Poop face mask: Why it is harmful

Many women use creams and serums to prevent premature ageing. Those who believe in all things natural, go for kitchen ingredients like aloe vera gel and bananas. But Brazilian model Débora Peixoto took a bizarre route to “prevent ageing”. She used her own poop to make a DIY face mask. It was clearly stinking, as she used a clothespin to close her nose. The influencer accepted that it was the “craziest thing I have done in my life”. But is this poop face mask actually beneficial for your skin or is it just one of the bizarre beauty trends that come and go?

Débora Peixoto on using poop face mask

Débora Peixoto Peixoto said in a video on Instagram that she decided to use the poop face mask after reading online that it could “prevent ageing”.

In the clip, the influencer, who previously went viral for using “period blood face mask“, opens a container of her poop and applies it over her face. The influencer, who has over 650,000 followers on Instagram, closes her nose with a clothespin, as she leaves the poop face mask for several minutes before rinsing it off.

Check out the video here

At the end of the video, she flaunts her clean face, and says, “It worked for me and my skin has stopped flaking!”

Are there benefits of using a poop face mask?

“Using feces as a face mask is not advisable and lacks scientific support,” says dermatologist Dr Pawan Singh. There are no proven benefits of this practice for skin care. In fact, applying feces to the face carries significant health risks. “Feces can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites such as E. coli, salmonella, and helminths, which can lead to infections, and food poisoning,” says the expert.

Escherichia coli or E. coli are bacteria found in the intestines of humans as well as animals. Most kinds of this bacteria are harmless, and are part of a healthy intestinal tract. It can help us digest food, produce vitamins as well as provide protection from harmful germs. But some kinds of E. coli can make people sick with diarrhea, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

E. coli and other pathogens may cause bacterial and viral infections, and skin irritation, especially if introduced through minor cuts, abrasions, or mucous membranes.

“For safe and effective skin care, it is better to rely on products and methods that are supported by scientific research, and avoid unproven and potentially dangerous practices,” suggests Dr Singh.

Why are such bizarre beauty trends bad for skin?

Bizarre beauty trends like using feces as a face mask can be harmful to the skin for several reasons.

• Such practices can expose users to harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites present in fecal matter. These pathogens can lead to severe skin infections, including bacterial and fungal infections, and potentially more serious systemic illnesses.
• Beauty trends frequently promote unregulated and unconventional methods that may not have undergone rigorous safety testing. This lack of oversight increases the risk of skin irritation, allergic reactions, and long-term damage.
• Such trends can distract from established skincare practices that are both safe and effective.

What is premature ageing?

Premature ageing refers to the early onset of signs and symptoms typically associated with older age. “This can manifest in various ways, such as wrinkles, fine lines, loss of skin elasticity, and uneven skin tone, which appear much earlier than expected based on a person’s chronological age,” says the expert.

Premature ageing can be caused by a range of factors including excessive sun exposure, poor diet, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to environmental pollutants. Also, genetic factors and certain lifestyle choices like poor sleep quality can accelerate the ageing process, leading to the appearance of ageing signs before the natural ageing timeline. A link was found between poor sleep quality and increased signs of ageing during a 2014 study published in the Clinical and Experimental Dermatology journal.

What are the healthy ways to prevent premature ageing skin?

Going for a bizarre beauty trend like poop face mask will not prevent premature ageing. But the following tips may help:

1. Sun protection

Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the most effective ways to prevent premature aging. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can break down collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to wrinkles and sagging. You can wear protective clothes, and avoid excessive sun exposure, especially during peak hours, to help safeguard your skin from UV damage. You should also regularly apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF (sun protection factor) 30. Sunscreen can help prevent premature ageing caused by too much unprotected UV exposure, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

2. Healthy diet

A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats can support skin health and reduce the signs of ageing. “Eating fruits and vegetables consisting of vitamins C and E, omega-3 fatty acids helps maintain skin elasticity, combat free radicals, and improve overall skin texture,” says the expert. Foods like berries, leafy greens, and avocados are particularly beneficial.

3. Regular hydration

Keeping your skin well-hydrated is crucial for maintaining its firmness and elasticity. Drinking a good amount of water throughout the day is a healthy way to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Also, using moisturisers that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides can help lock in moisture and prevent dryness, which can contribute to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

4. Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol

Smoking and too much alcohol consumption can accelerate the ageing process of the skin. “Smoking can reduce blood flow to the skin, deplete it of oxygen and essential nutrients, and damage collagen, leading to wrinkles,” explains the expert. Alcohol dehydrates the skin and can lead to inflammation and broken capillaries. Avoiding these habits helps maintain healthier, more youthful skin.

5. Gentle skincare routine

Using a gentle skincare routine helps prevent irritation and damage to the skin, which can contribute to premature ageing. Opt for mild cleansers and avoid harsh scrubbing or excessive exfoliation, which can strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to sensitivity. Incorporating products with retinoids or peptides can also promote cell turnover and collagen production, but they should be used as directed to avoid potential irritation.

Poop face mask to prevent ageing may be the talk of town, but go for healthier and more effective methods for healthy skin. Protect your skin from the sun’s rays, eat well, stay hydrated and follow a gentle skincare routine.