If you spend much time on mental health Instagram or TherapyTok, you might’ve come across talk of “reparenting” your “inner child.” Maybe you rolled your eyes and kept scrolling. Another airy-fairy fake therapy trend, cool. But if you’re here, the concept probably intrigues you, and for good reason: Reparenting is a fairly intuitive and actually helpful framework that a growing number of therapists (and their clients) adore.
“It’s gaining momentum in the mental world,” says therapist Nicole Johnson, LPC, founder of Oak and Ivy Therapy Services. “But it’s still not normalised and talked about enough, in my opinion.” (Johnson is hoping to help change that—she’s got a book on the topic coming out in July called Reparenting Your Inner Child: Healing Unresolved Childhood Trauma and Reclaiming Wholeness through Self-Compassion.)
So what does reparenting yourself look like, exactly? And how can it help you? Let’s get into it.
What is reparenting?
“Reparenting is a therapeutic technique focused on creating a nurturing and supportive internal dialogue,” says psychotherapist Gillian O’Shea Brown, PhD, LCSW, adjunct professor at New York University. “[It] can help you to develop a healthier relationship with yourself and overcome past wounds by providing the care and support you may have lacked in childhood,” she explains.
The approach is closely tied to the concept of the inner child or children, which you can think of as young parts of your psyche that still hold pain or distorted beliefs, largely from the ways your caregivers fell short or mistreated you. “Reparenting and inner child work are like two sides of the same coin,” Johnson says. “It’s like these children are stuck, frozen in time in that experience.”
Because of that, the old beliefs and wounds of our inner children can drive a lot of our unconscious patterns in the present day in ways we don’t realise, Dr. O’Shea Brown explains. Like core beliefs about how lovable you are or tendencies around how you act in relationships, talk to yourself, handle your emotions and approach conflict.
An example: Maybe your parents got into explosive fights when you were little and you learned to stay safe by hiding in your bedroom. Today, that might show up as withdrawing at the slightest hint of discord. Or if your caregiver sometimes acted annoyed when you expressed a need, you might’ve coded that to mean you’re a burden. And now you’re terrified of expressing needs to your partner, even though you know it’s not “rational.”
If you fall among the most mysterious zodiac signs, it’s quite possible you’re the one standing at the back of the room at a party, not to hide from people, but to observe more than you reveal. They say still waters run deep, and while that may be true, you could also be a typhoon on the surface—like a Leo—visible to everyone within a 10km radius, but finding a strange calm in the eye of the storm. If you live in your rich inner world more than you live in the real world, count yourself among the most mysterious zodiac signs.
Scorpio
Let’s be honest, you expected to see Scorpio on this list. Their enigmatic aura holds the potency to penetrate your very soul. They seem to know exactly what’s going on, drawing you in with a balance of intensity and independence that’s downright swoon-worthy. Be it their mystifying edgy demeanour, their sharp wit or their dark humour, there is no escaping a Scorpio’s magnetic charm. Their elusive nature keeps you hooked, always leaving you wondering what’s hidden beneath the surface.
Taurus
If you know a Taurus, you know that while they can be the life of a party and keep those wisecracks coming, only a chosen few have access to who they really are. Their inner landscapes are rich and vivid, even borderline dreamy. However, their headstrong, change-resistant nature gives off an I-don’t-care vibe that makes them irresistibly attractive. Their ability to be the best observer in the room only adds to their inscrutable enigma.
Gemini
Head in the clouds and one foot levitating over water is the only way to encapsulate a Gemini’s bewitching personality. Their power to dish out life-changing perspectives while keeping it lighthearted and playful feels like an otherworldly fusion between poetry and logic, as does their ability to nurture while being fiercely independent. It’s their perennial need to seek new experiences fuelled by their passion for life that makes them so captivating.
Leo
Like their ruler, Leos are radiant, effervescent and all-encompassing like the sun. They don’t just shine, they shine blindingly and unapologetically, often being misunderstood as arrogant or too full of themselves when this couldn’t be further from the truth—at least mostly. While they draw their luminosity from within, their emotional waters run deep too. Fiercely protective of their chosen ones, their loyalty and their vulnerabilities are safely tucked away behind that sparkly mask. If you get to see it, consider yourself lucky.
Virgo
Nobody, not even a Virgo, knows what they are looking for under the guise of perfectionism for the most part. But once you get over that initial hurdle, there are uncharted waters in the depths of a Virgo’s heart and mind. Their overly logical and analytical perspective is often softened by a refreshing emotional depth and maturity—even an insecure, wounded inner child at times. Their goal-oriented attitude towards everything in life and their seemingly serious demeanour with a side of dry humour keeps you guessing.
Capricorn
If you ever thought of a Capricorn purely as a workhorse, you haven’t seen a Capricorn let their hair loose. They are committed and ambitious even when it comes to having fun. Behind their quiet, seemingly reserved exterior lie a million dreams, backed by a quiet strength in their ability to make them tangible. They may be folks of few words, but those carefully chosen pearls of wisdom act as tiny doorways into their bustling interior life. Their drive to succeed at any cost, but not without a strong ethic, makes them superlatively appealing.
After months of seclusion with only the blue light from our computer screens filling the room, most of us are probably feeling a little ‘vampy’ right now.
Start with a pale face, sunken eyes, and a cozy blanket turned cape, and you have a starter kit for a vampire costume!
All joking aside, as we prepare to return to post-pandemic “normal” and the sun is hanging around for longer, we could use a little skin prep and maybe even a procedure to restore our skin’s natural healthy glow.
A vampire facial might just do the trick!
What Is A Vampire Facial?
The vampire facial, also known as the vampire facelift or dracula facial, actually has the opposite effect that you might associate with a blood sucking vampire; It doesn’t leave your skin shriveled or dull, rather, it plumps, hydrates, and nourishes our skin using your own blood.
Technically it is a bloody procedure, but it’s not as invasive as it sounds.
Vampire facials get their name because of their unusual and somewhat gory methods.
During a vampire facial, a sample of your own blood is drawn from your arm.
Then, the vial is placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from the red blood cells.
Once the blood is separated, the doctor performs a procedure similar to microdermabrasion in which tiny needles penetrate the skin.
Finally, the platelet-rich plasma (and a hyaluronic acid filler if you are going for a face lift) is applied and absorbed back into your face.
The suggested benefits of a vampire facial are:
Reduced wrinkles
Plump skin
Faded or diminished acne scars
Brightened skin
If this sounds a little macabre or fringe to you, you might be surprised to learn that even the biggest celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Bar Refaeli and British actor Rupert Everett have all undergone the “dracula treatment”.
Platelet-rich plasma has been used for over 50 years!
It started as a method to help patients recover from open-heart surgery, but soon became a popular restorative procedure in sports medicine and now, as an anti-aging method.
After a year of DIY facials and masks, experts say that the vampire facial will be among the top in-office procedures done in 2021.
So Does It Work?
The efficacy of vampire facials comes down to plasma.
Plasma is rich in protein and helps to carry nutrients, protein, and hormones to the rest of the body.
This is thought to help stimulate collagen production and elastin in the skin, resulting in firm, youthful skin.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is also a natural way to stimulate healing in the body.
It can also be applied at the hairline to also help improve hair growth.
Aside from encouraging youthful glowing skin and thick glossy hair, it can also be used to help heal sports injuries, damaged muscles, arthritis, and more.
Though there is limited research specifically on vampire facials, research suggests PRP may help stimulate hair growth, reduce pain from osteoarthritis, and treat acute sports injuries.
One study found that “both fine and coarse texture improved significantly more with a single treatment of PRP than with normal saline.”
Is it Safe?
Vampire facials are generally thought to be safe if done with sterilized equipment in a clean environment.
Anyone with premature wrinkles or hyperpigmentation who wants to even their skin tone is an ideal candidate for the procedure.
However, as with most cosmetic procedures, unsterilized equipment increases the risk of infection and disease so make sure to do thorough research before choosing your provider.
With that said, vampire facials are a noninvasive procedure that can safely be done by a doctor or dermatologist with the correct equipment and certifications.
What to Expect
Here’s what you can expect pre, mid, and post-procedure.
Your body replenishes its plasma roughly every three days, so you should try to eat a healthy diet at least for the 3 days leading up to your appointment.
Before your procedure, the doctor will cleanse your skin and apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area.
While your face numbs, a sample of blood will be taken from your arm and put in the centrifuge to separate the platelets.
Once you are nice and numb, the doctor will use a small needling device to permeate the skin.
Finally, the PRP will be applied and worked into the skin.
To top it all off, your doctor might apply a cream that will help speed up the healing process and protect your skin from infection.
All in all, it takes anywhere from 30-45 minutes.
Typically, vampire facials have little to no downtime and you can even drive yourself home from the appointment!
Since you are using your body’s own blood components, there is no risk of rejection.
Possible side effects following the procedure may include:
Redness
Swelling
Itching
Dry skin
Bruising
Tingling
The Road to Recovery and Results
You might experience some redness or bruising in the days following your procedure.
Oftentimes, your doctor will give you specific aftercare instructions but as a general rule, use a gentle cleanser and avoid alcohol-based products, artificial fragrances, and exfoliants for at least 72 hours post-procedure.
Make sure to apply SPF daily and avoid the sun whenever possible to avoid sun damage to your freshly facialed skin!
Though the side effects and irritation will likely fade within the first couple of days, results likely won’t be evident from a single session alone.
Depending on your skin’s condition (wrinkles, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, etc.) it could take multiple sessions to see your desired results.
Regardless of whether you want a follow-up appointment or not, your doctor will likely recommend that you come back to the office after your skin has had time to recover to see its impacts and discuss whether further treatment is needed.
After your 72 hour marker, you may be able to prolong the effects of your procedure by using a brightening daily cleanser and lightweight moisturizer.
Oral collagen supplements may also help you to build up your body’s natural collagen stores to promote healthier, firmer skin for the weeks and months to come.
Cost of Vampire Facials
Vampire facials are not covered by insurance.
Though the prices may vary depending on your location and provider, the average vampire facial cost is around $750-$1000 per session.
Given that an individual may have to undergo anywhere from 2-6 procedures to see desired results, this could total anywhere from $1500-$7500 on the low end.
For some, vampire facials can come with a pretty scary price tag.
Luckily there are other more affordable options on the market if you want to dive into the world of cosmetic procedures.
Let’s explore some options to get similar results for a smaller cost!
Cosmetic Procedures with Similar Benefits
If you’re not ready to commit to your own vampy facial but still want some of the results, there are a handful of other cosmetic procedures that might be a better fit for your wallet and skin type.
Chemical peels:
Chemical peel is a broad category of different controlled applications of toxic chemicals and acids to the skin.
Similar to a vampire facial or microneedling, small superficial wounds are used to stimulate skin repair and renewal from the deepest layers of the epidermis.
There are three different types of chemical peels, superficial, medium-depth and deep, and each can be done with various strengths of acids like glycolic, salicylic, and retinoic.
Chemical peels will remove the damaged upper layer of the epidermis to reveal fresh, newer cells beneath.
Depending on the strength of your chemical peel, costs can be as low as $150, or as high as $3,000.
The benefit is that you don’t need immediate follow-up appointments to see results!
After a brief period of redness or tender skin, you should see hydrated, even, fresh skin should be revealed.
Electro-mesotherapy:
Also similar to microdermabrasion and vampire facials, electro-mesotherapy or electroporation helps products to penetrate the skin deeper without the use of needles.
In this, a small device is used to generate an electromagnetic field within which cell membranes reorganize and open ‘channels’ for products to penetrate deep within the skin.
It can be used to remove fat, reduce cellulite, fade wrinkles, firm skin, and lighten hyperpigmentation.
A single session can cost between $250 and $600 and results vary depending on your skin type and desired outcomes.
Laser Treatments:
There are many different types of laser skin treatments including CO2, erbium, pulsed-dye, and fractional lasers.
Each is used to treat common skincare concerns such as uneven skin tone, texture, wrinkles, or dullness.
Many people, especially those with mild skincare concerns, choose laser treatments because they often require fewer sessions to see results.
You can get one-time, yearly, or even monthly procedures depending on the severity of your skin condition and your budget.
Both the individual cost of a treatment and the amount of sessions required will vary, but the average cost is around $1,963 for ablatives and $1,201 for non-ablative procedures.
Products That Make Vampire Facials Bite the Dust
Still not down with the costs? We hear you!
At Skincare by Alana, we believe that quality and clinically proven skincare should be affordable and accessible.
Luckily, there are affordable, powerful, natural products available that can help you achieve your skincare goals.
Whether you’re looking to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, improve your skin texture, or simply restore your natural dewy glow, we’ve got you covered.
If you want to deeply penetrate the skin and promote renewal from the inside out, here are some products you can apply at home!
This two step at-home peel allows you to receive all the benefits of microdermabrasion, a facial peel & more for a fraction of the cost! Check out the ingredients list to learn more about their unique blend of AHAs, friendly bacteria, and antioxidants that make this duo a power couple.
Tria Age-Defying Laser:
The Tria Age-Defying Laser is an FDA-cleared fractional laser that treats multiple signs of aging on the entire face. Designed with dermatologists and plastic surgeons, the Age-Defying Laser uses the same technology as professional in-office treatments but makes it easy to do at your leisure from the comfort of your own home.
This is a powerful pigment-correcting product that will do wonders for hyperpigmentation! Natural Hydroquinone Complex from African potato and tara tree helps to lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation while licorice root brightens skin’s overall appearance. Regular use can visibly improve the skin’s tone, restoring it to a youthful glow and leaving it soft, smooth and revitalized.
Alana Mitchell Brightening & Exfoliating Pumpkin Anti-Aging Masque:
Reveal your most rejuvenated and youthful skin instantly! One treatment of the 100% natural Brightening & Exfoliating Pumpkin Anti-Aging Masque by Alana Mitchell will remove dead skin cells and debris to reveal a softer, smoother complexion. Near instant results, gentle yet effective ingredients, and a price point that’s under $20 makes this a no-brainer for anyone considering an at-home alternative to the vampire facial.
For Dull Skin
Dermalogica Rapid Reveal Peel:
Dermalogica Rapid Reveal Peel is a professional-grade at-home peel that contains a unique complex of phytoactive AHA extracts, Lactic Acid, and fermented plant enzymes helps reveal new, firmer skin, and removes dulling surface debris without causing dehydration. It gives you ten individually portioned tubes for less than 1/7th of the cost of a vampire facial!
Derma E Overnight Peel:
Slow and steady wins the race right? This easy to apply overnight peel helps your skin tone become more radiant, pigmentation is evened and age spots are visibly diminished. It contains 5% Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) for the safe, effective removal of dead surface skin cells to reveal your inner glow!
For Acne Scars
Derma E Scar Gel:
This powerful scar gel is enriched with Allicin (from onion bulb), Allantoin and Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), to help visibly break down scars and encourage healthy skin. In fact, it’s clinically proven to significantly improve scar texture, color and overall appearance! At only $19.95 a jar, you can’t beat that.
Alana Mitchell Night R1 Retinol Facial Oil:
This gentle yet effective retinol works to repair acne scarring while you sleep! The all-natural formula easily absorbs, leaving you with a moisturized, glowing complexion, and the light citrus scent is the perfect way to end the day. No flaking, redness, or peeling like traditional retinol products, but with all the benefits!
The vampire facial isn’t so scary after all!
When done safely and correctly, it can help you to bid a lackluster complexion and uneven skin tone goodbye with little to no side effects.
Getting the treatment is only half of the battle, however.
Taking care of your skin before and especially after your procedure will make all the difference in how long your effects last and will protect you from damaging your fresh skin.
For more information about building your own perfect skincare regimen, check out the Skincare by Alana blog!
In it, we discuss some of the buzzy and mysterious new products and ingredients on the market from rice water to snail mucin.
We also have tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your at-home skincare routine without breaking the bank or damaging your skin with harmful chemicals.
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