Women will always seek out the hottest new beauty treatments in the pursuit of youth. But a new fire facial being performed in Chinese beauty salons means treatments are literally hotter than ever.

Therapists at the salons are offering women the terrifying new treatment - dubbed the flame facial, also known as Huǒ liáo - where open flames are used to stimulate cell regeneration and youthify the complexion.

The therapists apply a towel soaked in alcohol and a so-called 'special elixir' to the skin before setting fire to the area. Large flames lick up, spreading quickly around the area where the elixir has been applied.

According to the Huffington Post, the treatment 'stimulates the skin and addresses dullness, sagging and wrinkles', while other reports say it can cure everything from obesity to the common cold.