The heat from burning herbs is brought close to the face. In China, some beauty treatments use facial moxibustion, a traditional technique that applies this heat near the skin. In a video, several women are seen afterward with reddened faces, peeling skin, and scabs.
Being an ancient practice does not make it harmless. A scientific review published in 2014 documented 64 cases of adverse effects associated with moxibustion, including burns, infections, and scars. Dermatology specialists also warn that heat can cause permanent injuries. Its cosmetic benefits have not been sufficiently proven, but some people continue to put their faces under that heat for beauty.
