We are certainly willing to do a lot of crazy things to preserve our looks – from covering ourselves head-to-toe in mud to surviving solely on juice for days on end. But, among the anti-aging remedies you’ve tried, would you ever consider laying down in a bathtub full of bleach? According to a new study from Stanford University, that may be where the health and beauty industry is headed.

Researchers have found that soaking in a dilute bleach solution could help remedy substantial skin damage caused by sun exposure, eczema, radiation dermatitis and more. The source notes that bleach mixtures have been used in a medical context before to treat some of these conditions, but that doctors have not been entirely sure what was responsible for their positive effects.

Initially, it was believed that bleach helped with these conditions by performing the same role it does as a cleaning agent: Namely, killing bacteria and viruses. But Stanford dermatology instructor Dr Thomas Leung sought to learn more. His investigation led to the discovery that exposure to bleach could also counter the body’s inflammatory responses, which can often do more harm than good when it comes to skin conditions.

“Dr. Leung relentlessly followed his hunch that an antimicrobial effect of dilute bleach wasn’t the whole story […] his work has revealed new mechanisms for targeting inflammatory pathways with this versatile small molecule. It has also identified new possible clinical applications,” said study senior author and professor Dr. Seung Kim.

This discovery, while enlightening, certainly isn’t license to tackle your own DIY anti-aging treatment with a bathtub full of bleach, but further investigation may show that this chemical has a place in future clinical remedies. If you live in Miami and are concerned about dark spots, wrinkles and other signs of aging, contact Miami board-certified plastic surgeon about the procedures that can help you look and feel your best.