Just when you think you've seen every bizarre beauty trend, another one emerges.

If you're easily unsettled or having a meal, you might want to prepare yourself.

In an era of snail slime, raw garlic, slugging, mouth taping, and more, Gen Z has taken the strange beauty practices to a whole new level.

Have you ever heard of 'moon masking' or 'menstrual masking'? As the names imply, it involves getting intimately familiar with your period blood.

I don't know about you, but as someone suffering from severe endometriosis and dreadful periods, using that anywhere near my face is the last thing I want to do.

Yet, it appears some individuals swear by it.

In fact, the hashtag 'periodfacemask' has amassed over 6.4 billion views on TikTok.

A dermatologist has warned against the practice (Getty Stock)

Forget about curling up with a hot water bottle, a favorite TV show, and indulging in chocolate; some people are opting for a face mask made from their period blood instead.

Proponents of the method claim it is 'healing' and believe it contains stem cells that can rejuvenate their skin through a DIY vampire facial. However, dermatologists and experts advise against this practice.

One dermatologist, Dr. Lee, informed Cosmopolitan that period blood consists of roughly 34 percent blood, with the remainder being 'other elements', and cautioned about the potential harm this trend could inflict.

"Applying it to the skin could exacerbate acne and lead to skin infections such as folliculitis, impetigo, abscesses, erysipelas, or cellulitis," she explained.

"During menstruation, your blood loss includes dead, sloughed-off endometrial cells," she advises, noting that it also contains "blood, cervical cells, vaginal cells, and natural genital secretions, including cervical mucus."

She mentioned that although it contains stem cells, it does not deliver the benefits people are hoping for.

"Period blood is old blood and is comprised of dead cells," she emphasized.

"Old, sloughed-off endometrial cells and dead red and white blood cells are all non-living, decaying tissues."

The dermatologist further added that they won't 'heal' as some on TikTok hope because 'by the time they are applied, they are likely to be dead.' Yum.

Maybe just stick to a normal face mask, instead (Getty Stock Images)

A proponent of the method, Daniela, shared with Dazed: “It’s really empowering. Our blood is so natural and sacred. When I allow myself to deeply connect with my menstruation, it feels like I’m connecting to the earth and to all my ancestors.”

However, the risks seem to outweigh any alleged benefits. If you've ever used a tampon, you've likely heard of Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Dr. Lee cautions that using old period blood could lead to this condition: "It is likely to be heavily contaminated with bacteria – including staphylococcus aureus, which causes Toxic Shock Syndrome."

Many pathogens can survive outside the body for extended periods in blood, meaning if you contaminate your surroundings with period blood, you could endanger housemates or loved ones if you carry any illnesses.

She warns: "Sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and others like methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), can all persist outside the body for long periods. These organisms can live on taps, shower heads, toilet handles, sinks, basins, and any shared devices such as razors or toothbrushes."

Dr. Lee believes there is a misconception between period blood and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) beauty treatments, where blood is drawn, processed in a lab to remove white and red blood cells, leaving a concentrated sample of platelets and plasma, which is then injected into the skin.

Perhaps this is best left to the professionals.