If you are active on social media, especially in feminist circles, you cannot have missed that awkward trend of self-proclaimed beauty gurus : period blood face mask. Is it a good idea? Here is everything you need to know to keep your skin healthy and safe.
TikTok has just become the epicenter of a new craze known as menstrual masking or moon masking. However, TikTok is not the most dependable source when it comes to getting advise.
It is not wise to utilize period blood as a skincare product, and doing so is neither safe nor recommended. It is not backed by scientific data and is not encouraged by medical professionals to use period blood as a face mask or in any other way as a skincare product. It is extremely important to use only tried-and-true skincare products on your skin, and if you have any questions or worries about the way you care for your skin, you should speak with a dermatologist or another qualified medical practitioner.
Aficionados of menstrual masking claim that applying their own period blood to their faces improves the skin’s texture, helps clarify the complexion, nourishes the skin with stem cells, aids in the elimination of acne, and helps them feel more connected to their bodies.
The vast majority of the allegations are urban legends. The blood that is shed during a period does not include stem cells, with the exception of an early miscarriage. Even though period blood contains some micronutrients, there aren’t nearly enough of them for a topical application to be beneficial.
The dangers of period blood face mask
Because menstrual blood is a volatile bodily fluid, putting it on one’s face is not a completely risk-free activity. To begin, it comprises dead skin cells that originate from the uterus, which have the potential to irritate the sensitive skin of the face. It is not uncommon to have a pH imbalance in the vagina, which might result in the growth of bacteria or fungi. Nothing should ever be applied to the face as a precaution. Even transmission of STDs to the face is possible.
What about celebrating period?
At Calypso Cavallo, we love celebrating feminity and women’s bodies. However, we put safety and hygiene first.
Having our periods on a monthly basis is not abnormal nor disgusting in and of itself. It is an ordinary and natural component of a woman’s femininity. Asking another woman if she has a spare tampon or pad should not be considered embarrassing in any circumstance. However, period blood is a physiological fluid just like urine, mucus from the nose, and saliva. Nobody would ever blow their nose and then spread mucus all over their face like that.
It is possible to feel connected to our femininity and our bodies in ways that are vastly superior and more time and energy efficient. Monitoring our cycles is a great approach to get a sense of what to anticipate and how our bodies function overall.