Vampire facials have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to celebrities like Kim Kardashian West. But what exactly is a vampire facial, and what are the benefits and risks associated with it? In this article, we'll explore the science behind vampire facials, as well as the potential risks and benefits. We'll also discuss the inventor of vampire facials, Dr. Barbara Sturm, and her approach to skin aging at the molecular level.
A vampire facial is a type of cosmetic procedure that involves drawing blood from a patient and then injecting it into their face with microneedles. The idea behind this treatment is to stimulate a response that tricks the skin into thinking it has been damaged, which helps it heal on its own. This process is not as simple as smearing blood all over your face and hoping for the best, however. Dr.
Barbara Sturm is the inventor of vampire facials and an expert in molecular cosmetics. Her namesake skincare line is a more accessible way to introduce molecular cosmetics into your daily routine. According to Dr. Sturm, molecular cosmetics works at the cellular level and focuses on three aspects that cause skin aging: cellular inflammation, telomere lifespan, and skin hydration.
Telomeres are the caps at the end of our DNA chain and work to protect our chromosomes. They also shorten each time the cell divides until the cell mutates or dies. By protecting telomeres, cells can stay healthy and Dr. Barbara Sturm does this with an ingredient called purslane: it is a telomere activator that keeps cells alive and in good condition. Vampire facials have been widely debated since Kim Kardashian West underwent the procedure during an episode of the Keeping Up with the Kardashians spin-off, Kim and Kourtney Take Miami.
While Kim has decided not to have a vampire facial again, she also wrote that she understands that the treatment may be more suitable for different people. Dermarolling is another option for those who want to try something less invasive than a vampire facial. Dermarolling is a much gentler treatment than a vampire facial that can be achieved at home (bloodless) with a needle covered roller. It doesn't penetrate as deeply (nor does it involve any PRP for that matter), so it's not as effective as a vampire facial or even an in-office microneedling, but as long as you adjust your expectations (and as long as your dermatologist gives you the go-ahead), dermarolling is much more affordable and accessible treatment. When considering any type of cosmetic procedure, it's important to weigh the potential risks against the potential benefits. Vampire facials compromise the top layer of skin, so you don't have as much protection from the sun, so you need to be very careful.
Additionally, because it involves needles and blood, there is always a risk of infection or other complications. On the other hand, vampire facials can help stimulate collagen production in the skin through a combination of microneedles with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). This can help reduce wrinkles and improve skin tone and texture. Additionally, because it uses your own blood components, there is no risk of an allergic reaction. In short, vampire facials can be beneficial for some people looking to reduce wrinkles or improve their skin tone and texture. However, it's important to weigh the potential risks against the potential benefits before undergoing any type of cosmetic procedure.
