Featured Image Credit: Jam Press
Topics: Beauty, Health, Science, Social Media, Weird
Poppy Bilderbeck
Topics: Beauty, Health, Science, Social Media, Weird
Warning: This article contains graphic images which some readers may find distressing.
Two health experts have spoken out after an influencer went viral for revealing she puts her own poo on her face as part of a beauty 'trend'.
As if snail facials and vampire facials weren't enough already, there's another beauty trend which an influencer is championing - putting your own s**t on your face.
Yup. If you thought the world couldn't get any more bizarre, someone is now smearing their own poo on their face all in the name of looking good.
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Brazilian model Débora Peixoto shared a video of her new skincare method onto her Instagram last week.
While acknowledging it's the 'craziest thing' she's 'done in [her] life' to What's The Jam, the influencer explained she decided to give it a go after apparently reading putting poo on one's face can 'reduce aging'.
And after storing some of her own feces in the fridge, getting it out and popping it on her face - wearing a nose peg of course - she reviewed: "It’s worked for me and my skin has stopped flaking!"
Two health professionals have since weighed in on the so-called 'trend', whether it could actually be good for your skin at all and the dangers.
Consultant dermatologist Dr Sophie Momen, from the Cadogan Clinic in London, UK, said the poo face mask 'trend' is 'one of the strangest' she's 'ever come across'. And not only is it strange but 'there is absolutely no scientific benefit to your skin in using feces as a face mask'.
She explained using your poo as a face mask can actually be dangerous too as putting feces on your face can make you more susceptible to 'redness and discomfort' alongside infection and even food poisoning.
Plastic surgeon Tunc Tiryaki added: "Using your own feces as a facial cleanser or face mask is highly inadvisable due to several health and hygiene concerns. Faeces contain a plethora of bacteria, viruses, and parasites, including E. coli, Salmonella and helminths, which can cause serious infections and diseases.
"Applying faeces to your face can introduce these pathogens into your body through small cuts, abrasions or mucous membranes, leading to severe skin infections or systemic illnesses.
"Faeces also contains waste products and toxins that the body has expelled. These substances are harmful and can cause inflammation, irritation and allergic reactions on the skin."
The alternative? Well, sticking to the typical face masks you see on the market.
Tiryaki resolved: "These are specifically formulated to cleanse, moisturise and protect the skin while maintaining its natural balance. Utilising these scientifically developed products is a far safer and more effective method for maintaining skin health and hygiene."