What's an oxygen facial and do you need one?

Eva Longoria loves it, Brad Pitt is a fan and Madonna has three machines so she can do it herself. It's the latest craze to hit the Hollywood A-list. The oxygen facial.

What's an oxygen facial?

These facials are the new black, mainly due to their instant effects - they promise to plump and hydrate skin, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. A big hit on the set of Sex and the City apparently (well, smoother plumped up skin is a great base for makeup). Brides love them as the perfect pep up before walking down the aisle. They have even been credited as the secret of Madonna's younger-looking skin. 

It works through a machine that strips out impurities from the air and pumps out pure oxygen; infusing hydrating anti-ageing serums deep into the dermal layer of the skin where they will be most effective.  

But do oxygen facials really merit all this attention?

I visited one of London's newest spas, The Chelsea Day Spa on the King's Road, to find out for myself. Owner and therapist Faye Fasan explained the science behind it.

The technology originated in Australia and has developed a serum - using hyaluronic acid, vitamins A, C and E, Japanese green tea and aloe vera - to use in association with therapeutic grade oxygen. Because of the anti-ageing properties of hyaluronic acid - boosting new cell growth, while enhancing elastin and collagen production - an instant youthful glow is achieved, with great appeal for mass market facials.

What's the procedure?

The Chelsea Day Spa offers three different types of oxygen facial using three different treatments;

Rejuvenation Infusion - suitable for all skin types, firms and tightens skin and improves skin tone

Opulence Infusion - ideal for treating skin problems such as uneven skin tone and pigmentation

Atoxelene Infusion - an add-on to the basic Rejuvenation or Opulence infusions, marketed as a non-invasive alternative to Botox to soothe fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the mouth, eyes and on the forehead

Results for each treatment are immediate, explains Faye and should last for one to two weeks. As the effects are cumulative, she recommends a course of six treatments, taken once a week; the price for the course includes products to use at home as well. For price details see below.

So, the sixty million dollar question. Does it work?

I opt for the Atoxelene Infusion, figuring those lines around my mouth and on my forehead need as much help as they can get. First my face is cleansed, then the machine is switched on and the serum is pumped onto my skin through a thin hose which Faye guides around my skin. The spray is pleasantly cooling, and the effect is relaxing, though I can't stop giggling when it comes into contact with my lips - it tickles!

The whole process takes about 45 minutes and I'm given a mirror to check the results straight after. Do my lines look fainter? I think so, though of course I want very much to believe that they do. I do receive compliments on my lovely glowing skin later that weekend, which are of course very welcome. But don't expect every wrinkle on your face to magically smooth away after one treatment - because it ain't going to happen!

The spa itself has the quiet professionalism of an upmarket beauty clinic, far removed from a walk-in high street beauty salon. ‘I want to provide treatments that will really make a long term difference to my clients, even though they may cost a bit more' says Faye.

So if you are ready to move away from having your face gently pampered for an hour, and want to undergo a more intensive programme of skin therapy, this could be the one for you. Or maybe you just want to age like Madonna ...

Prices and contact details

An individual facial costs £125 (£180 with Atoxelene infusion); a course of six costs £700 (£900 with Atoxelene infusion).

The Chelsea Day Spa is located at 69A King's Road, London SW3 4NX; phone 020 7351 0911 or email info@thechelseadayspa.co.uk

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