Shocking Anti-Aging Trend on Social Media: Applying 'That Blood' to the Face? [Health Talk]

[Financial News] A controversial trend has emerged on international social media, where people are applying their own menstrual blood to their faces in what is being called the 'menstrual mask pack.'
According to reports from the British Daily Mail and other foreign media on the 23rd, some beauty influencers have posted videos showing themselves applying their own menstrual blood to their faces, a practice referred to as 'menstrual masking.'
These individuals claim that menstrual blood contains stem cells, proteins, and cytokines that are beneficial for skin regeneration. They assert that this can give the skin a radiant glow and help maintain a youthful appearance.
Sara Sol, a 32-year-old influencer active in both Egypt and Indonesia, gained attention after posting a video in which she used her own menstrual blood as an 'anti-aging mask.' She asked, "Do you want to know the secret to eternal skin? It's that blood from between your legs," and added, "I have used menstrual blood for beauty purposes for years. It's a pure and fresh method."

However, dermatology experts warn that there is no scientific evidence supporting the benefits of menstrual blood for the skin. They caution that directly applying menstrual blood can lead to bacterial infections, worsen acne, and cause skin inflammation.
While some studies have suggested that components derived from menstrual blood could be used for wound healing or improving photoaging, these studies were conducted in professional medical settings. Experts emphasize that applying menstrual blood collected at home directly to the face is an entirely different matter.
Professor Tess McPherson, a specialist in adolescent skin at the British Association of Dermatologists, stated, "Such abnormal skincare trends gain popularity due to their shock value, but there is no evidence to prove their effectiveness, nor is the skin regeneration mechanism clear. This is not medically recommended."
Menstrual blood is a mixture of endometrial tissue, circulating blood, and vaginal secretions. It contains epithelial cells that can trigger inflammation, and may produce cytokines and chemokines, potentially worsening skin irritation or inflammation.
Additionally, as menstrual blood passes through the vagina, it can pick up various bacteria and fungi, most notably Staphylococcus. If these enter through pores or wounds, the risk of infection increases.
Particularly for those with weakened skin barriers, such as individuals with acne, bacteria can more easily penetrate deeper skin layers. Experts also point out that people with sexually transmitted infections, such as Herpes, may risk spreading viruses. During menstruation, the vaginal environment becomes more alkaline than usual, making it easier for bacteria to survive and further increasing the risk of infection.
moon@fnnews.com Moon Young-jin Reporter