The trend of vampire facial was popularized by Kim Kardashian when she posted an Insta selfie with her face slathered in blood. If you haven’t heard of it before, a vampire facial is a cosmetic procedure that uses your blood to boost collagen production. This PRP micro-needling technique is popular among celebs and red carpet A-listers. If you are wondering how this anti-aging treatment works and the steps involved, scroll through this article to clear all your doubts.
In This Article
What Is A Vampire Facial? How Does It Work?
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Vampire facial is the nickname that has been coined by the beauty industry. This facial is called platelet-rich plasma (PRP) facial or therapy. It is a treatment that involves micro-needling followed by the application of platelet-rich plasma or PRP on your skin (1).
The PRP is extracted from your blood. The blood is rich in platelets that have extremely high levels of growth factors (2). When applied to your skin, these growth factors help in boosting the cell turnover ratei XThe cell renewal factor or the speed at which dead skin cells shed and are replaced with younger, healthier cells constantly . The growth factors boost collagen and elastini XThe most abundant protein in the body that allows body tissues to stretch out and shrink back to their original shape. production and increase the skin’s hydration levels (3). They also infuse your skin with antioxidants. This procedure also improves the absorbing power of your skin – which means your skin can absorb other skin care products better.
To sum it up, a vampire facial uses your blood to promote healthy cell functioning.
Initially, the blood facial treatment might seem extremely painful, but in reality, it’s not. So, what exactly happens during the treatment? Check out the procedure below.
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Vampire Facial: The Procedure
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Here’s what happens when you go for a vampire facial or PRP facial:
- The skin care professional will first draw out blood from your body.
- They will then extract platelets from your blood. They spin the blood at a fast pace using a centrifuge to separate its layers. The plasma rich in platelets is extracted from it.
- These platelets are then applied to your skin through microneedling or microdermabrasioni XA cosmetic procedure that gently exfoliates the skin to improve signs of aging, photodamage, and overall skin tone and texture. . When the platelets are applied, they trick your skin into thinking that it is injured, making it produce more collagen.
Stylecraze SaysAvoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at least a week before the facial therapy. They may interfere with the function of the platelets.Stylecraze Trivia
The vampire facial can be paired with LED light therapy. It promotes healing and also improves the efficacy of facial therapy.
The procedure is not painless, and you will feel mild to moderate levels of discomfort. It all depends on your pain tolerance levels. So, why take all this pain? Are there any benefits?
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What Are The Benefits Of A Vampire Facial?
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As we discussed earlier, the platelet-rich plasma contains growth factors that boost collagen development and enhance the skin’s elasticity. This procedure helps to (4):
- Improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
- Improve your skin texture
- Reduce the size of the skin pores
- Improve the appearance of acne scars
- Improve the plumpness of your skin
- Give you a youthful glow and smooth skin
- Improve the effectiveness of skincare products
This facial procedure is non-invasive and can be combined with other facial procedures. Although it has become a trend du jour and is dubbed as the key to the Fountain of Youth, it has several side effects.
Related: 20 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Open Pores On Skin
Are There Any Risk Factors Involved?
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The vampire facial is definitely the next big thing in skin care and may help improve several skin conditions, but it also comes with a series of potential side effects. If you google the cons, you will find numerous instances of a vampire facial gone wrong. Here are a few side effects of the procedure:
1. It Might Cause Infection
There have been a few cases (according to news reports) in which people were exposed to blood-borne infections, such as Hepatitis Bi XA potentially life-threatening disease caused by a virus that can lead to serious liver infection and damage and C and HIV (5). This happens when the procedure is not followed correctly, without proper equipment, adequate infection control practices, and the supervision of a medical professional. Often, in spas, untrained people carry out the procedure without any proper guidance. So, in case you are planning to undergo a vampire facial, make sure that the medispa is experienced in performing such procedures.
2. It Is Painful
Yes. Even Kim Kardashian regretted getting a vampire facial done due to the pain it caused (she didn’t use any numbing gel as she was pregnant). If you have low pain tolerance, it’s better to avoid this.
3. It May Cause Inflammation
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Inflammation and bruises are very common during this procedure (if you remember singer Kerry Katona whose face was swollen after her vampire facial). You need to follow a proper aftercare regimen to make sure the inflammation is gone.
Vampire facial is a cosmetic procedure that involves micro needling and applying plasma-rich platelet taken from your blood on your face. These platelets stimulate the production of collagen and boost the hydration levels in your skin. Vampire facials improve the skin’s texture, reduce acne scars, wrinkles, and fine lines, leaving you with softer and healthier skin. However, they may result in side effects such as blood-borne infections, inflammation, and pain. Consult your doctor to understand the benefits and risks of the procedure before opting for a vampire facial.
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