A new beauty fad is trending on social media, and it has shocked many people. It is called menstrual masking. In this trend, people apply their own period blood on the face like a mask. They leave it on for some time and then wash it off. Supporters say it can “nourish” the skin because menstrual fluid has stem cells, growth factors and healing proteins.
Fans of the trend claim that menstrual blood has regenerative qualities. They refer to a study that showed plasma from menstrual fluid healed wounds 100% within 24 hours. In comparison, normal blood plasma healed only about 40%. Researchers believe this effect comes from the same repair system that rebuilds the uterine lining every month.
Still, applying raw period blood to the face is a big jump. Experts say the trend is untested and risky.
What Do Experts Say About Menstrual Masking Trend?
Dermatologists and gynaecologists are warning against DIY menstrual masks. Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta says, “This is not true and has no scientific evidence” for skin benefits. She says menstrual fluid contains “dead skin cells … and a dead inner lining” that may cause infections.
Dr Vidya V Bhat (an IVF specialist) says period blood can have bacteria and fungi from vaginal or cervical secretions. She warns that putting it on skin with open pores or acne can make the skin worse and may even cause infections.
Health Risks You Can’t Ignore
Menstrual blood is not sterile. It can carry microbes like Staphylococcus aureus, fungi or even sexually transmitted infections. Its pH and composition can also disturb the skin barrier. This can cause irritation or dermatitis.
Vaginal flora and unhealthy endometrial tissue can also be present in the fluid. This increases the risk of bacterial and fungal infections.
What Does The Science Actually Support?
Some lab studies show promise, but not the way the trend suggests. Scientists have extracted menstrual-derived stem cells and proteins that help skin repair. But these results come from controlled lab settings, not from using raw menstrual blood at home.
Researchers also found that a “protein cocktail” from menstrual plasma helped skin cells move and repair wounds. This shows potential, but it does not support applying unprocessed menstrual blood to the face.
Why It’s Risky To Do Menstrual Masking At Home
Menstrual masking at home is nothing like PRP or a “vampire facial”, where blood is processed in a clinic. There is no sterile environment and no safe method to follow. Experts say there are no guidelines on how to apply it, how long to keep it or how often to use it.
Menstrual fluid can also carry infections. If someone has an undiagnosed vaginal or cervical infection, they may spread harmful microbes directly onto their face.
