In the ever-evolving world of beauty trends, few have sparked as much debate - and discomfort - as "menstrual masking". This is the practice of applying menstrual blood to the skin, usually the face, as a form of DIY skincare.
Author
- Dipa Kamdar
Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice, Kingston University
Popularised on social media , hashtags such as #periodfacemask have amassed billions of views. In most videos, users apply menstrual blood for a few minutes before rinsing it off. There's no clear agreement on how much blood to use or how long to leave it on. Some call the practice healing or empowering, describing it as a spiritual ritual that connects them to their bodies and ancestral femininity. But what does the science say?
Advocates of menstrual masking often argue that period blood contains stem cells, cytokines and proteins that could rejuvenate the skin. There is currently no clinical evidence to support using menstrual blood as a topical skincare treatment. However, its biological composition has shown potential in medical research.
A study found that plasma derived from menstrual fluid could significantly enhance wound healing. In laboratory tests, wounds treated with menstrual plasma showed 100% repair within 24 hours compared with 40% using regular blood plasma. This remarkable regeneration is thought to be linked to the unique proteins and bioactive molecules in menstrual fluid: the same substances that allow the uterus to rebuild itself every month.
Researchers are now exploring whether synthetic menstrual fluid could help treat chronic wounds.
Stem cell research has also turned attention to menstrual blood-derived stem cells, or MenSCs. These cells grow easily and can develop into many different cell types. Studies show that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from various sources can help heal skin by boosting collagen, reducing wrinkles and releasing growth factors that repair damage caused by burns, UV exposure or wounds. Because they are versatile and appear safe, MenSCs are seen as a promising option for developing medical treatments to regenerate skin and slow photoaging: the premature aging caused by long-term sun exposure.
Not the same as a "vampire facial"
Some menstrual masking advocates liken the practice to the so-called "vampire facial": a cosmetic procedure popularised by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian . Vampire facials use platelet-rich plasma (PRP) extracted from a patient's own blood and injected into the face.
But experts caution against comparing PRP with menstrual blood. Menstrual fluid is a complex mixture of blood, sloughed-off endometrial tissue (the uterine lining), vaginal secretions, hormones and proteins. As it passes through the vaginal canal, it can pick up bacteria and fungi, including Staphylococcus aureus, a common microbe that normally lives on the skin but can cause infections if it enters cuts or pores. There's also a risk that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) could be transferred to the skin.
PRP, by contrast, is prepared under sterile conditions . During PRP treatment , a small amount of blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to separate out the platelet-rich layer, which is then injected into the skin using fine needles. Some clinicians also add filler for faster cosmetic results. The procedure can cost thousands; unlike menstrual masking, which is free and easily accessible.
"Body-based" beauty
Menstrual masking isn't the only unconventional beauty practice involving bodily fluids. "Urine therapy," the application of urine to the skin, has roots in Ayurvedic medicine and was once believed to detoxify the body and cure ailments. Some modern advocates even claim benefits for acne or eczema, although these claims lack scientific support.
While urine does contain urea - a compound used in some moisturisers - the urea found in urine is far less concentrated and not the same as the purified, synthetic form used in skincare products. The idea that raw urine or menstrual blood could safely replace clinical-grade cosmetic ingredients is not supported by dermatological evidence.
Menstrual masking sits at the intersection of body positivity, cultural ritual 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 belongs in controlled medical research - not in DIY skincare routines. As with many viral health trends, it's vital to distinguish between symbolism and science. Menstrual masking may feel empowering, but from a dermatological perspective, it's a practice best left to personal belief rather than the bathroom mirror.
Dipa Kamdar does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
