Written By: Dr Shefali Trasi Nerurkar | Updated : September 25, 2014 2:09 PM IST
Our hectic schedules leave us with no time to sit down and breathe and living in a metro with cramped alleys, crowded roads, pollution and lack of open spaces further builds up the damage. The nine long hours in an air conditioned office without any fresh air do no good either. All these show up on our skin making it look dull and damaged. The signs of ageing which one would observe in late 40s and early 50s are now being observed in early 30s.
Hence in this era, we try to rejuvenate the skin by 'medifacials'. These facials include the use of medicated and herbal remedies or creams to make the skin look younger and fresher. Oxygen facial also falls under this category and is becoming quite popular. Dr Shefali Trasi Nerurkarexplains more about this latest rage in town.
The main reason behind this treatment is to supply oxygen to the skin with/without medicated solutions to make it glow and reduce the tension lines. Both males and females can opt for this facial.
What happens in oxygen facial
The basic principle of oxygen facial is that the simple, pressurised air accelerates a jet of micro droplets and this micro jet is used to gently and painlessly cleanse and exfoliate your skin. The jet delivers moisture, vitamins and nutrients into your skin.
Before staring the treatment, the therapist scans the patient's skin. Then, with the hand piece of the instrument, gentle pressure is applied over the entire skin. This leads to a hydrated, nourished skin imbued with nutrients. The treatment is painless and the jet feels cool and soothing to the skin. The gentle cleansing unclogs pores and removes debris that naturally builds up in your skin. The jet also massages your skin and promotes circulation which is why the skin looks vibrant, smooth and younger after the treatment. (Read: Facials: Do you really need them?)
The facial is of short duration, ranging from 15 to 45 minutes. There is no irritation or redness to the skin, and the individual is able to return to their daily activities immediately after the treatment. The result does not last for a long time and hence needs to be repeated once a month for maintaining a good, glowing skin.
Oxygen facial helps oxygenate the cells of the skin so that they carry out their metabolic functions well. It also kills the harmful bacteria in the skin.
Why you should go for oxygen facial
Replenishes the skin with vitamins for a fresh glow.
Promotes facial and d collet cleansing and rejuvenation.
A needle-free and painless deep skin treatment.
No downtime.
No irritation or redness on the skin.
Kills bacteria to reduce acne.
Boosts collagen and elastin synthesis to reduce wrinkle formation.
Increases skin plumpness and smoothness.
A word of caution
Even though oxygen facial is a huge hit, it is not suited for patients with sensitive skin as it can irritate it. It can also accelerate the release of free radicals in the skin leading to early ageing if overdone.
So, get your skin analysed by a specialist before you get oxygen facial done and restrict the number of sittings to once every one or two months depending on your skin's requirement. Though the cost of the facial will differ from one salon to the other, the treatment usually starts around Rs 3,500 onwards. (Read: Have you tried facial oils?)
Dr Shefali Trasi Nerurkar is a skin specialist with three years of PG training in dermatology, venerology and leprology. She practises at various clinics and hospitals in Mumbai. She is the daughter of celebrity dermatologist Dr Shrilata Suresh Trasi. Dr Shefali is also a member of the European Academy of Dermatology and American Academy of Dermatology.
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