Oxygen Facials

With the increase in popularity of high-definition television, more and more celebrities are worrying about just how smooth their skin will appear on your TV screen. Because of this, many well-known personalities -- most notably Madonna -- have turned to oxygen facials, designed to plump and smooth the face immediately with no telltale red splotches left behind [source: Singer].

An oxygen facial delivers a mixture of hyperbaric oxygen, or pure oxygen at a high pressure, and anti-aging serum through an airbrush to the face and body. It's almost as though someone is using a tiny power washer to pump oxygen and moisturizer into the skin. People who use oxygen facials say the process helps makeup application because it gives the skin a smooth and moisturized surface [source: Singer]. Makeup also can be applied right after the oxygen facial, as opposed to traditional facials, which often require a 12-hour waiting period before you can apply any makeup.

The technology for today's oxygen facials was developed by an Australian company, and the procedure's popularity skyrocketed in the United States in 2006 after it was reported that Madonna was such a fan of the treatment that she had a machine in each of her homes [source: Parnass].

Many doctors say that the oxygen facial's effectiveness has not yet been proven because of a lack of clinical study. But those who offer the treatments say the facials can force oxygen and moisturizers into the skin for a temporary improvement. And the celebrities who swear by the treatment say it makes their faces flawless, even in a high-definition world.

Read on to find out why "Sex and the City" stars got oxygen facials.

Oxygen Facial Benefit

An oxygen facial delivers oxygen, moisturizer, vitamins and antioxidants to the skin through an airbrush. The pressure and serum help to plump skin, which minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and increases circulation, which is believed to boost collagen production [source: Parnass].

The facial is said to benefit people interested in fighting signs of aging skin, but it's also believed to provide relief for those who suffer from acne or the skin disorder rosacea. But dermatologists aren't so sure. Although some doctors have begun offering the treatments at their clinics, others are more skeptical, including one that blasted the treatment's claims, essentially calling it ridiculous [source: Singer]. Instead of adding moisture and nutrients, some doctors think the process merely irritates the skin, causing it to swell temporarily and make wrinkles less apparent. Stars who have been on the receiving end of the airbrush, however, say they don't need clinical evidence to back up what they have experienced themselves.

It seems like oxygen facials have their fair number of supporters and detractors. As with many treatments it could take more research to know for sure either way.

Still, if Madonna's recommendation is enough to pique your curiosity, read on to learn about what kind of costs you're looking at.

Cost of Oxygen Facials

As with many other skin treatments, the downside of an oxygen facial is that its effects don't last forever. To maintain the dewy, smooth skin, it is recommended that a person get treatments once a week for the first six weeks, then return each month for a regular upkeep treatment [source: Singer].

A treatment might typically cost from $150 to $300 per visit [source: Parnass]. With repeated treatments necessary, a year of oxygen facials could set you back anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000.

The high cost has driven people with lower budgets who want the same experience to purchase at-home kits, which are available online and in some stores for less than $100. But you might get just what you pay for. Some professionals say the at-home machines generally can't match the level of precision achieved by spa equipment [source: Bargas].

Instead, if you're looking for an inexpensive, do-it-yourself alternative to an oxygen facial, you might try a hydrating mask with hyaluronic acid. The chemical, which is used in the serum applied during oxygen facials, is said to boost moisture and plump the face to reduce the appearance of wrinkles [source: Parnass].

For more information on oxygen facials, check out the links on the next page.

Lots More Information

Sources

Bargas, Marie. "The Oxygen Facial: Fact, Fiction, Fabulous." BeautyNewsLA.com. April 2006. (Accessed 7/26/09)http://www.beautynewsla.com/skin-care/the-oxygen-facial-fact-fiction-fabulous/
Beauty Heaven. "Tried and Tested: Make-Up Loving Facial." Aug. 18, 2008. (Accessed 7/25/09)http://www.beautyheaven.com.au/article/tried-and-tested-make-up-loving-facial
Parnass, Alexandra. "Fast New Beauty Fixes." Harper's Bazaar. (Accessed 7/25/09) http://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/beauty-articles/fast-new-beauty-fixes-0307
Singer, Natasha. "Does the Quick-Fix Oxygen Facial Really Work?" The New York Times. April 6, 2006. (Accessed 7/25/09)http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/06/fashion/thursdaystyles/06skin.html
Vilette, Michelle. "Air Supply." Elle Canada. May 2008. (Accessed 7/26/09) http://www.intraceuticals.com/press/elle_A4_01%20Canada%20formatted.pdf