On top of being vital for human life, oxygen also has another function: supporting healthy skin by maintaining cell turnover. And just like collagen, our oxygen levels decline as we age, which means we’re more likely to start seeing fine lines and wrinkles, and less plump and bouncy skin.
Although we’re here for embracing aging, if you’d rather minimize some of the effects, there are beauty products with oxygen that claim to offer numerous benefits for the skin, as well as oxygen facials that are increasing in popularity. But do these treatments work? We asked dermatologists for the truth behind the claims, and how good old O2 affects our skin.
- Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology
- Andrei Gherghina, MD, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Oceans Dermatology
Benefits of Oxygen for the Skin
Oxygen is responsible for carrying essential nutrients to our skin cells, says Andrei Gherghina, MD, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Oceans Dermatology. “This promotes healing of the skin and aids the production of collagen, which is key to maintaining the skin’s youthful firmness and elasticity. When our skin receives adequate oxygen it tends to look brighter, healthier, and more vibrant,” he says.
Does Oxygen Help Skin to ‘Breathe’?
The phrase ‘skin breathing’ is more metaphorical than literal, says Dr. Gherghina. “Unlike our lungs, our skin doesn’t breathe in the sense of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide. However, our skin does need oxygen delivered via blood circulation to stay healthy,” he says. “So, in that sense, well-oxygenated skin is healthy, ‘breathing’ skin.”
Do Oxygen Skincare Treatments Work?
When it comes to choosing an oxygen treatment, oxygen facials are more effective than oxygen products, says Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology. “Oxygen facials are targeted applications of oxygen gas and would be the most effective use of the ingredient,” she says.
Oxygen Facials
Oxygen facial treatments work by delivering high concentrations of oxygen directly to the skin, which can help to rejuvenate and hydrate, providing a more youthful and radiant appearance, says Dr. Gherghina.
“Clinical studies show that application of oxygen to the skin can help address mild to moderate acne, as well as eczema, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis, with improved skin hydration and texture, plus reduced irritation,” says Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology. “Anecdotally, people also find that oxygen treatments can reduce fine lines and improve skin’s radiance, but this is likely due to the fact that oxygen can improve skin’s hydration levels, which smooths the appearance of fine lines.”
Oxygen Beauty Products
As for oxygen beauty products, both dermatologists remains to be convinced. “Oxygen is a gas, and so any gas output from a serum or moisturizer would be very temporary, courtesy of foaming or bubbles that dissipate quickly. The only real oxygen in skincare products is that from water—H2O, the O standing for oxygen,” says Dr. Yadav. “There’s no harm in experimenting with oxygen-infused beauty products, but just keep in mind that the results you see will be temporary.”
A Comprehensive Approach
Oxygen facials and oxygen products can be used alongside each other for a more comprehensive approach. “Facials usually provide an intense, immediate boost of hydration and brightness, whilst daily use products may help maintain those results,” says Dr. Gherghina.
However, the results might not be as long-lasting as the benefits gained from proper overall health and lifestyle choices that promote good circulation and oxygen supply to the skin, says Dr. Gherghina. “It’s important to remember that these are just one part of a comprehensive skincare routine and overall health regimen,” he adds.