Skin care product manufacturers have discovered a new way to lure the public to buy their solutions. They advertise their products as having the ability to “oxygenate” the skin. These products supposedly contain oxygen molecules that are absorbed into the skin and delivered to those areas that need oxygen the most. By delivering this oxygen through the skin, companies claim that their products can cleanse and rejuvenate the skin. They also claim that the oxygen from their products helps to deliver essential nutrients throughout the body, slowing the skin’s aging process. Tempting as it sounds, oxygen skin care products probably don’t deliver much benefit to skin.
Your Skin Is An Organ
Like the heart or lungs, the skin is an organ and needs oxygen to function properly. But, oxygen can’t be effectively absorbed through the skin. Instead, the oxygen is carried throughout the body by the circulatory system. The veins under the dermis transport oxygen through the bloodstream. Unfortunately, the topical application of oxygen is not an effective method of delivering oxygen.
Unsubstantiated Claims
Claims can arise from some truth. In this case, oxygen has been found to be useful in wound healing when individuals with slow healing wounds were placed in hyperbaric chambers to inhale oxygen at an increased pressure. The body uses more oxygen when fighting infection. Oxygen can also be helpful in increasing the production of connective tissue.
Oxygen Can Generate Free Radicals
Though oxygen is essential to life, its topical application can lead to an increase in free radical damage. Rather than it helping to eliminate or ‘cure’ wrinkles, studies have shown that oxygen may be involved in wrinkle formation and the aging of skin. What you’re getting with a product claiming to oxygenate the skin is hype and potentially more harm than good to your skin.
Protection And Moisturization
It’s important to separate fact from fiction. Avoid the hype and stick to a well researched and effective skin care regimen that involves the use of a well formulated sunscreen like Anthelios, antioxidants, effective exfoliants and moisturizers suited to your skin type. With the right blend of active ingredients, the best products can protect the skin from the sun’s UV rays and help to prevent loss of moisture. By doing so, they can slow down the skin’s aging process, improve its appearance and elasticity while preventing cellular damage from UV radiation.
