Oxygen Facial

All women love themselves as the perfect pep up prior to a big event or soirée.

While there are several options available, such as the BOTOX® injection, fillers, laser treatments, etc to produce the instant results they need to help put their best face forward on such occasions, most women tend to ask for an oxygen facial these days.

Although the science behind oxygen facials is currently clouded with a lot of controversy and the procedure still awaits official approval, the main driving forces behind its widespread acceptance are its popularity among celebrities (the secret behind Madonna’s younger-looking skin), the non-invasive nature of the procedure itself, and its power to bring about an immediate, visible smoothness, plump and glow on the face with great appeal for mass market facials.

Oxygen facial procedure and the early serums used in it were both said to have developed originally in Australia. It is one of the most popular treatment in the US, Canada and Western Europe today where a whole mini-industry has been developed around the concept. As a result quite a number of machines and serum formulations are available and widely used today for producing cosmetic as well as therapeutic effects.

The procedure works through a machine that takes in air, separates oxygen from it stripping out impurities, and pumps out therapeutic grade oxygen via a hose to a high pressure jet. An appropriate mix (serum) of active agents, moisturizing and other water binding ingredients (as needed) is introduced to the oxygen stream just before the skin. The strong pressure of the jet then takes the combined oxygen and ingredients past in to the lower levels of the epidermis.

The oxygen is used mainly as a carrier due to its increased capacity to absorb the therapeutic compounds and other moisturising and water binding ingredients. Concentrated oxygen so delivered to the surface of the skin may also combat visible signs of aging that are known to be caused due to poor conveyance of oxygen from subcutaneous capillaries. The serums are developed using hyaluronic acid, vitamins A, C and E, Japanese green tea and aloe vera in varying proportions depending on the results that are desired (cosmetic, therapeutic, or both). Because of the well-known properties of hyaluronic acid – boosting cell growth and enhancing elastin and collagen production – an instant and visible youthful glow is achieved.

Effects of oxygen facials may last from about two days to a week. However, since experience has shown that the results of consecutive weekly treatments are accumulative, a course of six treatments on a weekly basis, followed by monthly touch-up visits is an ideal recommendation with a view to achieving the best results.

The benefits of oxygen facials can range from a thorough pore cleansing to lightened hyperpigmentation. It is, therefore, sometimes also offered as an add-on following other facial treatments with a view to nourishing the skin and stimulating new collagen growth.

That said, oxygen facials may not be thought of as a cure-all treatment. As mentioned above, they are still awaiting scientific evidence for their long-term safety. It is, therefore, highly advisable that you always seek the advice of a qualified medical or health service provider before proceeding with any cosmetic or medical treatment program or product.

Moreover, it is not uncommon for players in the cosmetic industry to overly market their products. Professionalism rarely shakes hand with media hypes.

Furthermore, not all oxygen facial service providers are alike in reliably producing the above results. This is particularly true of many high-street spas that are operating without a proper a skin or cosmetic specialist.

Finally, never forget that like everyone else, you are unique, and so may be your situation and needs. Without professional assistance it is always doubtful exactly what may or may not work for you.

If you would like to find out whether oxygen facials are right for you, contact our skin care department to book a free consultation session with one of our American Board Certified, experienced practitioners.