A "red carpet beauty secret" favoured by the A-list has arrived at a clinic just outside Glasgow.
With Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Madonna reported to be fans, the Hyperbaric oxygen facial from Intraceuticals is designed to boost and hydrate tired skin from the inside out.
The brand new treatment is described by clinic bosses as 60 minutes of relaxation and pampering with "instant results and zero downtime."
We've tried a number of different skin treatments over the years – the prickling discomfort of collagen-boosting PRP, being prodded with microcurrent wands for a facial workout and pretty much every skincare tool going during lockdown... So the cooling embrace of oxygen on your coupon is probably a walk in the park in comparison.
We decided to give it a go ourselves – here's what we thought.
How does it work?
Launched by Australian skincare brand Intraceuticals, the Hyperbaric Oxygen System pushes hydration deep into the skin by using therapeutic oxygen under hyperbaric pressure to infuse a serum of modified hyaluronic acid, essential vitamins, botanicals, antioxidants and amino peptides. Experts argue that traditional oxygen facials are prone to atomising or spray across the skin without penetrating deeply enough across a good surface area. With the higher pressure, the idea is it can soak products deeper into the skin for more effective results.
The treatment leaves the skin softer, healthier-looking and more hydrated, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and improving your skin texture.
Where do you get it done?
The Aesthetics Club in Bearsden is currently the only clinic in the Greater Glasgow area which performs the oxygen facial 20 minutes' drive from the city. Before this, you'd need to head to Edinburgh for a chance to try it.
Founder Fiona Grant (RN, INP, MSc), who also has a clinic in London, opened the clinic in her home town in April 2021.
She specialises in advanced aesthetics and injectables and has worked and taught alongside some of London’s "most renowned medical professionals and aesthetic pioneers."
She said: “Facials are always trending but with celebrities such as Victoria Beckham and Kourtney Kardashian, as well as skin gurus Caroline Hirons and Nadine Baggot, embracing the more technologically advanced facials on Instagram, we are seeing customer demand reach a new level.
“Skin has become an even bigger focus for our patients post-pandemic with our clients keen to look fresh and youthful. The Oxygen facial leaves your skin glowing, plump and visibly smoother - perfect for a pre-event facial or to incorporate into your treatment plan.
"This facial is already huge in London, with celebrities including Helena Bonham Carter and Olivia Colman both requesting regular Oxygen facials during the filming of The Crown. And if it's good enough for The Royals it's good enough for us!”
What was it like?
My face was gently cleansed followed by an enzyme exfoliator to slough off dead skin cells. Then, this was soaked off with another cleanser before the Opulence serum was massaged in for a brightening and rejuvenating effect.
My lacklustre skin already looked more replenished by this product trio alone; not bad considering I hadn't slept well the previous night. Now, it was time for the big guns.
The aesthetician Kerri whipped out the oxygen device; and began using a cooling spray across my face to push the cocktail of amino acids, vitamins and hyaluronic acid deep into my skin. It was painless, and actually fairly relaxing – and all the better knowing the product was being properly absorbed rather than being slathered on.
A moisture-binding cream was applied to my face and Kerri gently tapped an eye gel in circles around the orbital area to bring blood flow to the skin and help brighten.
I came out of the clinic sporting a gleaming, glass-like complexion, blighted only by a huge angry red spot on my chin. Regardless, I forced myself to go makeup free for the rest of the day to keep my face as fresh as possible.
Verdict
This is the ultimate secret weapon for a special occasion or a night out when your skin needs that extra 'oomph' factor. While it's effects aren't designed to last long term, you can rest assured the results will last for several days if you keep on top of your skincare and drink plenty of water.
That said, if you're less than rigorous with your routine, the effects are still impressive. The morning after my treatment – and a rather heavy night out – my friend complimented my skin and asked me if I'd had Botox without telling her. I took this as the most sincere of compliments (I am, after all, a Libra) and chose to overlook the suggestion I could be that sleekit.
Overall, the Hyberbaric oxygen facial gives you juicier, plumper and lifted looking skin and helps push nourishing compounds deeper in the epidermis. A self-care quick fix that will give you the glow-up you're after for a big weekend – no filter needed. Okay, maybe one for a big red spot here or there...
The Oxygen Facial is available now from The Aesthetics Club Bearsden and treatment prices start from £95. To book in, or for more information, visit https://theaestheticsclub.co.uk
