Vampires are hot. So hot, that if I have to hear about another vampire/book/movie/TV show, I’m going to have to find a way to make myself explode in sunlight. Luckily, this latest news about vampires doesn’t involve sparkly teen hunks. Apparently, there’s a new cosmetics procedure making its way through the needles of dermatologists and plastic surgeons. It involves injecting your own blood into you face to plump it up. And it’s charmingly known as “the vampire facial.”

How does this blood-sucking beauty bit work? You get injected with a mixture of your own blood to plump up wrinkles. (Or you could just choose to stay out of the sun like an actual vampire. Oh wait, vampires aren’t real?). It’s called Selphyl, and as ABC News reports, it’s “prepared by drawing a patient’s blood, separating the platelets from the red blood cells, blending the platelets with a fibrin mixture and injecting it to the area a patient wants to augment.”

Further, this bloody facial lasts about 15 months as the “fibrin” mixture builds up. Fibrin is a fibrous protein that helps clot blood. So in other words, blood clots are plumping up your face.

Nonetheless, it seems that this bloody treatment is catching on with wrinkle-worried women. In fact, it seems that some are seeing this vampire facelift as a sort of natural beauty product. As one devotee claims, it is better to use something from your own body to treat your body.

There are some side effects. Apparently, blood causes an itchy after-effect and possible discoloration. Dr. Malcolm Roth is a director of plastic surgery at Maimonides Medical Center. As he told ABC News, “One of the problems with your own blood is that some people pass out from having their blood taken. Also”¦you’re injecting blood into a place where blood doesn’t normally reside.”

Freaky and weird beauty option? Perhaps, but the quest for eternal youth has long made wacky and wild inroads. From rose quartz facials to full body exfoliation by fish nibbling, beauty comes at a cost. The question is – are we willing to pay for it in our own blood? For some enthusiastic seekers of youth, apparently so.

For further reading:
Vampire Facelift uses blood to get rid of wrinkles.

Image: photoshopeando

In an alternative universe, this article would consist of me simply handing out a plastic surgeon’s card. But that would involve Botox and Restalyne and other chemical-filled things that some of us inject into our faces. Luckily, I live in this universe – where I am so fortunate to write about natural beauty products for a living. So I’m not going to promote injecting amounts of botulism, no matter how diluted, into your face.

And while I have the floor, might I send out a message to all the absolutely gorgeous women out there who feel the need to put themselves before the needle. Don’t. Do. It. Sure, there’s a billion dollar industry and several friends of mine who would disagree with me. But here’s why I’m anti-Botox. We don’t know the long term health effects of the product. And we always know when you do it anyway. Here is the case-in-point, right? It’s not like I don’t understand the urge to look young. I am 38-years-old (sing it loud, sing it proud) and while I haven’t experienced the serious effects of aging, I do know what it’s like to look in a mirror and see things that just weren’t there a year ago. I get it. But there are ways to bring out the best in your skin without poisoning it.

Naturally, here they are.

First, scrub and tone your skin. Invest in a daily toner – here are some suggestions and tips on how to do just that. You also want to use an organic and/or natural scrub to keep your skin cells moving along – although be careful about doing this every day, as excessive scrubbing can over-stimulate oil in your skins cells. Want a recipe for an excellent homemade sugar scrub? I have used this one from Care2 and love it.

Second, make hydration a priority. The moisture in your skin will help keep it plumped up and will reduce the look of fine lines. Here are some excellent organic and/or natural moisturizers to consider.

Also consider making a homemade honey cleanser. Honey attracts and retains moisture while containing essential antioxidants to help skin stay healthy. Plus, it has been used for centuries (which is always a bonus in my opinion.) Try this: Combine two tablespoons of honey with two tablespoons of yogurt. Apply it to your face for ten minutes and remove with warm water.

Finally, consider your diet. Spices have long been recognized as rich in antioxidants and anti-aging properties. Oregano is the perfect example. Cayenne is a warm spice that can bring blood back to your skin (hello, rosy cheeks!) And don’t forget to use as much organic olive oil in your diet as possible. This will keep your skin moisturized inside and out.

Image: ericmcgregor

So you think beauty is only skin deep? It actually goes much deeper; beauty has a lot to do with your diet, too. Although topical creams and oils can help your skin and hair look more radiant, the best way to glow is from within – and that means eating right. So think twice about filling up that beauty drawer with ever more cosmetics and spend the money on these delicious foods instead.

Requirements for Radiant Skin

Antioxidants. These protect your skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation and may help prevent skin cancer. Foods high in antioxidants include green tea, citrus fruits, cacao, blueberries, prunes and leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach.

Hydration. If you’re thirsty, so is your skin! It’s essential to drink plenty of water (filtered or spring water) every day, but juicy fruits and vegetables (like apples, strawberries, watermelons and celery) help with your hydration needs.

Selenium. This mineral is used by your body to create a protein with antioxidant properties. The absolute best source for selenium is a handful of brazil nuts. If you can’t find those, other nuts will do. Fish, turkey, whole wheat pasta and brown rice will also help, but nothing compares to nuts!

Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Omega-3′s maintain healthy cell membranes to keep your cells hydrated and free of toxins. Hemp, flax and chia seeds are excellent sources of Omega-3′s. Wild salmon, walnuts and sardines can also give your skin cells a boost.

Handbook for Healthy Hair

Vitamins A and C. These vitamins help your body produce sebum, the oil secreted by hair follicles that serves as a natural conditioner. (Beware shampoos that strip away too much oil and leave your hair dry!) Spinach, broccoli, kale and Swiss chard are great sources for both of these vitamins.

Protein. Your hair needs plenty of protein to grow. Beans, lentils and other legumes are great sources of protein, iron and zinc.

Snacks for a Super Smile

Avoid Processed and Refined Carbs. Chewy carbohydrates like bread and crackers tend to get stuck under the gums and promote bacterial growth. Drink plenty of water with meals and snacks to wash all those little food particles away.

Polyphenols. Found in black and green teas, polyphenols prevent plaque and reduce the chance of developing cavities.

Cranberries. These tart berries have a compound that prevents bacteria from sticking to teeth and gums, but make sure your cranberry juice isn’t loaded with extra sugar or else, what’s the point?

It makes sense that balance in your body shows up as beauty on the outside, and whole, healthy foods will keep you looking and feeling fantastic. The emphasis here is on whole foods, not supplements. Although supplements can be good for people who have a particular deficiency, it’s always better to get your nutrition from the best foods you can find. Eat well and be beautiful!

Read more at the State.

SEE ALSO:

20 Foods for Increased Energy and Better Sex Drive

20 Foods To Supercharge Your Brain

20 Foods To Boost Your Metabolism

Image: lanuiop