Vampire Facials

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“There is certainly no absolute standard of beauty. That precisely is what makes its pursuit so interesting.”- John Kenneth Galbraith. We all are in search of that fountain of youth. Rituals of beauty, well-being and self-care permeate cultures across history, surrounding ideas of identity and expression. Cosmetics have become an intimate part of most individual’s daily routine. The global cosmetic market size was valued at $429.2 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $864.6 billion by 2032. How many of you have had a facial? The truth is most of us have had a facial whether recently or in the distant past. However, some disturbing news emerged recently from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about a relatively new type of facial, the “vampire facials’. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a report last week that documented the first instances of human immunodeficiency virus, (HIV) transmissions contracted through unsterile injections used while receiving “vampire facials,” cosmetic procedures involving micro needling. Three women were diagnosed with HIV after getting “vampire facial” procedures at an unlicensed New Mexico medical spa, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a report last week, marking the first documented cases of people contracting the virus through cosmetic services using needles. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, vampire facials, formally known as platelet-rich plasma micro needling facials, are cosmetic procedures intended to rejuvenate one’s skin, making it more youthful-looking and reducing acne scars and wrinkles. After a client's blood is drawn, a machine separates the blood into platelets and cells. The plasma is then injected into the client's face, either through single-use disposable or multiuse sterile needles. Vampire facials have gained popularity in recent years as celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, American media personality, socialite, and businesswoman have publicized receiving the procedure. Health officials say spa facilities that offer cosmetic injection services should practice proper infection control and maintain client records to help prevent the transmission of blood borne pathogens such as HIV. Among the major risk factors for HIV transmission are the sharing of contaminated needles, syringes and other injecting equipment and drug solutions and receiving unsafe injections that involves unsterile cutting or piercing. The former owner of VIP Spa, Maria de Lourdes Ramos de Ruiz, pleaded guilty in 2022 to five felony counts of practicing medicine without a license, including conducting the unlicensed vampire facials as well as illegal plasma and Botox-injection procedures. Ramos de Ruiz was sentenced to 7 1/2 years, with four years being suspended on supervised probation, 3 1/2 years time in prison and parole. In more recent years, the beauty industry has been criticized for practices surrounding: false claims and misleading advertisements, the unethical sourcing of ingredients, child labour, the use of harmful ingredients, animal testing, and excessive packaging. What is evident by this recent trend of vampire facials is that more attention is required as it relates to adherence to health safety and requirements in the cosmetic industry. Who regulates the local cosmetic industry including tattoo shops/parlours? To what extent is the training provided standardized and in keeping with international best practices? The practitioners within the cosmetic industry must be held accountable. Additionally, clients must also do their research pertaining to the requested procedures and weigh the risks of such procedures. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #vampirefacials

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