remain crucial to any weight loss program, but, by harnessing the power of scent we can reduce the common hunger pangs that can throw us off track and even result in us breaking the diet completely," she told Amphora Aromatics (via the Daily Mail).
There are actually some studies that support this. A 2013 study conducted by the Technische Universitaet Muenchen (via ScienceDaily) found that the scent of olive oil made participants feel fuller, and they consumed fewer calories as a result. "Our findings show that aroma is capable of regulating satiety," one of the researchers, Professor Peter Schieberle, said. Whether this works long-term is still unclear. Professor Tim Jacob, an expert on the science of smell, told the Daily Mail that humans grow accustomed to bad smells (like that of grapefruit oil), so it might not be effective long-term.
Kim Kardashian's vampire facial is actually not that far-fetched
The Kardashians are known for providing controversial health advice that (usually) isn't worth our time, but Kim Kardashian's vampire facial might be the exception. While appearing on "Kim and Kourtney Take Miami," Kardashian took the leap and went for a vampire facial (via the Independent). She later shared on her blog that the procedure was pretty torturous, thanks to the fact that she couldn't use any painkillers or numbing cream due to being pregnant. Was the pain worth it, though? Or is this just another fad? According to experts, it's anything but.
Medically referred to as the plasma-rich protein (PRP) facial, the vampire facial basically consists of injecting your own blood into your face. "It triggers collagen production by stimulating the body's natural wound healing response," dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal, M.D., told Cleveland Clinic. "Collagen is the latticework of the face, so a PRP micro-needling treatment helps improve skin texture and tone," she adds. This treatment is usually implemented to reduce the appearance of sun damage, scars, and wrinkles. When injecting your own blood back into your face, the plasma-rich protein triggers skin cell renewal. The result is elastin and collagen production, which then helps the skin to transform into a plumper, firmer version of itself.
This procedure is safe for almost everyone when performed by a medical expert. However, if you have issues with blood clotting that requires you to take blood thinners, this treatment is not a good option.
Getting cupping therapy like Nicole Richie could be beneficial
If you have TikTok or Instagram, you've definitely seen people raving about cupping therapy at least once, and celebrities have started taking to it like ducks to water. Actress Nicole Richie also took cupping for a spin, and she told Ellen DeGeneres (via Popsugar) that she loved it so much, she took her children and her dad to try it too. If you've seen videos or pictures of cupping, you know that this treatment doesn't look pretty. In fact, it looks downright painful. But is it worth it?
According to WebMD, cupping therapy isn't a new treatment, by any means; it's been part of alternative medicine for centuries. The treatment consists of placing cups on the skin and then creating a vacuum within the cup (modern cupping uses a pump). This vacuum causes the skin to rise, and blood vessels start to expand as a result. Typically, cups will be left in one spot for about three minutes, and will then be removed or applied elsewhere on the body.
A 2015 study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine found that cupping can help with a plethora of issues, including pain, acne, and herpes zoster. Impressive. "Cupping is useful for musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia, and other pain conditions such as headaches or migraines, tendinitis, bursitis, plantar fasciitis, and release of trigger points," board-certified allergist, immunologist, and physician Heather Moday, M.D., told Forbes. Just make sure you go to a reputable practitioner.