Oxidizing agent

Madonna does it once a week and Gwyneth also swears by it, so we went to get our oxygen facial and lived to tell

By NORA BERLIN
oxygen facial 311 (photo credit: Courtesy)
oxygen facial 311
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Mimi Luzon is not your average beautician.
From her beautiful home-cum-salon center in Petah Tikva, she seems to run what can only be described as a cult of followers. Women come to her from near and far and they swear by her.
I came in to try the new oxygen facial. Luzon, a small and surprisingly young-looking energetic woman, invited me inside where she wasted no time and started working on my face, cleaning and massaging and explaining everything she does. Luzon does not keep her knowledge to herself. She offers advice, scorns and gives you her set of rules for healthy skin all within the hour or so of the treatment.
The “oxygen facial,” a new and advanced anti-aging cosmetic procedure that is offered at Luzon’s salon, was recently recommended by Madonna on her website and is said to be used by many other celebrities.
The oxygen facial is done with a special machine that sprays a stream of pressurized oxygen. After cleaning the face using mild peeling agents, the atomized moisturizers, serums and vitamins are mixed into the oxygen using it to enhance penetration into the skin and deeply hydrating it, making the face appear smoother and plumper.
The status of oxygen facial has yet to receive scientific evidence, but is non the less quickly becoming more and more popular all over the world. Some experts say that the treatment is most appropriate for people who plan to attend a special event. The hydration therapy makes the skin look better instantly and stay that way for a few days.
The facials also provide a moisture boost that makes skin smoother so that it is easier to apply makeup.
Mimi Luzon describes the oxygen facial as a way to force oxygen and moisturizers into aging skin. The theory behind this facial is that pressurized oxygen speeds the skin's absorption of moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid (a carbohydrate that attracts water) and others.
Was it effective? I must admit that for a few days after treatment I did look better – but since I didn't come back for the recommended series of treatments – it's hard to judge the true potential of the facial for long term results. I guess, like Mimi says, you need to keep to the regime and keep away from the sun.
How much: NIS 650 for the oxygen facial (about an hour).
Mimi Luzon Cosmetic Centers, Rehov Denmark 68, Petah Tikva, (03) 921-5085, Rehov Rothschild 87, Rishon Lezion, (03) 950-0555.