A new and controversial beauty trend circulating on social media, known as menstrual masking, is raising significant concerns among dermatological experts. The practice involves applying menstrual blood to the face, with proponents claiming it offers healing and rejuvenating properties.
What is the Science Behind the Trend?
Advocates for menstrual masking often compare it to clinical procedures like the 'vampire facial,' suggesting that period blood contains beneficial components. Dipa Kamdar's original report for The Conversation, published on Wednesday 19 November 2025 at 12:59 GMT, confirms that while menstrual fluid plasma shows significant potential for wound healing, and menstrual blood-derived stem cells are promising for medical skin regeneration, there is a critical distinction.
There is currently no clinical evidence to support the topical use of menstrual blood for DIY skincare. The potential benefits observed by scientists are confined to controlled, sterile medical research environments, not homemade beauty routines.
What Are the Risks of Menstrual Masking?
Health experts are cautioning the public against trying this trend. The primary danger lies in the composition of menstrual fluid itself. Unlike the sterilised materials used in professional treatments, menstrual blood is a complex mixture that can harbour bacteria, fungi, and even sexually transmitted infections.
Applying this directly to the face, which may have micro-abrasions or sensitive areas, creates a real risk of transferring these pathogens to the skin, potentially leading to serious infections and skin reactions.
Medical Potential vs. DIY Danger
The conversation around menstrual blood is not entirely negative from a scientific standpoint. Research into its components is ongoing and shows promise for future medical applications in controlled settings. However, this is a far cry from the unregulated practice being promoted online.
While some individuals may find the practice empowering, dermatological experts unanimously advise against menstrual masking. They stress that its biological potential is a matter for rigorous medical science, not for unproven and potentially hazardous DIY beauty routines.
