Overview:

Getting a facial is one of the best ways to pamper yourself. Whether you get a facial to improve your skin’s texture or tackle acne, nothing beats the after-effects of such treatments. Nowadays, there are numerous facials targeted for various skin issues and experts use different machines for different facial techniques — just like the oxygen facial and the HydraFacial. While the two treatments offer similar benefits, they are not one and the same.

HydraFacial uncovers a new layer of skin with gentle exfoliation and relaxing resurfacing The treatment usually takes an hour and is divided into three steps (via Elle). Meanwhile, oxygen facials use, well… oxygen to hydrate the skin, making it plump and healthy. But experts now offer a new and improved version of the treatment: OxyGeneo. Unlike the oxygen facial, OxyGeneo does not pump CO2 into the skin. Instead, it draws out oxygen from the skin, which is less damaging (via Elemental Esthetics).

The OxyGeneo three-in-one super facial works upon the natural process of our body to oxygenate the skin from within,” says physicist and co-founder of beauty supply company DermaSpark Moshe, Ben-Shlomo, MSc (via Byrdie). Here’s what you should know.

Exfoliation with HydraFacial is less effective than OxyGeneo:

When getting a HydraFacial, estheticians use a specific wand and a serum that removes dead skin cells. Unlike microdermabrasion, the treatment is less painful, as experts do not do manual extraction (via Elle). But while it sounds promising, there are some downsides to this facial:

•  I never felt like it penetrated the skin that deeply.
•  I didn’t see much actual improvement in blackhead or acne issues.
•  In fact, it was necessary to do extractions with this treatment to really get the skin clean.

OxyGeneo, on the other hand, offers gentle exfoliation with the help of a Microderm-like tool. Unlike HydraFacial, it has no harsh vacuum procedure. Even without using traditional extraction, you can still get the exfoliation benefits of microdermabrasion with this facial (via OxyGeneo). But that does not mean people with highly sensitive skin can’t have HydraFacial. In fact, the treatment is customizable. Meaning, estheticians can tweak the intensity of the treatment depending on your skin. Then again, you might want to consider how much dead skin cells you need extracted and, most importantly, your skin condition. Experts suggest staying away from HydraFacial if you have sunburn, rosacea, and active rashes to avoid damaging the skin further.

The effects of OxyGeneo last longer than HydraFacial:

Both HydraFacial and OxyGeneo help reduce pores, brighten hyperpigmentation, hydrate the skin, and improve the skin’s texture (via Byrdie). The treatments also help with wrinkles and skin cell production. While they offer similar results, their prices vary. Depending on your needs, a HydraFacial. However, it’s important to take note that the price range will differ from spa to spa.

Facials are certainly not cheap, so they are an investment. But how long do they last? For HydraFacial, the fresh feeling of smoothness and hydration on the skin can last up to seven days, if not longer. To fully enjoy its optimal results, experts suggest getting the treatment done once a month. 

As for OxyGeneo, the effects will last from four to six weeks and it can stretch up to three months. But like HydraFacial, maintenance every four to six weeks is highly advised to reap its complete benefits (via Reclaim MedSpa).

Pros of HydraFacial

• The HydraFacial procedure is safe. There are no known serious side effects..
• HydraFacial is gentle
• No downtime
• Immediate results
• Personalized

Cons of HydraFacial

• It is a time-consuming procedure.
• You have to undergo several sessions to achieve the desired results. The results of HydraFacial treatment varies from person to person, depending on skin type.
•  HydraFacial is an advanced procedure that produces exceptional results immediately, with no downtime or serious side effects. When it comes to treating common skin imperfections, HydraFacial treatment is reliable and effective.

Benefits of oxygen facial:

Boosts your Collagen Production

Collagen is the protein that makes your cells stick together, providing strength and elasticity to the skin. When the collagen weakens with age wrinkles appear.

One of the biggest benefits of an oxygen facial is the collagen boost it gives to your skin, by making it firm and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Detoxifies The Skin

Oxygen facial helps the skin utilize the oxygen and the nutrients and vitamins infused in it. This boosts the detoxification of your skin.

Speeds Up Cell Turnover

Skin cells have a limited lifetime. Old cells die and new cells replace them. Oxygen is important for cell regeneration. It increases the growth of new cells grow which in turn, helps in scar (from acne) healing.

No Painful Side Effects

This process is exceptionally gentle on your skin and doesn’t cause any side effects, such as irritation, redness, swelling, stinging, and a burning sensation.

Moisturizes Your Skin

Constant exposure to the sun, dust and pollution rob your skin of its natural moisture content. This makes it extremely dry and lifeless. And if you have dry skin, these issues can make your skin worse. The oxygen facial deeply moisturizes your skin, restoring its PH balance and shielding it from sun damage.

Makes Your Skin Super Radiant

Oxygen facial removes all impurities from the top layer of the skin-boosting the oxygen content. It also removes the dead cells from the top layer, opens up clogged pores, and brings out that natural blush on your cheeks.

Heals Acne

Acne is formed when the skin cells are clogged, trapping dirt and oils in them, causing the pores to get enlarged. The oxygen facial helps in shrinking the pores and doesn’t let your skin accumulate dust and dirt.

Fast Recovery Time

Most of the procedures require specific period before you can go back to your regular skincare regimen. But in oxygen facial, there isn’t any particular recovery time. You can start applying creams, lotions, or makeup to your skin almost immediately.

Results Are Instant

You will notice immediate results after the oxygen facial. The benefits of oxygen facial include healing issues such as acne, wrinkles, and blemishes and it makes your skin younger-looking and glowing.

Treats Uneven Skin Tone

The serum used for oxygen facial is rich in hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamins, and botanical extracts that treat uneven skin tone and make your face look bright.