Rumour has it that Kate Middleton's oxygen skincare routine is the secret to her glow.
As the name implies, O2-infused skincare is like a breath of fresh air for lack-lustre skin. Considering the toll pollution takes on our faces, depleting its collagen reserves and causing sensitive skin and pigmentation, a shot of the good stuff can be the antidote.
Due to its impressive healing capabilities, oxygen kick-starts the body’s repair mechanisms – diminishing inflammation, stimulating collagen production and battling bacteria – all of which are vital to skin health.
According to Lisa Franklin, who regularly uses blasts of oxygen in facials for her A-list clients, “delivering medical-grade oxygen directly into the skin promotes regeneration. The oxygen is used by cells to convert nutrients into energy. The skin also sheds dead cells faster and replaces them with fresh new ones.”
In other words, it speeds up cellular turnover—the same thing you’re trying to accomplish with your retinol serum.
"Pressurised oxygen has another benefit: it pushes serums and active ingredients deeper into the skin for better results," says Franklin.
In topical skincare, liquid oxygen and oxygen accelerators promote cell respiration and enhance the absorption (and efficacy) of your subsequent skin care ritual.
The best oxygen-infused skincare
It's believed that Duchess Catherine has been using Swiss oxygen skincare line Karin Herzog, in particular the Vita A Kombi Anti Ageing Face Cream, which contains 1% oxygen.
Designed for use morning and night, stabilised liquid phase oxygen is transformed into active oxygen gas upon contact with skin. This, in turn, allows oxygen gas to rush into the tissues taking with it vitamins A and E, glucose and water.
Karin Herzog Vita A Kombi Anti Ageing Face Cream, £64, johnandginger.co.uk
If you want to jump on the oxygen skincare trend these are some other products to consider adding to your regime.
MV Organic Skincare’s Oxygen Moisturiser quickly resuscitates dull skin and is packed with antioxidants to wage war on free radicals;Pixi's Glow-O2 Oxygen Mask is a weekly treat for stressed-out city skin while Omorovicza’s Oxygen Booster comprises liquid oxygen and oxygen accelerators to help cells regenerate.
MV Organic Skincare’s Oxygen Moisturiser, £75, Cult Beauty
Pixi Glow-O2 Oxygen Mask, £26, Harvey Nichols
Omorovicza Oxygen Booster, £52, Lookfantastic
