Joe McConnell
People experiment with different ingredients in the kitchen to look younger. But would you try a poop face mask to prevent aging?
Many women use creams and serums to prevent premature aging. Those who believe in all things natural opt for kitchen ingredients like aloe vera gel and bananas. But Brazilian model Débora Peixoto took a bizarre route to “prevent aging.” She used her own poop to create a DIY face mask. It was clearly smelly, as she used a clothespin to plug her nose. The influencer admitted that it was the “craziest thing I’ve ever done in my life.” But is this poop face mask actually good for your skin, or is it just another bizarre beauty trend that comes and goes?
Débora Peixoto on using a poop mask
Débora Peixoto Peixoto said in an Instagram video that she decided to use the poop face mask after reading online that it could “prevent aging.”
In the clip, the influencer, who previously went viral for using a “period blood face mask,” opens a container of poop and applies it to her face. The influencer, who has over 650,000 Instagram followers, holds her nose with a clothespin as she leaves the poop face mask in for several minutes before rinsing it off.
Watch the video here
At the end of the video, she shows off her clean face and says, “It worked for me and my skin stopped flaking!”
Are there any benefits to using an anti-poop face mask?
“Using feces as a face mask is not advisable and has no scientific support,” says dermatologist Dr. Pawan Singh. There are no proven skincare benefits to this practice. In fact, applying feces to your face poses significant health risks. “Feces can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites like E. coli, salmonella, and helminths, which can cause infections and food poisoning,” says the expert.
Escherichia coli, or E. coli, are bacteria found in the intestines of humans and animals. Most types of these bacteria are harmless and are part of a healthy intestinal tract. They can help us digest food, produce vitamins, and provide protection from harmful germs. But some types of E. coli can make people sick with diarrhea, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Escherichia coli and other pathogens can cause bacterial and viral infections and skin irritation, especially if introduced through small cuts, abrasions, or mucous membranes.
“For safe and effective skin care, it’s best to rely on products and methods that are backed by scientific research and avoid unproven and potentially dangerous practices,” suggests Dr. Singh.
Why Are These Weird Beauty Trends Bad for Your Skin?
Even the most bizarre beauty trends, like using feces as a face mask, can be harmful to your skin for a variety of reasons.
- Such practices can expose users to harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites in feces. These pathogens can cause serious skin infections, including bacterial and fungal infections, and potentially more serious systemic diseases.
- Beauty trends often 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 attention from established skin care practices, which are safe and effective.
What is premature aging?
Premature aging refers to the early onset of signs and symptoms typically associated with advanced age. “This can manifest itself in a variety of 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 aging can be caused by a variety of factors, including excessive sun exposure, poor diet, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to environmental pollutants. Additionally, genetics and lifestyle choices like poor sleep can accelerate the aging process, causing signs of aging to appear earlier than the natural aging timeline. A link between poor sleep quality and increased signs of aging was found in a 2014 study published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Dermatology.
What are the healthy ways to prevent premature skin aging?
Following a bizarre beauty trend like the poop face mask won’t prevent premature aging. But the following tips can help:
1. Sunscreen
Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the most effective ways to prevent premature aging. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can break down collagen and elastin in your skin, causing wrinkles and sagging. You can wear protective clothing and avoid excessive sun exposure, especially during peak hours, to help protect 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 aging caused by excessive 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 aging. “Eating fruits and vegetables containing vitamins C and E, omega-3 fatty acids helps maintain skin elasticity, fight free radicals and improve overall skin texture,” says the expert. Foods such as berries, leafy greens and avocados are especially beneficial.
3. Regular hydration
Keeping your skin well hydrated is essential for maintaining its firmness and elasticity. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is a healthy way to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Additionally, using moisturizers that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides can help lock in moisture and prevent dryness, which can contribute to fine lines and wrinkles.
4. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
Smoking and drinking too much alcohol can speed up the aging process of your skin. “Smoking can reduce blood flow to your skin, depriving it of oxygen and essential nutrients, and damage collagen, causing wrinkles,” the expert explains. Alcohol dehydrates your skin and can cause inflammation and broken capillaries. Avoiding these habits will help keep your skin healthier and younger.
5. Gentle skin care routine
Using a gentle skincare routine helps prevent irritation and skin damage, which can contribute to premature aging. Opt for gentle cleansers and avoid harsh scrubbing or over-exfoliating, which can strip skin of its natural oils and cause 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 aging may be the talk of the town, but choose healthier and more effective methods for healthy skin. Protect your skin from the sun, eat well, stay hydrated and follow a gentle skincare routine.
