Why the science behind Kim Kardashian's ‘vampire facial' remains popular – from platelet-rich plasma therapy to extracting stem cells after liposuction to be used in regenerative treatments
Skin changes are part of life, but who says your skin can't stay as fresh and vibrant as you feel? An exciting approach to skincare revolves around tapping into the body's own powers to regenerate. The secret? Biological materials – your own blood, fat and stem cells – turned into powerful, bespoke skincare solutions that support natural renewal.
These cutting-edge procedures are grounded in regenerative medicine – historically used to treat injuries, but now entering the beauty sphere.
Kim Kardashian iconic 'vampire facial' selfie from 2013. Photo: Handout
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Take platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, for instance. Known as the 'vampire facial', it became famous in 2013 when
Kim Kardashian posted a now-iconic, blood-covered selfie during the procedure. The viral image sparked a frenzy of interest in the then-little-known treatment, leading to a surge of clients eager to try it.
Although Kardashian later admitted she didn't enjoy the experience due to the pain (since she couldn't use numbing cream during pregnancy), the allure of achieving glowing, youthful skin through the body's own healing power had already grabbed the public imagination.
'The process involves drawing blood, spinning it to isolate platelet-rich plasma, and injecting this back into the skin,' explains Dr Matthew Howard, a dermatologist at Melbourne Skin & Dermatology. Growth factors in the platelets stimulate collagen production and accelerate natural healing, 'improving texture, reducing fine lines and delivering a radiant glow that feels almost supernatural – but is simply [thanks to] the body's own power', he adds.
Biological skincare treatments can involve extracting blood. Photo: Trunk Archive
PRP therapy is excellent for treating acne scars, sun damage and stubborn wrinkles, particularly around the eyes and mouth. When paired with microneedling, the results are even more striking. The micro-injuries created by the needles allow the PRP to penetrate deeper, enhancing its rejuvenating effects, and leaving skin smoother and visibly refreshed.
Although PRP may have grabbed the headlines, it's far from the only breakthrough in biological skincare. Enter adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) therapy, a game-changer treatment that involves harvesting fat – typically via liposuction – processing it to extract stem cells, and then reinjecting it into areas needing a boost. Howard notes that although the cosmetic world has used fat grafting for some time, its regenerative benefits are a more recent discovery.
'The stem cells in this fat work to restore lost volume and stimulate collagen production, tapping into your body's natural regeneration powers and delivering results that last longer,' he says. But ADSCs do more than just plump the skin: they improve its density, elasticity and hydration, enhancing blood flow and reducing inflammation, for skin that doesn't just look younger but behaves like it too.
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