An oxygen facial is a beauty treatment that uses pure oxygen and a moisturizing serum to temporarily plump the face. An airbrush device is used to force the serum into the skin, and the facial is often marketed as a temporary treatment for signs of aging, acne, and rosacea. Available in a set of regular treatments or single facials, these are commonly provided in spas and select plastic surgery offices. This beauty treatment was originally developed in Australia and has since become popular in Asia, Europe, and the United States. The facials are relatively costly for the average person, and the benefits have yet to be proven by researchers as of 2011.
An airbrush device uses hyperbaric oxygen to force a serum containing moisturizers, antioxidants, and vitamins directly into the skin, theoretically helping the skin to absorb these ingredients more quickly. Unlike traditional facials, which often leave behind redness for 24 to 48 hours after the treatment, an oxygen facial does not leave behind any signs. Make-up can also be applied directly after the facial, unlike other treatments.
The oxygen facial is typically marketed as a way to temporarily reduce the signs of aging. The unique blend of ingredients in the serum coupled with the pure oxygen used to apply it help to plump up the skin, reducing sagging and minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. It is also commonly used by those suffering from acne scarring as a way to temporarily conceal dimpling and marks in the skin. Some companies and individuals who offer oxygen facials also believe that the treatment can help to reduce inflammation and redness commonly associated with the skin condition rosacea.
While the treatment typically only provides temporary results, the benefits of an oxygen facial can be maintained with routine treatments. In most cases, a round of weekly treatments for a month and a half enables patients to achieve the most benefits from this facial. The results are then maintained with monthly treatments.
High-end spas, skin care salons, and certain plastic surgeons and dermatologists offer oxygen facials to their customers, although no medical license is needed in most countries to provide the treatment. Oxygen facials are typically considered a luxury beauty treatment, and can be costly if done on a routine basis. Some choose to have the treatment occasionally for major events, while others undergo routine treatments.
Although oxygen facials are decidedly popular, the supposed benefits have not been proven as of 2011. Some doctors believe that the temporary plumping effects are caused by inflammation due to the high concentration and pressure of oxygen used, and that the serum or entire process itself provides little to no benefit to the skin. Despite this, many individuals have seen noticeable results when given an oxygen facial by a professional.