Introducing the Oxygen Facial
The trendiest spas in New York and Los Angeles probably have the most unique and cutting edge treatments in the country. The latest trend in that could be just around the corner: the hyperbaric oxygen facial.
The facial involves a machine that sprays atomized moisturizers onto the skin using a stream of pressurized oxygen. The treatment is designed to hydrate the skin immediately, making the face appear smoother and plumper. The theory follows that pressurized oxygen speeds the skin's absorption of moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid (a carbohydrate that attracts water). However, it is important to note that no clinical tests have been done to see how the treatment works on the skin's top and underlying layers. In fact, no clinical tests have been done on the effectiveness of the facials, but that hasn't stopped spas from offering them. Approximately, 20,000 oxygen facials were done in the U.S. last year.
Celebrities seem to be on the oxygen facial bandwagon for the moment, and that might translate to a mainstream spa treatment offered at high-end spas. While its effectiveness is debated, one thing is clear, the oxygen facial is gaining in popularity.
Source:
"Does the Quick-Fix Oxygen Facial Really Work?" New York Times, April 6, 2006. www.nytimes.com.
Updated: April 12, 2006
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