Halloween might be over, but vampire facials are popular all year round, helping women to achieve the innocent, youthful, angelic glow they are after.
So what is a vampire facial and why are the celebrities big fans of it?
Vampire facial explained
A vampire facial is officially known as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for Skin Rejuvenation, but as its method involves drawing blood from the client’s face, it has become more widely known by the spooky moniker.
It works by using microneedles to create pin pricks in the skin, so it begins to bleed. This stimulates the skin to start healing itself by producing collagen and elastin.
At the same time, the skin is punctured with the client’s own blood platelets, which have been previously drawn from another part of the body. The platelet-rich plasma has then been separated from the rest of the sample, and this is inserted into the skin, as well as being applied on top of the pinpricks.
The reason for this is the PRP helps to stimulate tissue repair, create elastin fibres and increase collagen production.
What are the benefits of PRP treatments?
This treatment sounds a bit dramatic, having to typically leave the bloody residue on the skin for the rest of the day, and skin may remain red and sensitive for a few days afterwards.
However, once this has settled down, you will notice fresher, younger-looking skin.
- Tighter
Due to the stimulation of collagen and elastin, skin appears tighter, smoother and more supple.
Collagen production drops in your 30s, which results in wrinkles and fine lines. Therefore, increasing the level helps to firm the skin, and reduce signs of sagging or thinning skin, which can happen with age.
- Reduces hyperpigmentation
Women who are unhappy with their uneven skin tone can benefit from PRP treatments, as it reduces melanin production in the body. This helps to combat hyperpigmentation, as the facial gets rid of old skin cells and replaces them with new ones.
- Boosts moisture levels
If you are suffering from dry skin, a vampire treatment could be ideal for you, as it unclogs pores, enabling your skin to absorb moisturising products better.
- Reduces scarring
PRP treatments also reduce signs of scarring, such as acne. By promoting healing, the skin is able to repair itself better, so those blemishes you have gotten used to seeing in the mirror for years may now begin to fade, making this one of the most popular acne scar treatments available.
- Youthful skin
Most people who want facial treatments do so to smooth out their fine lines and wrinkles, which is exactly what PRP facials do.
Through its elimination of old skin cells, and the production of collagen and elastin, it can tighten the skin so it sags less and wrinkles appear less visible.
- Long-lasting results
One of the reasons why vampire facials are so popular is that their results are long-lasting. This isn’t a treatment that just makes you look good for a few days before your skin returns to normal.
As it stimulates the production of collagen, it can really delay the signs of ageing or reduce scarring until it needs a fresh batch of skin cells.
Dermatologist Dr Jordan Carqueville told Cosmopolitan magazine: “Collagen stimulation, that tightening and remodelling of your collagen, happens over the course of six months to a year after a procedure like this.”
Therefore, results will simply improve with time, especially if they are topped up every few months or so.
