Oxygen is essential for life — and there are countless benefits that many of us may not even know! Supplemental oxygen therapy boosts energy levels, improves sleep, and more; are you aware of what oxygen can do for your skin? Discover how this critical element has instant benefits when used as part of your skincare regimen. 

Oxygen facial is the newest buzz in town. This non-medical treatment offers a radiant glow to your facial skin overnight. According to Dr. K. Harish Kumar, MD, DVL, “oxygen facial reduces signs of aging, boosts collagen production, moisturizes the skin, and gives instant results”. In this article, we explore the benefits of oxygen facial and how it works. Keep reading to know more.

What Is An Oxygen Facial?

This treatment is designed to nourish your skin and promote collagen growth. It involves a machine that is used for spraying highly concentrated molecules of oxygen right into your epidermis (the outer layer of your skin). The oxygen that’s applied to your face and neck is infused with vitamins, minerals, essential nutrients, and botanical extracts (1). Celebrities, including Madonna, swear by this technique for smoother and plumper skin.

Fun Fact

Celebrities like Emma Stone, Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Naomi Campbell, Channing Tatum, and Brad Pitt reportedly keep their skin looking youthful with the help of oxygen facials. It is obvious that the oxygen facial has a lot of benefits. Let’s take a look at them.

Benefits Of Oxygen Facial

Your cells need oxygen to stay healthy and nourished. The oxygen facial delivers oxygen to the deepest layers of your skin and makes it glow. Here are some of its benefits:

1. Boosts Collagen Production

Collagen is the protein that makes the cells stick together, providing strength and elasticity to your skin. When the collagen weakens (with age), wrinkles appear (2), (3).

One of the biggest benefits of an oxygen facial is the collagen boost it give to your skin, making it firm and reducing fine lines and wrinkles (4).

2. Detoxifies The Skin

The oxygen facial helps the skin utilize the oxygen and the nutrients and vitamins infused in it. Also, the hyaluronic acid serum used in it boosts the detoxification process of your skin, negates the effects of pollution, sun exposure, and diet fluctuation, and helps in the repair and regeneration of the skin cells (5), (6).

3. Speeds Up Cell Turnover

Our skin cells have a limited lifetime. They die, and new cells replace them. Oxygen is crucial for cell regeneration. It increases the rate at which new cells grow, which, in turn, helps in scar (from acne) healing. The oxygen facial gives an extra dose of oxygen to your skin cells, thus aiding faster cell turnover (7).

4. No Painful Side Effects

This process is exceptionally gentle on your skin and doesn’t cause any side effects, such as irritation, redness, swelling, stinging, and a burning sensation. It is suitable for people who have sensitive skin and those who want to avoid chemical beauty treatments.

5. Moisturizes Your Skin

Constant exposure to the sun, dust, and pollution rob your skin of its natural moisture content. This makes it extremely dry and lifeless. And if you have dry skin, these issues can make your skin worse. The hyaluronic acid in an oxygen facial deeply moisturizes your skin, restoring its pH balance and shielding it from sun damage (8).

6. Makes Your Skin Super Radiant

This facial removes all impurities from the epidermis (top layer of the skin), boosting the oxygen content. The hyaluronic serum used in it also removes the dead cells from the top layer, opens up clogged pores, and brings out that natural blush on your cheeks (9).

7. Heals Acne

Acne is formed when the skin cells are clogged, trapping dirt and oils in them, causing the pores to get enlarged. The hyaluronic acid used in oxygen facial helps in shrinking the pores and doesn’t let your skin accumulate dust and dirt. As a result, it remains glowing for longer, and you won’t get annoying pimples, zits, and acne (10).

8. Fast Recovery Time

Usually, in the case of other procedures and skin treatments, you have to wait for a specific period before you can go back to your regular skin care regimen. But in the case of the oxygen facial, there isn’t any particular recovery time. You can start applying creams, lotions, or makeup to your skin almost immediately.

9. Results Are Instant

You may notice immediate results after the oxygen facial. The benefits of an oxygen facial may include healing issues such as acne, wrinkles, and blemishes and it makes your skin younger-looking and glowing (11).

10. Treats Uneven Skin Tone

The serum used for oxygen facial is rich in hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamins, and botanical extracts that treat uneven skin tone and make your face look bright (12).

Let us now look at the procedure in detail.

Related: Uneven Skin Tone: Treatments, Home Remedies, & Tips To Manage

How Does The Oxygen Facial Work? (Oxygen Facial Procedure)

This excellent skin treatment involves three steps:

1. The Light Treatment

A light (emanating from a stick-like machine) is used to infuse oxygen into your skin. This stick-like machine is rotated all over your face. This smoothens and calms your facial skin.

2. The Serum Treatment

This is the most crucial step in the entire process. The serum has hyaluronic acid, minerals, vitamins, and loads of antioxidants. These tighten the skin, make it radiant, and eliminate wrinkles and fine lines (9), (11), (12).

3. Massage

This is the final step where your skin is massaged with lotions and creams that nourish your skin and seal it so that the effects of the treatment last longer. Special oxygen-infused creams are used to massage, cleanse, scrub, and exfoliate your skin.

 Quick Tip

Avoid applying makeup or heading out into the sun for 24 hours after getting an oxygen facial as your skin will be a little sensitive.

It is now evident why everyone in the glamour world swears by the oxygen facial. However, it might hurt your pocket (ouch!). But, hey, don’t worry. We have got some DIY solutions. These are super-easy and can be done at home. Take a look.

Related: 7 Simple Steps To Give Yourself A Facial Massage At Home

DIY Oxygen Facials At Home

Of course, you won’t have a machine to infuse oxygen into your skin, but these masks offer the same results (almost). Check them out!

1. Oatmeal, Almond, And Bentonite Powder Face Pack

You Will Need

• 5 tablespoons of almond powder
• 1 ½ tablespoons of bentonite powder
• 1/8 cup of oatmeal
• 3-4 drops of rose essential oil
• 2 drops of hydrogen peroxide
• 4 tablespoons of water

Treatment Time

30 minutes

Method

1. Blend all the powders and add rose oil and water to make a paste.
2. Add hydrogen peroxide to it.
3. Apply the mixture to your face. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
4. Wash it off with water and then apply your favorite moisturizer.

Caution

Do not add more than two drops of hydrogen peroxide or it might damage your skin.

2. Oatmeal, Almond, And Clay Face Pack

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of almond paste
• 1/8 cup of oatmeal powder
• 1 tablespoon of white clay (or Fuller’s earth)
• 1 teaspoon of dried rose petals
• 3 tablespoons of water
• 2 drops of hydrogen peroxide

Treatment Time

15-20 minutes

Method

1. Combine all the ingredients, except hydrogen peroxide, in a blender. Make a thick paste.
2. Once the paste is ready, add hydrogen peroxide to it.
3. Gently apply it to your face in a circular motion.
4. Let it dry for 15-20 minutes and then wash with water.

Caution

Do not use more than the prescribed amount of hydrogen peroxide.

Consider the factors listed in the next section to buy the best oxygen facial kit for your needs.

Things To Consider Before Buying An Oxygen Facial Kit

• Skin Type

Skin type should be the number one concern before you buy an oxygen facial kit. Not every facial kit is meant for all skin types. If you have dry or sensitive skin, a hydrating or moisturizing facial kit is your best bet. There are facial kits specially curated for oily or combination skin as well. Just check the product label to find out which skin type it is made for.

• Skin Concern

If you have any pre-existing skin condition – like acne or blackheads – we suggest you consult an expert before investing in any product.

• Side Effects

Although the main ingredient of oxygen facial kits is pure oxygen, some of the auxiliary elements may not suit your skin. Test the product as suggested before you apply it to your face. There might be mild side effects like temporary redness or swelling, but these effects are known to diminish soon after the completion of the application. If any side effects persist long after the application, consult a physician immediately.

• Brand And Budget

There are many brands, local and international, available in the market that offer oxygen facial kits. Consider the different brands and their claims before you decide on what to buy. Also, select the one that suits your budget, but don’t overly fixate on price if you want the best for your skin.

Infographic: 5 Important Benefits Of Oxygen Facial

Oxygen facial is a new facial treatment that uses oxygen infused with essential nutrients and botanical extracts to boost collagen production and nourish your skin. We have discussed the most important benefits of oxygen facial in the infographic below. Scroll down to know more!

The professional team at Skyn Esthetics has several facial treatments to improve the health and wellness of your skin! We are here to optimize the health and beauty of your skin, and you will feel the difference! Our specialists will help determine the best treatment for your specific goals – get in touch with us by conveniently booking an appointment here, and find out more at SkynEsthetics.

We have all heard about (or know) people who go for regular facials for self-care and pampering — but how much do we know about the benefits of these treatments? Technology and research have vastly improved the effects and outcomes of these procedures, and there are more ways to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy and youthful! Here is an insightful dive into what facials can do for your skin.

A facial is one of those skin treatments that is so often talked about, we just assume that it is good for us. But exactly is a facial? And — more importantly — what does a facial do for your skin?

Simply put, or as celebrity esthetician Joanna Czech tells InStyle, a facial is “a multi-step, multi-purpose skin treatment that addresses your specific skin conditions in an effort to keep skin balanced, hydrated, clean, healthy, and glowing skin.”

“It contributes to the improvement of the appearance of your skin,” adds Dr. Hope Mitchell, M.D., Board-Certified Dermatologist and member of the Skin Of Color Society. “In addition, it purifies and regenerates your skin, which leads to an overall improvement in its health.”

So now that it’s confirmed by the experts to be beneficial to our skin health, let’s dive into what exactly goes on during one of the most popular skin treatments out there.

What are the benefits of facials?

In general, facials can address a number of skin concerns. Czech lists hydration, brightening, purifying, balancing, calming, sculpting, and lifting of the skin as just some of the benefits that come with getting a facial. Dr. Mitchell adds that facials can also improve circulation, which results in stimulating collagen production and enhancing cellular health, and can help the skin care products in your daily and nightly routine to work better when you use them at home.

What kind of facials are there?

Whatever your skin concern may be, there is a facial that suits your needs. New York City-based licensed esthetician Sofie Pavitt says some of the most common facials are as follows:

• Deep clean facials, which focus on exfoliation and extractions.
• Facial massage, which involves deep massage techniques to relax and sculpt the face.
• Chemical peel, which uses a chemical exfoliant to resurface the skin.
• Hydrafacial, which involves a device to push and vacuum serums into the skin.
• Laser facial, which rejuvenates the skin and targets redness, dull complexions, and oil congestion.

You can even find customizable facials that combine many of the listed ones above. At her own clinic, Czech creates her facials with clients during the consultation process. Depending on what the client wants to treat, she says her facials combine different technologies, such as LED, cryotherapy, microcurrent, negative Ionization, ultrasound, radio frequency, high frequency, water peels, and micro-puncture along with manual massage, or extractions (if necessary) along with appropriate skincare products.

Where should I go for a facial? 

As with any skin treatment you’ll want to go somewhere that has licensed professionals performing facials on clients. So do your research. “First decide what your skincare problems are that you want to address,” says Pavitt. “Then, you can research in your area if there is anyone specializing in that.”

You can’t go wrong visiting a dermatology practice or a medical spa if you have questions; Dr. Mitchell says these places are where you’ll be properly guided by a dermatologist, esthetician, or licensed cosmetologist.

What type of professional performs this treatment?

Czech says that licensed estheticians and dermatologists are the ones you should turn to for a facial. If you want to verify that your technician is in fact licensed, she says you can check with your state boards to look it up. Pavitt adds that the studio or spa that you go to should also be licensed as a cosmetology business, so be sure to check for that as well to be thorough. “This is for your own protection and assurance that you are getting professional treatment,” she says.

You’ll also want a licensed professional that has an initial consultation before even touching your face. Czech advises making sure that whoever you see asks questions about your skin and health conditions so they come up with an appropriate treatment plan that best suits your needs.

How long does a facial take?

This is all dependent on what type of facial you book an appointment for, but Dr. Mitchell says they can typically take as long as 30 to 90 minutes.

How much does a facial cost?

Pavitt says that facial costs can vary, depending on location and what type of facial. (For reference, she says a basic deep clean facial in New York City can range anywhere from $150 to $200 at a reputable spa).

How do you take care of your skin pre- and post-treatment? 

What you can and can’t do before a facial depends on what kind of facial you get. In general, Czech says that you shouldn’t be getting a facial for at least 72 hours after getting filler, botox, dental or mouth surgery, or certain laser treatments as you don’t want to cause any negative reactions from those. Pavitt adds that you might want to avoid using exfoliants or active ingredients for a few days before a facial to minimize the chances of irritation. You’ll also want to avoid shaving anywhere on your face for at least 24 hours.

Your technician will also advise you on how to take care of your skin after the treatment is done. Czech says that each person needs a specific skin care plan for their conditions and needs and that you should be getting proper product recommendations for your post-facial at-home regimen.

In general, Pavitt says you’ll want to avoid any exfoliation for a few days after and stick to gentle products such as the Pacifica Vegan Ceramide Extra Gentle Face Wash to soothe and calm the skin. You’ll also want to make sure your skin is protected from sun damage, so sunscreen every day is a must. She recommends something like the iS Clinical Extreme Protect SPF 30 to use daily.

Dr. Mitchell adds that you’ll want to avoid toners, especially ones that are alcohol-based have exfoliating properties, or are astringent. Try to stay away from makeup if you can and make sure any makeup or skincare tools have been thoroughly cleansed before use to avoid getting acne. On top of applying sunscreen, she says to drink plenty ot water and moisturize to keep your skin healthy.

How long do results last?

Czech says that your age, budget lifestyle, health, and other skin treatments you get can all affect how long results last. “Facial results are cumulative, meaning the more regularly you get them, the better the results,” she explains. “Think about facials the same way you think about eating healthy or exercising.”

The Bottom Line

Czech says that when you go to experienced professional, negative side effects should be minimal. Some facials, such as extractions and laser treatments may cause redness and sensitivity, but she says those side effects should subside after a day or two.

Pavitt adds that you should avoid treatment if you’re suffering from something irritating (e.g. perioral dermatitis) as a facial might make you flare up even more. Accutane users will also want to wait until their skin is stronger to take on additional treatments.

But this is why the initial consultation before getting a facial is important. You should communicate with your technician about what products you use regularly and if you’ve recently gotten fillers, botox, or dental, or mouth surgery. You should also disclose whether you’re pregnant or have any other health conditions. Your technician will guide you in getting the right facial to prevent harm from being done to the skin.

Skyn Esthetics is passionate about helping people maintain glowing, beautiful skin at any stage of life! We are here to pamper AND treat your specific skin challenges to help you (and your skin!) feel rejuvenated and refreshed! We would love to hear from you and chat about our facials and other treatments! Get in touch with us by conveniently booking an appointment here, and find out more at SkynEsthetics.

We face the world each day with our faces — and run the spectrum of caring for our skin, from splashing water on our mug to a full moisturizing and makeup routine. Even those blessed with the best genes should properly cleanse their face to ensure healthy, glowing longevity. These are some great tips to do precisely that! 

Washing your face is a no-brainer, right? Well, not exactly. A 2017 survey by the skin-care brand CeraVe found that 80 percent of Americans make at least one or more common mistakes when cleansing their face — for example, more than half of us neglect to cleanse before bedtime.

There are plenty of benefits to washing right, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in the dermatology department at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Removing grime and debris can help prevent acne breakouts. Ridding your skin of pollution buildup “minimizes free radical damage caused by particulate matter in the air, which is associated with premature aging,” he adds. What’s more, washing your face is key to removing dead cells that build up on skin and contribute to dullness — slough these off and you expose healthier, more radiant skin.

That said, it’s possible to be too enthusiastic about face-washing. “Overwashing and overscrubbing may leave you with a squeaky-clean feeling, but this actually is damaging,” says Dr. Zeichner. “When you’re washing your skin, you want to remove excess oil, dirt, pollution, and makeup without compromising the integrity of the skin barrier itself.” (The skin barrier is the network of skin cells and fats in the outer skin layer that protects your skin from the environment, he explains.)

A just-right washing routine is important for everyone, but especially those who have eczema and rosacea. “In these conditions, the skin barrier is naturally weakened, increasing the risk of inflammation,” says Zeichner. A gentle touch is needed so you don’t cause more irritation than is already there.

Read on to discover the dos and don’ts of proper face washing according to dermatologists, and watch your skin glow.

1 Do Choose the Right Cleanser for You

The right cleanser for you might be different from what your best friend is using, says Zeichner. “If you have dry or sensitive skin, stick to hydrating, nonfoaming cleansers, because the lathering agents used in foaming cleansers tend to be more drying on the skin,” he explains. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (Target.com) is a dermatologist favorite.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, a foaming or salicylic acid–based cleanser may be best for you. “Foaming cleansers are better suited for people with oily skin who need a deeper clean, and salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that helps effectively remove oil from the skin,” he says. CeraVe Renewing Salicylic Acid Cleanser (Target.com) is one well-reviewed option.

There are also many different cleanser formulas that live somewhere in the middle, adds Zeichner. “From milks to oils, balms to waters, each cleanser gives a different sensorial experience to match your personal preferences,” he says. Whichever product you choose, beware of overwashing: If your face develops redness, peeling, or flaking, or feels tight or itchy, you might be overscrubbing your skin, Zeichner warns.

2 Don’t Rinse Your Face With Hot Water

“Washing your face with hot water can suck the moisture out of your skin, leaving it dry and possibly irritated,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon with Shafer Clinic in New York City.

Zeichner recommends using cool or lukewarm water to remove your cleanser. “Hot water can lead to facial flushing and a flare, especially if you have sensitive skin or rosacea,” he adds.

Dr. Engelman goes one step further, recommending cold water. It’s suitable for all skin types and can tighten the skin by stimulating blood flow and improving circulation, she says. “For acne-prone skin, cold water regulates sebum [or skin oil] production, which can in turn minimize pore size and prevent breakouts. Those with sensitive skin also benefit from washing their face with cold water because hot water will dry out your skin by stripping the oil levels needed to retain moisture.”

3 Do Wash Your Face Twice a Day

Zeichner typically recommends washing your face twice per day, in the morning and before bedtime. But going to bed with clean skin is a must. “If you’re going to wash only once, my recommendation is to wash in the evening to remove everything that has accumulated during the day so you sleep with a clean face on your pillow,” he says. And don’t forget to clean up after a sweaty workout. “If you work out, do your best to wash afterward as well,” he adds.

4 Don’t Assume You Need to Use Toner or Astringent

Cleansers today are much more effective than they were in the past, so toner or astringent is not always necessary to fully remove dirt and oil, says Zeichner. “I typically recommend a toner or astringent only if you feel your cleanser is not doing the job by itself,” he says. If you do choose to use a toner, Zeichner recommends Neutrogena Pore Refining toner (Neutrogena.com) with alpha hydroxy acids to help remove oil and minimize the appearance of pores.

5 Do Use a Dedicated Makeup Remover

It’s important to fully remove makeup before you go to bed. “This can minimize the risk of developing skin irritation from the makeup itself,” says Zeichner.

If you wear light makeup, your regular face cleanser may be enough to remove it, he says. But you can also use an oil-based cleanser or micellar water to take off makeup. Micellar water contains micelle molecules that bind to both water and oil to effectively wash away dirt and makeup, according to the skin-care company Nivea. This is best used for heavy makeup, such as what you’d wear to a wedding or other special event. (Pro tip: It’s also effective for removing any costume makeup, such as what you’d wear for Halloween.)

For the eye area, Zeichner recommends a vegetable oil–based cleanser, such as Dermalogica Precleanse (Dermalogica.com), or eye-makeup remover. These oil-based products liquefy stubborn liner and makeup without rubbing or tugging on the delicate skin around the eyes. Optionally, you can follow this up with a second cleanse using a conventional water-based cleanser (but more on that later).

With your mascara down the drain, your cleanser can really do its job on the rest of your face. Yet Zeichner warns his patients to remove eye makeup cautiously. One way to do so gently is by patting the eye area vertically instead of rubbing. “Too much pressure or rubbing in the delicate area can lead to low-grade inflammation, which translates to hyperpigmentation over time,” he says.

6 Don’t Rub Your Skin the Wrong Way

For a gentle but thorough cleansing, your best tools are at your fingertips — in fact, they are your fingertips. Not only are they gentler and less likely to irritate your skin than washcloths or sponges, per the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), but it’s a great opportunity to practice self-care by giving yourself a light facial massage.

For an extra-deep clean, sonic cleansing can more effectively remove water from the skin, says Zeichner. “In fact, compared with manual cleansing, sonic-assisted cleansing more effectively removes particulate matter pollution from the skin,” he adds. For basic cleansing, Zeichner recommends any of the Clarisonic brushes (CurrentBody.com).

7 Do Use a Clean Towel That’s Only for Your Face

Cleansing involves more than just your face! Wash your hands thoroughly before you begin washing your face, says Zeichner. And resist the urge to dry your face with the family hand towel that’s been hanging over the rack for several days. Bacteria can breed on the towel and be transferred to your clean, dewy face. Use a soft, clean cloth that you use only on your face, he suggests. Gently pat your skin dry with a towel, and avoid rubbing or tugging on your skin. (Or consider air-drying, especially if you have sensitive, acne-prone, or dry skin, suggests the beauty company L’Oréal Paris.)

8 Don’t Skip Moisturizer After Cleansing

While you do want to give your face a good cleaning, you don’t want to overly strip the skin of essential oils or cause dryness, notes Zeichner. After washing, he recommends locking in hydration with a light moisturizer. “My favorite is the Water Cream by Tatcha, which offers effective hydration but feels extremely light on the skin,” he notes.

If you’re using acne medication or an anti-aging product like retinol, Zeichner recommends applying that product after you put on your moisturizer, since the moisturizer acts as a buffer to help minimize potential irritation.

9 Do Double Cleanse (but Keep It Brief)

Dr. Engelman suggests double cleansing — that is, washing your face and then immediately repeating — especially if you have dry or acne-prone skin. “Double cleansing is a gentle way to help ensure that you have thoroughly removed all makeup, dirt and impurities from your skin, without stripping or irritating the skin barrier,” she says. She recommends starting with a nourishing cleansing oil, like Elizabeth Arden’s Ceramide Replenishing Cleansing Oil (ElizabethArden.com), rinsing, and then washing again with your regular face wash.

But face-washing sessions should last no longer than two minutes, she adds, as too much scrubbing, rinsing, and cleansing may disrupt healthy sebum production and dry out your skin, causing irritation or inflammation. “Anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes is optimal washing time.” And if you do have dry skin, ensure you’re using a gentle cleanser to avoid stripping your skin of necessary oils.

10 Don’t Exfoliate Every Day

Exfoliation is a key part of any healthy face-washing regimen — but it’s possible to overdo it, warns Engelman. “Exfoliating too often can strip oil levels from your skin and create unwarranted sensitivity,” she explains. “When our skin is under constant stress like this, it can actually cause the opposite desired effect and lead to inflammation, wrinkles, and accelerated aging.”

And while facial cleansing brushes are great to stimulate blood flow to the skin and give an extra-deep clean, she cautions that it’s best to limit their use to once or twice a week: “Using facial cleansing brushes too often will over-exfoliate the skin and can cause irritation [and] redness, and even damage the skin barrier.”

An optimal exfoliation frequency depends on your skin type and whether you’re using an exfoliating tool or a chemical exfoliator. Talk to your dermatologist to figure out how often you should be exfoliating.

Additional reporting by Jennifer D’Angelo Friedman, Jessica Migala, and Leah Groth.

Another fabulous way to care for your face is through treatments from professionals! The experts at Skyn Esthetics will curate a personalized plan to help you achieve your best, natural, glorious beauty. Get in touch with us by conveniently booking an appointment here, and find out more at SkynEsthetics.