Oxygen and Vampire Facials as Alternative Skin Care Treatments
Over the years, there have been numerous innovations in the skin care industry. Advanced treatment options have emerged for a variety of concerns, from signs of aging to sun damage to dry skin.
At Doll Face Skincare Studio in Los Angeles, one of the most popular treatments that aesthetician and owner Lila Castellanos performs for clients is the oxygen facial, during which a machine sprays atomized moisturizers onto the skin using a stream of pressurized oxygen. Skin is hydrated immediately, making the face appear smoother and plumper.
“Many celebrities use oxygen facials to achieve a more youthful look and enhance their skin overall,” Castellanos says. “It differs from other facials in the fact that the results are instant and only get better after 24 to 48 hours. Each treatment option for oxygen facials consists of serum that blends hyaluronic acid, botanical extracts, antioxidants, peptides, and vitamins. These ingredients enhance your skin and can even help with different skin issues.”
For optimal results, she recommends having a treatment once a week for six weeks in the beginning, followed by touch-ups as needed.
Castellanos says there is also an option that can reduce acne and restore the skin’s natural moisture, thereby preventing future breakouts. “The results from your first treatment session will last for about seven days,” she notes. “The results are cumulative, so the more treatments you get, the better your skin will look.”
The so-called vampire facial is a unique skin care treatment created by Dr. Charles Runels (who has since trademarked the procedures Vampire Facial and Vampire Facelift) that combines microdermabrasion and the application of blood-derived platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The PRP is taken from the serum portion of the blood containing platelets, which are essentially tiny blood cells that help the body form clots to stop bleeding. Their high levels of growth factors help stimulate cell turnover when applied to the skin.
“A vampire facial stimulates collagen, improving fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Clara Yu, an aesthetic medicine specialist and founder/CEO of Beauty Cult, a medical spa in Redondo Beach. “It also shrinks pore size, improves acne scarring, smooths skin, and provides anti-aging benefits.”
To perform the procedure, a topical numbing agent is applied to the skin and left on for 30 minutes. Next, blood is drawn from the patient and processed in a centrifuge, where it is separated into different components. Once separated, the part containing PRP is drawn out from the tube. PRP is applied topically on the face and then a microneedling device is used to help the skin absorb the proteins, which stimulates collagen.
“Collagen stimulation will continue for about three months and the results can last up to two years,” Yu says. “Depending on the patient’s skin condition, this can be performed once a year for maintenance. If it’s for acne scarring, I usually recommend doing it once every four to six weeks, anywhere from three to six times for maximum results.”
Hydration Boost
The key ingredient used in oxygen facials is hyaluronic acid, which is a substance found naturally in the skin that keeps it hydrated and plump. Just like collagen and elastin, however, it decreases in our bodies as we age. “Hyaluronic acid attracts and binds moisture to the skin throughout the facial, helping it become firm, hydrated, and glowing,” explains Lila Castellanos of Doll Face Skincare Studio. “It’s well-known for its various benefits, which include alleviating dry skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and speeding up wound healing. It can even help relieve joint pain in people with osteoarthritis.”
For more information, visit dollfaceskincarestudio.com and joinbeautycult.com.
