A 'bloody' good cream?

If you thought using ingredients like bird poo and snail slime in beauty products were bizarre, you will be fascinated to learn about this cream. A product of Dr Barbara Sturm, the face behind the Vampire facial that had many takers including Kim Kardashian, the orthopaedic doctor turned skincare expert has now created MC1, a cream that is made from one’s own blood. In an interview, she explained, “It uses a technique that harnesses the white blood cells in the patient’s own blood to produce healing factors including anti–Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and TGF-beta, which address the signs of skin ageing. IL-1 naturally reduces inflammation, while TGF-beta strengthens the tissue and stimulates collagen growth.” The cream that comes with an expiry date of a few months and of course a hefty price tag, is said to be a favourite with Sienna Miller, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Moss. But is it worth the hype?

Seems promising

Dr Apratim Goel, Dermatologist & Laser Surgeon, Cutis Skin Studio says in the era of Vampire face lifts and Platelet Rich Plasma, the concept of ‘blood cream’ is quite innovative and interesting, specially for those who desire glowing hydrated skin but are afraid of going under the knife or getting pricked by needles. “It is claimed that it uses your own blood components in the cream base to give you a rejuvenated, glowing wrinkle free skin. Though the concept seems to be promising, the efficacy is yet to be proven. It is said to give you wrinkle-free skin, tighten the pores and is also used to treat psoriasis and neurodermatitis, acne. Since it is your own blood product, there are less chances of any allergy or reaction. Secondly, the growth and healing factors produced by platelets and white blood cells helps in healing in various inflammatory conditions. It increases the local blood supply which promotes the flow of nutrients and growth factors to the area to stimulate healing. It is your own customised cream to suit your skin,” she adds.

Not enough evidence

Dr Madhuri Agarwal, Founder and Medical Director, Yavana Aesthetics Clinic says, “I would reserve my judgement on whether the cream works. Currently, there is no data or evidence that supports or validates that platelet rich plasma can penetrate deep enough or give the skin benefits when applied as a cream in intact skin. Platelet rich plasma benefits and gives results in facial skin. It is usually injected deep inside the skin by creating micro channels such as micro needling for it to work. Also, the shelf life or effective period of plasma is usually within few hours of its processing and it tends to become ineffective after that. The result of platelet rich plasma  in cream still has to be proven by appropriate scientific methods and studies. In India, we as dermatologists have to be convinced and have substantial proof that the product is effective before we start offering it to our patients.”

Blood has growth factors

These kind of creams work as they signal the activation of the growth factors in the body by which your tissues cells are activated and helps in building collagen and new cells for rejuvenation, says Dr Soma Sarkar, Medical Director and Dermatologist, Skin Inn. “Our own blood has growth factors which help in acne scars, tissue build up and formation of new cells as well . We have something similar here which is a growth factor serum used as an anti-ageing cream known as Cutisera serum.”