Beauty trends have been around for thousands of years. The beauty industry as we know it has been developing since around the late 19th century. Innovations in clothing and cosmetics have led many people to express themselves and find better lives.
But wherever there are trends, there are also dangerous trends.
It may be a hip new product that uses experimental chemicals. It may be a trend that you can do it home. But it’s important to think about any trends before you get involved with them.
One of the newest of these dangerous trends is the vampire facial.
If you’ve been on the internet in the last few years, you’ve probably heard of it. But what exactly are vampire facials? And are they safe?
This article will walk you through all you need to know about this dangerous new trend.
What Is A Vampire Facial?
This information isn’t the faint of heart, so proceed carefully if talk of blood makes you woozy.
A vampire facial is a new, experimental cosmetic spa treatment, where a person’s blood is smeared on their face. A spa in New Mexico went viral for administering this treatment, and influential celebrity Kim Kardashian tried it herself.
When one thinks about just how much sway and clout internet-celebrities of her status can accrue, these facts are startling. Even if Kim Kardashian tells her fans that she didn’t enjoy the vampire facial, they might still try it abuse they’ve already gotten the idea into their head.
But it gets worse.
We’re only calling it a “vampire facial” because this is what it’s become known as. But the term “vampire facial” minimizes just how dangerous it is.
The procedure isn’t just another strange but quirky treatment. It involved drawing blood, purifying the blood by spinning it through a centrifuge, and extracting platelets. Some people who think it’s as simple as smearing their blood on their faces are putting themselves at serious risk.
The claimed benefit — when done right — is that the platelets encourage cell growth and cell turnover. The growth of new cells causes a brighter, more youthful appearance, that many people seek to achieve. It claims to be good for people with premature wrinkles, solar damage, with an uneven skin tone.
The controversial new procedure costs around $1000. Patients are usually encouraged to get more than one for maximum effectiveness.
Is the Vampire Facial Safe?
The dangers of vampire facials are a complex issue. It has detractors who say that the procedure is irresponsible and dangerous. It also has defenders who say that the procedure isn’t as bad as it seems.
Let’s break down some of the angles of this strange and unique procedure and get down to the facts.
The Argument For Vampire Facials
While the concept of this sort of facial sounds strange, it does have its apologists. The proponent of the vampire facial tends to uphold the stance that it’s similar to other cosmetic procedures: dangerous on its own, but relatively safe when handled by a professional.
Those who support vampire facials align themselves with the defenders of plastic surgery. They say, while yes, there are many risks involved, it’s up to the individual to choose whether or not they want to take those risks in the pursuit of beauty.
The fact that one’s blood is used is often cited as a safety measure. Your body won’t react negatively to your blood or have an allergic reaction to your platelets.
The Argument Against Vampire Facials
The main argument against vampire facials is that they are dangerous, and minimizing their dangers can lead to more people getting hurt.
Any treatment that exposes someone to needles runs the risk of introducing bloodborne pathogens into the person’s body. Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms that cause diseases in humans. Some of the most widespread bloodborne pathogens are HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
While, yes, professionals can pull off this procedure without causing any injury, it can be hard to tell who is qualified to do this. A failure of qualifications can lead to the introduction of dangerous — and even deadly — bloodborne pathogens into the body.
We might not need to wait long to see the terrible effects this can have. A spa in New Mexico came under fire when a client told the Department of Health that they contracted a bloodborne infection, that they believe came from the VIP spa.
The Department of Health of New Mexico urged anybody who received the treatment in the preceding months to get tested for bloodborne pathogens. The Department of Health conducted an investigation and found problems with the way needles were stored.
The spa shut down and urged people to get tested. Soon after, it was found that their license had expired years earlier.
Conclusions About Safety
While bloodborne pathogen training is technically “safe” when performed right, the culture surrounding it is not safe. The name “vampire facial” provides something vaguely fun. It doesn’t prepare people for the seriousness of the procedure.
Most “facials” simply involve applying a sort of topical cream or oil to the face. Calling this procedure a “facial” is misleading and dangerous. Many people won’t research what a vampire facial entails, and might sign up for something they’re not ready for.
The romanticization and celebrification of this procedure also may lead to more people who aren’t qualified trying to do the treatment. Not everyone cares for the safety of public health. A person could very easily make money doing this procedure for cheap and end up hurting someone in the process.
On top of all of this, it’s been proven that even if people go to a place they think they can trust, they might be mistaken. Very few people have the time and money to research the spa they’re going to undergo a procedure. You very well could be undergoing treatment from someone careless and unqualified and not even know it.
It’s Not A Vacuum
The vampire facial trend does not operate in a vacuum. The rise of social media like Tik Tok has exposed many young people to dangerous beauty trends. Defending vampire facials is irresponsible because it supports a culture where people put their physical appearance over their bodily health.
The internet allows anybody to share their thoughts and ideas with the world. This is both its greatest advantage and disadvantage.
One of the ugliest disadvantages of the internet shows when the mimetic cycle becomes attached to dangerous trends. A trend becomes popular, and people share it — even if they share it, ironically, to make fun of it. The irony and jokes about the procedure end up spreading it even more, and then somebody winds up seriously hurt.
A vampire facial can seem like something fun and funny when Kim Kardashian is doing it, or when you make fun of it with your friends, but it will not seem funny when people start catching HIV.
But the problem isn’t just the information that’s out there. A lack of knowledge can be just as dangerous as the wrong knowledge.
One of the greatest things about the internet is the ease with which someone can find health information. Now more than ever, people can educate themselves on bloodborne pathogens and keep themselves safe from harm.
If you care about your physical health, it’s important to get yourself some bloodborne pathogens training.
What is Bloodborne Pathogens Training?
Training yourself in bloodborne pathogens means understanding what books you at risk for bloodborne disease. It means taking responsibility for your health, learning what you can do to protect your body.
On our website, you can read many articles to learn about bloodborne pathogens. We’ll keep you up-to-date on any news involving blood-related illnesses, and inform you if any trends are potentially harmful to your health.
Keep Yourself Informed
Beauty trends have been around for a long time. They’re not going away soon. One must always keep on the lookout for dangerous beauty trends.
The internet has brought a new level of popularity to beauty trends — and as a result, dangerous beauty trends. The vampire facial, while it does have its benefits, is extremely dangerous, and should not be undergone by anyone.
Always but the safety of your blood before physical appearance. If you want nice skin, consider using a skin cream.
For more information, check out this article on what to do in case you come into contact with bloodborne pathogens.