Menstrual Masking Explained: Can Period Blood Help The Skin?
The menstrual masking trend is a disturbing, yet growing social media phenomenon where users apply their own menstrual blood to their face as a DIY skin mask. Videos typically show creators collecting period blood from menstrual cups or pads and spreading it across their cheeks or foreheads, claiming it can rejuvenate or heal the skin.
This trend has appeared primarily on TikTok and Instagram Reels, where hashtags like #menstrualmasking, #periodfacemask, and #periodskincare have begun to circulate. While no major celebrities are actively promoting the trend, it has gained momentum through beauty influencers, “clean girl” content creators, and users drawn to natural or “holistic” DIY skincare.
Much of its growth has come from shock value combined with curiosity, with creators encouraging viewers to “try what your body already makes for free.”
What Benefits Does Menstrual Masking Allegedly Promise?
Online, menstrual masking is described as a natural, body-positive ritual with supposed skin benefits. Users claim that menstrual blood contains healing ingredients that can:
- Provide glowing skin
- Speed up the clearing of pimples or blemishes
- Reduce redness and skin irritation
- Enhance skin texture
- Provide anti-aging effects from “stem cells”
- Less irritation compared to traditional masks
- A more “natural” approach to skincare
Supporters believe menstrual blood is packed with regenerative properties, arguing that because it comes from the body, it must be “biocompatible” and beneficial for skin renewal. They argue it is a more natural approach to skin care and less irritating compared to traditional products.
Others frame it as a symbolic or empowering act connected to femininity or the menstrual cycle.
Common phrases from viral videos include:
- “This makes my skin glow instantly.”
- “My body gives me a free facial every month.”
- “Period blood is full of stem cells… why wouldn’t it be good for your skin?”
- “It healed my breakout overnight.”
These claims, however, are anecdotal and not supported by dermatology research. Not only is there no research to support these claims, the practice can be very dangerous.
Is Menstrual Masking Really Beneficial To The Skin?
While the idea is made to sounds scientific on the surface, menstrual masking does not stand up to dermatologic evidence.
The Science Behind the Claims
Menstrual fluid does contain:
- Blood
- Vaginal secretions
- Uterine lining
- Immune cells
- Menstrual-derived stem cells (MenSCs)
In laboratory settings, purified menstrual-derived stem cells have shown potential for wound healing or tissue repair. However, this research is conducted under highly controlled, sterile conditions, nothing like the raw menstrual fluid used in DIY videos. There is absolutely no evidence that menstrual blood contains any factors that can benefit skin when applied topically.
Does A Period Face Mask Make Sense Topically?
No. The skin barrier is designed to protect you from outside microorganisms. Applying non-sterile bodily fluid directly to the skin introduces:
- Bacteria
- Yeast
- Vaginal flora
- Potential pathogens
Applying menstrual blood on your skin puts you at risk of infections and may promote a change in microbiome on your skin that may actually promote inflammatory conditions such as acne or rosacea.
Additionally:
- There are no clinical studies showing that topical menstrual blood improves acne, wrinkles, glow, or texture.
- Even if beneficial molecules exist within the fluid, they are not stable, purified, active, or present in a concentration that would deliver results.
From a cosmetic and biological perspective, this trend has no proven benefit and a clear risk.
Potential Risks or Downsides of Menstrual Masking
Dermatologists strongly caution against this trend because of its potential complications.
Medical Risks
- Bacterial or fungal infection, since menstrual blood is not sterile
- Folliculitis or acne flare-ups
- Skin irritation or dermatitis, especially on compromised skin
- Worsening of eczema, rosacea, or active acne
- Potential for transferring vaginal microbes to areas they don’t belong
Emotional or Psychological Downsides
- Increased anxiety if the skin reacts poorly
- False expectations, leading people to avoid evidence-based skincare
- Normalizing unsafe DIY practices that mimic medical treatments (like PRP), but without sterile technique
Individuals with sensitive skin or a weakened skin barrier are especially vulnerable.
Are There Better Alternatives To Period Skin Care?
Yes, there are many alternatives that are safer, more effective, and scientifically validated!
At-Home Options
- Retinoids for cell turnover and anti-aging
- Vitamin C for brightening
- AHAs/BHAs for smoother texture
- Niacinamide for redness and barrier support
- Peptide or growth-factor serums (formulated under sterile conditions)
In-Office Treatments
If the appeal is “blood-based rejuvenation,” PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) facials offer a medically sound alternative. In PRP:
- Blood is drawn under sterile conditions
- Platelets are separated and concentrated
- Growth factors are delivered safely into the skin
Other effective skincare procedures include:
- Microneedling
- Chemical peels
- Fraxel or Clear + Brilliant laser treatments
- Hydrafacial or DiamondGlow treatments
These options have clinical data, proper sterilization, and controlled delivery, the opposite of DIY menstrual masking.
Who Should Try Menstrual Masking?
From a dermatology perspective: no one. There is no group for whom this is beneficial, safe, or recommended.
Those who should be especially cautious of this trend include:
- Anyone with acne, sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea
- Individuals with active irritation, broken skin, or recent cosmetic procedures
- Immunocompromised people
- Anyone prone to infections
- Teens who may be influenced by shock-value trends online
Final Verdict
Menstrual masking is a viral trend with no proven skincare benefit and significant potential risks. While the concept is rooted in curiosity and body-positivity, applying raw menstrual fluid to the face is not medically safe or effective. Dermatologists strongly advise avoiding this trend and choosing treatments that are scientifically validated, sterile, and designed for skin health.
Dr. Gordon is Board Certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is a member of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), the American Academy of Dermatology, the Dermatology Foundation, the Texas Medical Association and the Travis County Medical Society. Currently, Dr. Gordon oversees our South Austin location.
Disclaimer: The contents of the Westlake Dermatology website, including text, graphics, and images, are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for direct medical advice from your physician or other qualified professional.