Everyone from JLo to Posh Spice swears by it—oxygen facials are all the rage these days. The process involves cleansing your skin with pure O2. Sounds good, right? We tell you how it works…
What is an oxygen facial?
It involves infusing pure oxygen into the skin at a specific pressure. The theory is that pure oxygen will help hydrate and moisturise the skin. Along with oxygen, vitamins, moisturisers, antioxidants, serums—depending on the treatment chosen—are also infused into the skin. Oxygen facials are used for anti-ageing, clarity and rejuvenation and a host of other skin concerns. According to experts, you need to do this facial once a week for six weeks and then follow up with a monthly treatment. This will help you maintain a youthful look. Also, you need to follow up with the prescribed at-home care.
The effects of a single oxygen facial will last a couple of days, but if you follow the recommended regimen, including the maintenance facial, it will help keep your look intact for longer, assures Anu Kaushik, Delhi-based makeup artist.
Why the hype?
As a quick-fix, this treatment does make your skin look plumped up and fresh. “It gives an instant lift to the skin. It smoothens your lines, takes care of those blemishes and leaves you with a glowing complexion,” says Kaushik who recommends oxygen facials to all brides. Plus, even if you do it just
20 minutes before putting on your makeup, “it makes the job of the makeup artist that much easier,” she explains.
Does it work?
“While an oxygen facial does give an ‘instant lift’ or ‘plumped up’ effect to the skin, it’s not a long-term solution for your blemishes or other skin problems. “Oxygen infused into the skin can help give a plumping effect because it causes a mild inflammation on the skin, explains Dr Jaishree Sharad, Mumbai-based dermatologist. “Also, the oxygen infusion leads to dilution of the blood vessels, which causes a slight redness on the skin, giving it a rosy appearance. But the effects only last for a few hours,”
Also, the hydrating or moisturising benefits of oxygen on the skin are a bit vague, says Dr Sharad. “It can help cleanse the skin but it can’t help to hydrate or moisturise the skin. It could be your solution if you want to look good for a party but there are no long-term benefits.”
RED FLAGS
If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to consult a dermatologist before undergoing any treatment, including an oxygen facial. Also, if you have dry, flaky skin, pimples, atopic dermatitis, rosacea or acne, you should avoid this treatment, suggests Dr Sharad.