Two incredibly popular non-surgical facelift treatments are oxygen facials and chemical peels. While these treatments may have similar results, they are very different from each other and one will be better for certain people over the other.
But which one is right for you? Let’s take a look at each one and compare their benefits, potential risks, and their costs so you can make a decision for yourself.
How do they work?
Although the two treatments are both forms of non-surgical facials, in reality they couldn’t be more different.
Oxygen facials work by spraying streams of highly concentrated oxygen molecules onto the skin to increase the production of collagen and make the skin appear plumper and more nourished with a radiant glow.
An oxygen facial will start with a skin cleanse followed by the application of a product or a combination of products depending on what treatment is chosen. The oxygen will be delivered by a wand that emits high pressure streams of oxygen to the skin’s epidermis.
Another feature of oxygen facials is their ability to infuse products into the skin. This is why a number of serums are usually used in combination with oxygen facials to hydrate the skin, usually hyaluronic acid which contributes to the anti-ageing effect of the treatment.
In comparison, a chemical peel is specifically an exfoliating treatment which removes the outermost layer of skin. The skin that’s revealed underneath is fresher, healthier, and smoother than the skin before it.
Chemical peels manage to do this by blistering the skin which then causes it to peel off. This sounds more painful than it is, as most people note that they feel a slight stinging sensation. Some deeper peels may sting more than light surface level peels.
So, in comparison, oxygen facials use a combination of oxygen and other products to revitalise the skin and make it appear more nourished and radiant, whereas chemical peels strip away the outside layer of skin that is exposed to the elements and reveals less-wrinkled skin in its place.
Uses of Oxygen Facials and Chemical Peels
While both treatments improve the appearance of the skin on the face, they do so in different ways by treating different issues.
Oxygen facials cleanse and nourish, leaving behind a natural glow and boost in collagen that makes the skin plump and look younger.
Therefore, if you have an uneven tone across your skin then an oxygen facial can clear this up by improving your skin’s glow. As well, the boost in collagen can help get rid of fine lines and wrinkles.
The presence of oxygen in the skin cells can speed up recovery and can eliminate bacteria. As acne can be caused by certain types of bacteria, this makes oxygen facials a potential acne treatment.
Lastly, because oxygen facials have very minimal side effects, they can be used relatively regularly to maintain a youthful complexion.
Chemical peels can also be used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles except they do so by thoroughly exfoliating the skin and removing the cells on the skin’s surface.
A chemical peel treatment will also be very effective at removing aesthetic damage caused by exposure to the sun such as dark patches, freckles, and age spots.
Because the layer of skin that’s revealed by a chemical peel is undamaged, it will be smooth in feel and in appearance. Mild scars or damages that were on the surface of the skin may now be removed, as well as certain types of acne.
As both treatment options are non-surgical, they won’t be that effective against severe wrinkles or sagging skin when compared to more expensive and more permanent surgical options. They are however cheaper, require less recovery time, and can be used before an event for an immediate aesthetic boost.
The Risks
Oxygen facials have very limited risks and are suitable for the vast majority of people.
People with sensitive skin may find that their skin appears red or slightly swollen but this usually disappears within a couple of hours after the treatment.
Of course, there is the possibility that you are allergic to any ingredient that could be present in a serum or product that is applied during your facial, so it is important that your clinician is aware of any known allergies that you have before proceeding with your treatment.
There are slightly higher risks with using a chemical peel when compared to an oxygen facial however it is still a safe treatment when performed properly.
Recovery time following a chemical peel will be longer than an oxygen facial, and you won’t be able to resume your normal makeup routine immediately following your appointment. Your treatment provider will inform you of when you can resume your makeup routine, which will usually be after a day or a couple of days for a light chemical peel.
On top of this, it’s important that your skin is protected from sun damage after receiving a chemical peel, so you must wear broad spectrum sun cream that’s at least SPF 30 for at minimum a week following your appointment. This means that chemical peels are not suitable for individuals receiving UV light therapy for specific skin conditions.
Chemical peels have the potential to be unrecommended for certain individuals, including people with darker skin, people who are prone to cold sores, and people who are pregnant.
Individuals with darker skin are more at risk of ending up with an uneven skin tone following a chemical peel when compared to individuals with fair skin. Changes to skin tone can affect people of all skin colours though and can even be permanent.
If you have had cold sores in the past then a chemical peel can aggravate the condition and cause them to reappear.
There are also certain medicines that you could be taking or conditions that you have that would make you unsuitable for a chemical peel, so be sure to attend a consultation with an experienced beauty therapist before receiving a chemical peel.
Costs
At The Beauty Barn, our oxygen facials cost around £50. However, we also offer treatments where we combine oxygen with other facials such as hydro facials, and our treatments can also be purchased in blocks which can be more cost effective.
Oxygen facials are safe to receive every couple of weeks although most experts recommend once a month. At your consultation, we can observe your skin and advise you on the best course of treatment for you.
Our chemical peel treatment options range from between £40 to £50. These are light, mild peels that can be performed repeatedly
You may find deeper chemical peels available although these will be pricier, will require more recovery post-treatment, and will pose slightly higher risks.
Results
Both oxygen facials and chemical peels produce great results and are recommended non-surgical treatment options here at The Beauty Barn.
For younger people who want to maintain their youthful appearance and slow the ageing process in their skin, oxygen facials will have results that match your goals.
For slightly older individuals who are starting to see visible signs of ageing or sun damage on their skin, then chemical peels can help to reduce their appearance and leave the skin looking younger, smother, and healthier.
Both treatment types show their optimum results when used as part of a course of treatments rather than a one-off procedure. Get in touch with our skincare experts at The Beauty Barn now for advice tailored to your personal appearance, skin issues, and goals.