There’s no dearth of bizarre, cringe-inducing trends on the Internet. Many believe in the age-reversing powers of face-taping. Others prime their faces with lube instead of primer. The recent crying-girl aesthetic has influencers dabbing their skin with faux-pas under-eye inflammation and puffiness. You just about think you’re desensitised to anything that Instagram spotlights, and you firmly announce to your friends that nothing can shock you anymore. That is until you hear of a trend that has people smearing their faces with blood…period blood (alias ‘moon’ masking).
Many assert that the mask can treat acne, rejuvenate the skin, and endow you with a glow; but there’s no legitimacy to these claims. Based on what these experts have to say about the period-blood face mask, it’s anything but healthy for the face. You’re not going to want to miss this.
Please Don’t Subject Your Skin To This
Yes. It’s Still Unhygienic If You Collect It From A Cup.
Is period blood good for the skin? Dr Joyce Park absolutely denounced the trend, and here’s why. She explains that there’s no way you’re collecting the blood in a sterile way — there’s possibly bacteria and sweat amongst other things in the blood that you’re directly introducing to your face.
Dr Madhuri Agarwal, Founder & Medical Director of Yavana Aesthetics Clinic, defines the practice as ‘crude’ and ‘unsanitary’ and dissuades readers from buying into any claims associated with the benefits of ‘moon’ masking. She explains that this type of blood contains RBCs that can trigger inflammation and WBCs that can lead to irritation on the skin. It doesn’t matter whether you collect the blood from your pad or cup. It’s unsanitary regardless.
You Might Have An Infection That You Don’t Know About
Dr Park goes on to explain the possibility of even transmitting infections from the vagina to the face by putting this trend to the test. Dr Agarwal says that you might even develop an allergic reaction to the blood.
Dr Idriss had something to say about the trend too. She warned her followers on the ‘gram about the possibility of developing ‘chlamydia conjunctivitis’ in the eyes. This is a disease that is transmitted to the eyes via contact with genital fluids. Say you’re rubbing your eyes. Or, like, rubbing blood all over the face. Yeah. That will do it too.
Period Blood Is Not The Same As A Vampire Facial
Periods contain RBCs, WBCs, platelets, bacteria, sweat, endothelial cells, dead skin cells, and more; but a PRP (platelet-rich plasma) facial like the ‘vampire’ facial endorsed by the likes of Kim K? Involves extracting blood in a sterile way from the veins, and spinning it down to only collect the platelets before injecting it into the bloodstream. “It triggers the process of new collagen formation and rejuvenation,” says Dr Madhuri. See the basic difference?
There’s no science-backed evidence that testifies to any of these benefits. If you’re mulling over the benefits of a period-blood face mask or wondering whether it is a spiritual act at all, please listen to the experts instead of buying into the concept of ‘connecting’ with your femininity, the earth, or your ancestors, or paying homage to your womanhood. There are multiple other ways to connect with yourself, and this ain’t it. Nope.
Featured Image: Instagram