PRP Vampire Facial

You've probably seen the photos on Instagram over the past couple of years of celebrities or beauty content creators' faces seemingly slathered in blood. What could be mistaken for Halloween makeup is actually a skin-care treatment often referred to as a "vampire facial," or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. Basically, a mask made out of a component of your very own blood — not anyone else's — is spread all over your face to rejuvenate your complexion. As terrifying as this technique may seem, it actually boasts impressive, virtually painless results that will have your skin glowing like Edward Cullen's.

In recent months, PRP treatments have become highly sought after in South Korea by people wanting an alternative to dermal fillers to plump their skin, Sang Wook Lee, a board-certified dermatologist at Seoul's Yezel Clinic, tells Allure. Misinformation claiming COVID-19 vaccines cause transient filler swelling has created a cause for concern among many. Also, many consider PRP to be safer than injectables. Reason being: "You're using your own cells," Lee says. With all this in mind, he believes PRP is the future of skin care.

PRP is also a major part of the latest hair loss treatments, says board-certified dermatologist David Kim, who is based in New York City. It's even been shown to be an effective procedure for those with alopecia. He also notes vampire facials have become one of the most popular skin-care treatments among men.