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If your skin is in need of a little TLC, you may want to try an oxygen facial. As it turns out, oxygen isn't just good to breathe in; it can also rejuvenate your face. Before you schedule an appointment at the spa, though, learn the difference between wet and dry facials and get ready to pamper the day away.
Definition
The oxygen facial is a pretty simple procedure. At some point during your facial, an oxygen treatment is applied to your skin using a tool that looks sort of like an airbrush. In recent years, technology has advanced in your favor. A multiple filtration system is used to deliver high-purity oxygen to the skin so that you get an instant and intense dose of hydration and health.
Wet Oxygen
Wet oxygen treatments deliver oxygen to the skin in mist form. A nutrient-rich serum is added to the oxygen, which is then applied to the skin. Serums can include all types of nutrients like vitamins A, C and E -- according to Joanna Vargas, owner of the Joanna Vargas Salon in New York City -- but this can vary depending on the salon. Vargas's serum includes a combination of green tea, vitamins, hyaluronic acid and aloe, "making it incredibly healing and rejuvenating for the client."
Dry Oxygen
Dry oxygen facials are applied in a similar way as their wet oxygen counterparts, but they don't include a liquid serum. Oxygen on its own is very rejuvenating for the skin, claims Vargas, and can also be used as an anti-inflammatory, making it beneficial for your skin all by itself. The difference here is that if you choose to have a dry oxygen facial, you won't get those extra nutrients that come with a liquid serum oxygen application.
Benefits
Think of oxygen as a healing agent. Oxygen is given to you at the hospital to "stimulate the body's healing functions," says Vargas. Oxygen facials can provide those same benefits to your skin. Oxygen facials help to reduce acne inflammation, kill bacteria, stimulate collagen production and leave your skin feeling and looking hydrated and refreshed.
