MADONNA is said to have a machine in each of her homes, and it's touted as the hottest treatment among Hollywood A-listers who depend on it to maintain their flawless complexions.
When all this hype is distilled to a more realistic level for regular people, what the oxygen facial does is literally force-feed your face with vitamins, using oxygen to help push the vitamins through the skin, unlike regular serums which are applied topically.
Offered exclusively at IYAC - run by aesthetic and anti-ageing physician Isabelle Yeoh - the treatment is painless and relaxing. Lasting 30 to 45 minutes, it starts with some gentle microdermabrasian where dead skin is lifted off with a facial vacuum cleaner of sorts which sucks most of the gunk from your face. After this, the therapist uses a metal pen-like gadget that meticulously goes over every centimetre of your face - you're not likely to fall asleep while your skin is infused with rejuvenation serum using pressurised oxygen. The sensation is not unlike a water sprinkler that also leaves a prickly sensation.
The good thing about this treatment is that it's pretty fast, compared to a normal facial, and it has the same results, if not better. The skin looks cleaner, if not as 'dewy' as it's touted as being. But the caveat is that this facial is best for dry skin with fine lines, because the vitamin serum helps to moisturise and plump up the face, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Even with oily skin, it still works well. Even though a couple of pimples might pop up later, they are minor ones and the skin still has a nice texture.
Still, one reckons that more than one treatment is needed for the full effect. At $180 per session or $900 for a package of six treatments, it is recommended that you go for six weekly treatments, followed by a treatment once a month and subsequently once a year for maintenance. If you want something a little more heavy-duty - a topical alternative to Botox - you can get the atoxelene serum option for an additional $80, which targets specific problem areas.
While the paparazzi may not be outside waiting to snap you with your new fresh skin, at least you get to glow for a few days, which is how long the effects last before you need another session. - By JAIME EE
The Oxygen Intraceuticals Facial is available at IYAC Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Clinic, #06-03 Camden Medical Centre. Tel: 6738 9989. www.iyac.com.sg
