I got the opportunity to try EstheClinic’s new OXYPURE facial treatment, a 3-in-1 exfoliation, antioxidant infusion, and oxygenation facial. First, a disclaimer: this was the first facial I’ve ever gotten. I am being completely impartial and giving my honest opinion, but it’s worth noting that I have no previous experiences to compare mine to.
What is an oxygenation facial?
Oxygenation or oxygen facials are a fairly new treatment where pressurized oxygen is sprayed onto exfoliated skin. The theory is that because cells need oxygen to work, this concentrated application of the molecule (usually paired with the application of other skin-benefitting creams) improves blood circulation, smooths wrinkles, and promotes collagen production.
EstheClinic’s OXYPURE works slightly differently. Using a machine called OxyGeneo which applies carbon dioxide to the epidermis, the treatment induces oxygen-rich blood to rise to the skin’s surface; this is supposed to make the skin brighter and bouncier. Effects should last for two weeks to a month.
My appointment at their new Sai Ying Pun location began with a consultation about the general benefits of the treatment and examining whether it would help me achieve the kind of skin I want (I specified I hoped to have a more even skin tone – has constant mask-wearing made anyone else’s face two different colours?). The therapist then examined my face, identifying dryness on my forehead and the borders of my face. I was told my skin tone would be fairer following the treatment, a natural effect of exfoliation.
I was also asked about what skincare products I use at home (I use coconut oil to clean make-up off or water on no-make-up days, followed by moisturizer). I was told I should use these four products at the bare minimum: cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and an exfoliant twice a week. I’m skeptical about exfoliant as I don’t experience much peeling. However, I have since incorporated toner into my routine because, as I learned, cleaning the face with tap water also alters my skin’s pH level.
Toner is supposed to rebalance the face’s pH after cleansing, along with other more lofty claims like tightening the skin’s cells and evening skin tone. If you don’t believe these claims, toner does at the very least catch the remnants of my makeup that haven’t been fully removed by cleanser. A softening lotion, sometimes used interchangeably with ‘toner’, is usually less astringent (read: drying) than toner and smooths and moisturizes the skin, prepping it to absorb subsequent products.
The process
Before the treatment started, the therapist informed me she would focus on my freckles to remove excess pigmentation and buildup on my nose. First, my skin’s surface was exfoliated (no extraction is done as it’s considered too invasive), followed by a cooling cream that infuses antioxidants to promote anti-aging. During this step, there was a warm, itchy feeling in certain areas of my face, which the therapist warned me may happen. This was followed up with a reapplication of another cool cream, which was worked gently into my face using a machine… after which I promptly fell asleep. I’ll call it a testament to the luxury of being pampered, but for the readers who came for an actual review, EstheClinic helped fill the gaps in for me.
The OxyGeneo machine was used to create carbon dioxide bubbles that were massaged onto my skin, which supposedly draws blood and the oxygen-carrying blood to the surface of the skin. Estheclinic’s oxygenation effect is supposedly more effective than standard oxygen facials as it stimulates internal oxygenation.
When I looked in the mirror afterwards, I was shocked to see the therapist had left my eyeliner untouched. The process had felt so thorough, I’d been sure that it had been wiped clear away. I found this really thoughtful, especially since I had another engagement to go to after my treatment.
My skin glowed for the rest of the day with its introduction to luxury spa products, but I was more impressed by the effects I noticed for days afterwards. My skin tone was noticeably more even and my freckles had definitely lightened in an aesthetically pleasing way. When I woke up in the morning, my skin looked more alive and showed more natural colour than it usually does before I start moving a bit. However, this was likely a combined effect of the facial and the addition of toner to my daily routine.
The outcomes
Here are my takeaways from my OXYPURE facial: I noticed an overall balancing of skin tone and a moisturizing effect that lasted around a week and a half, which was within my expectation, given that I was recommended to get the facial biweekly in my first month. I believe adding toner to my routine stretched the benefits of the treatment even longer, as after more than two weeks I’ve noticed an overall improvement in skin elasticity compared to my pre-treatment skin.
I’ve never felt the need to get spa treatments, believing holistic home care was more important than expensive one-offs. But after this first experience I am eager to explore treatments that may help me get the expedited effects that I can’t achieve on my own.
EstheClinic Central: 16/F, 8 Lyndhurst Terrace| +852 3615 0919
EstheClinic Sai Ying Pun: Shop F, G/F, King’s Hill, 38 Western Street | +852 9782 3525
Disclaimer: The author received a complimentary treatment from EstheClinic in exchange for an honest review.
Images courtesy of EstheClinic
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