In the ever-evolving world of beauty trends, there's been a lot debate—and pain—as “menstrual masking.” It is a practice to use menstrual blood to the skin, often on the face, as a type of DIY skincare.
Popular on social media, hashtags like #periodfacemask have garnered billions of views. In most videos, users apply menstrual blood for a number of minutes before rinsing it off. There is not any clear agreement on how much blood to make use of or how long to go away it. Some people describe the practice as healing or empowering, and describe it as a spiritual ritual that connects them to their bodies and the ancestral feminine. But what does science say?
Proponents of period masking often argue that there may be bleeding in periods Stem cells, cytokines and proteins It can restore the skin. There is currently no clinical evidence to support the usage of menstrual blood as a topical skincare treatment. However, its biological structure has shown potential in clinical research.
A study Menstrual-derived plasma has been found to significantly improve wound healing. In laboratory tests, wounds treated with menstrual plasma showed 100% repair inside 24 hours in comparison with 40% using regular blood plasma. This remarkable regeneration is attributed to unique proteins and bioactive molecules in menstrual fluid: the identical substances that allow the uterus to rebuild itself every month.
Researchers are actually exploring whether artificial menstrual fluid may also help treat chronic wounds.
Stem cell research has also drawn attention to menstrual blood-derived stem cells, or menses. These cells proliferate easily and may turn into different cell types. Studies show that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from various sources may also help repair skin by promoting collagen, reducing wrinkles and releasing growth aspects that repair damage brought on by growth, UV exposure or injury. Because they’re versatile and seem like secure, they’re seen as a promising option for skin regeneration and developing medical treatments for slow photoaging: premature aging brought on by long-term sun exposure.
Not like “vampire face”.
Some proponents of menstrual masking liken the practice to the so-called “vampire facial”: a cosmetic procedure popularized by celebrities corresponding to Kim Kardashian. Using a vampire face Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) taken from a patient's own blood and injected into the face.
But experts caution against comparing PRP to menstrual blood. Menstrual fluid It is a posh mixture of blood, sloughed off endometrial tissue (uterine lining), vaginal fluid, hormones and proteins. As it passes through the vaginal canal, it could possibly pick up bacteria and fungi, including a standard microbe that normally lives on the skin but may cause infection if it gets into cuts or holes. There can also be a risk that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) could be transmitted through the skin.
PRP, in contrast, is Prepared under sterile conditions. During the PRP treatmenta small amount of blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich layer, which is then injected into the skin using effective needles. Some therapists also add fillers for faster cosmetic results. The procedure can cost 1000’s. Unlike menstrual masking, which is free and simply accessible.
“Body-centered” beauty
Menstrual masking isn't the one unconventional beauty practice that involves bodily fluids. “Urine therapy,” the applying of urine to the skin, has its roots in Ayurvedic medicine and was once believed to detoxify the body and treat ailments. Some modern advocates also claim that Benefits for acne or eczema, although these claims lack scientific support.
While urine accommodates urea – a compound utilized in some moisturizers – Urea is found in urine Unlike the pure, synthetic form utilized in skincare products which can be much less concentrated. The concept that raw urine or menstrual blood can safely replace clinical grade cosmetic ingredients isn’t supported by dermatological evidence.
Menstrual masking sits on the intersection of body positivity, cultural ritual and pseudoscience. For some, it's a celebration of menstruation and a rejection of stigma. For others, it's an unpopular and potentially dangerous beauty trend.
The biological richness of menstrual blood is undeniable, but its secure and effective use rests in controlled clinical research—not in DIY skincare routines. As with many viral health trends, it's necessary to tell apart between symbolism and science. Menstrual masking can feel empowering, but from a dermatological perspective, it's a greater practice for private devotion than the lavatory mirror.