Menstrual mask? “Vampire facial? Urine therapy? It’s all at the intersection of body positivity, cultural rituals and pseudoscience.
In the ever-evolving world of beauty trends, few things have generated as much discussion and discomfort as the “menstrual mask”. Yes, that’s what you think: it’s the practice of applying menstrual blood to the skin, usually the face, as a form of homemade facial care.
Popularized on social media, hashtags like #periodfacemask rack up billions of views. In most videos, users apply menstrual blood for a few minutes before rinsing it off. There is no consensus on how much blood to use or how long to let it act.
Some people consider the practice to be healing or empowering, describing it as a spiritual ritual that connects them to their bodies and ancestral femininity. But what does science say?
Menstrual mask advocates often argue that menstrual blood contains stem cells, cytokines and proteins that could rejuvenate the skin. At the moment, there is no clinical evidence that prove the use of menstrual blood as a topical treatment for the skin. However, its biological composition has demonstrated potential in medical research.
One found that plasma derived from menstrual fluid can significantly improve wound healing. In tests, wounds treated with menstrual plasma showed 100% healing within 24 hours, compared to 40% when regular blood plasma was used. This remarkable regeneration is believed to be linked to the proteins and bioactive molecules unique to menstrual fluid: the same substances that allow the uterus to rebuild itself each month.
Researchers are now exploring whether synthetic menstrual fluid could help treat chronic wounds. Stem cell research has also turned its attention to menstrual blood-derived stem cells, or MenSCs. These cells multiply easily and can develop into different cell types.
Studies demonstrate that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from various sources can aid skin healing, stimulating collagen production, reducing wrinkles and releasing growth factors that repair damage caused by burns, exposure to UV rays or wounds.
Because they are versatile and apparently safe, MenSCs are seen as a promising option for the development of medical treatments that regenerate the skin and delay photoaging: premature aging caused by prolonged sun exposure. It is not the same thing as a “vampire facial”.
Some menstrual mask advocates compare the practice to so-called “vampire facial”: a cosmetic procedure popularized by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian. The vampire facial uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP), extracted from the patient’s own blood and injected into the face.
But experts warn of the danger of comparing PRP with menstrual blood. Menstrual fluid is a complex mixture of blood, shed endometrial tissue (the uterine lining), vaginal secretions, hormones and proteins.
As it passes through the vaginal canal, it can absorb bacteria and fungi, including Staphylococcus aureusa common microbe that normally lives on the skin, but can cause infections if it gets into cuts or pores. There is also the risk of transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for the skin.
PRP, on the other hand, is prepared under sterile conditions. During PRP treatment, a small amount of blood is collected and centrifuged to separate the platelet-rich layer, which is then injected into the skin with fine needles.
Some doctors also add filler for faster cosmetic results. The procedure can cost thousands, unlike a menstrual mask, which is free and easily accessible.
Urine also enters into “body-based” beauty
The menstrual mask isn’t the only unconventional beauty practice that involves bodily fluids. The “urinoterapia“, the application of urine to the skin, has roots in Ayurvedic medicine and was once considered a method of detoxifying the body and curing illnesses. Some modern advocates even claim benefits for the acne or eczemaalthough these claims have no scientific support.
Although urine contains urea – a compound used in some moisturizers – the urea found in urine is much less concentrated and is not the same as the purified synthetic form used in skin care products.
The idea that pure menstrual urine or blood could safely replace clinical-grade cosmetic ingredients is not supported by dermatological evidence.
The practice of using menstrual masks to disguise the menstrual cycle sits at the intersection of body positivity, cultural rituals, and pseudoscience. For some, it’s a celebration of the menstrual cycle and a rejection of stigma. For others, it’s an unproven and potentially risky beauty trend.
The biological richness of menstrual blood is undeniable, but its safe and effective use must be based on controlled medical research and not on home skin care routines.
As with many viral health trends, it’s critical to distinguish between symbolism and science. Using menstrual masks may seem empowering, but, from a dermatological perspective, it is a practice that should be guided by personal belief, and not by reflection in the bathroom mirror.
