Oxygen facials are hot right now. Celebs like Madonna, Sienna Miller, Heather Locker and Gwen Stefani are all fans of the treatment. But what exactly are oxygen facials? And do they really work?
Oxygen facials are performed with a machine that uses a stream of pressured oxygen to deliver atomised moisturizer to the skin. They are said to instantly improve the appearance of the skin, making it look smoother, plumper and younger. They’re used to hydrate and deliver antioxidants and vitamins to the skin, treat acne and kill bacteria.
However, there is no scientific evidence that oxygen facials are actually effective and experts are skeptical. Dr. Christopher B. Zachary, professor and dermatology department chairman at the University of California said: “The concept that high-pressure oxygen would do anything to help the skin is such nonsense as to be laughable”. He suggests the plumping effect could be an inflammatory response caused by the blast of oxygen.
No one knows how much extra oxygen our skin needs and there is no proof that these facials increase skin oxygenation. We know, however, that skin can’t absorb oxygen. It sits on the surface, affecting only the top layers. And the question whether they cause any free radicals damage is still unanswered. In fact, it is known that the oxidative process generated by oxygen contributes in part to skin aging.
So, what do you think? Oxygen facials can cost up to $200 or more and considering the lack of scientific evidence of their effectiveness, I think they’re just a waste of money. If you want to increase the level of oxygen in your skin, all you have to do is take fast, deep breaths.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I say save yourself some money and get some good food. Oxygen facials is such a scam, I don’t know why people buy into it!
I thought so!!!! Thanks for sharing! I kinda knew it’s marketing strategy about the Oxygen stuffs..thanks for the post
Dao: You’re so right! I can’t understand why people believe it either. Maybe they think that because celebs do it, then it must work. Sadly, they’re wrong.
Nikki: you’re welcome. you’re right, it’s all about marketing. Aestheticians offer this service because they know there is a lot of hype about oxygen facials right now and they will make lots of money from it. Unfortunately people believe it so they don’t really see any reason why they should do tests to prove these facials actually work. It’s all kinda sad and not really ethical imo.
$200?! ouch!
I know! That’s a lot of money, can’t believe anyone would spend so much for something that doesn’t even work! What are people thinking?
have you ever tried an oxygen facial?? You should not judge it unless you have!!! I know for a fact they work I have seen visual results many times including my brother who was a burn victim whom I did treatments on reguarly and it calmed his skin down so much he has no scarring. Also science does confirm by studies that oxygen under pressure does NOT cause free radical damage!! Not to mention that it is not just about the oxygen itself to provide the results but the serums that are used inconjunction with the treatment. I am a believer Why?? because I have seen incredible results, I have many testimonals of satisfied customers that love the treatment and would never have anything else!
Hi Stacey,
no, I have never tried an oxygen facial before and I don’t think I ever will. Before paying that kind of money, I would like to see some scientific studies backing up the claims about these facials. And so far experts seem to have mixed opinions about it, but I haven’t seen any study supporting these claims. If I do, I’ll change my mind and may even have an oxygen facial.
I didn’t say that oxygen under pressure causes free radicals, but so far I have seen no scientific study say it doesn’t. I haven’t even seen any that say it does though so that’s just a concern I have that hasn’t been answered yet. If you have a link to any study clearing this up, please let me know.
I don’t doubt that skin looks good after an oxygen facial and I’m glad they work for many people, but my point is that it’s just too much money to spend on something that hasn’t been scientifically backed up. I’m sure the serums and moisturizers sprayed with oxygen benefit the skin, but they also benefit it if used the correct way.
If someone wants to have an oxygen facial and it works for them, that’s fine. But personally, I need more proof that they aren’t just a gimmick as there are other treatments that work well with scientific studies backing them up.