If you've ever wondered why your skin looks dull no matter how much serum you apply, the answer often comes down to oxygen. Oxygen facials use pressurised oxygen to drive nutrients deep into the skin — perfect before an event when you need an instant glow with zero downtime.
What is an oxygen facial?
An oxygen facial is a non-invasive treatment that uses a handheld wand to deliver a high-pressure stream of pure oxygen — typically infused with hyaluronic acid, vitamins, peptides and antioxidants — directly onto your skin. The pressure helps the actives penetrate deeper than topical application alone can manage.
It's the treatment Madonna famously credited for her glow before the Oscars, and it's been a Hollywood pre-event staple ever since. In the UK, prices range £100–£180 per session.
How does it work?
- Cleanse + tone (10 min) — standard prep to clear the skin.
- Light exfoliation (5–10 min) — usually a gentle enzyme or fruit acid to clear the surface.
- Oxygen infusion (15–20 min) — the main event. The wand glides over your face delivering 90–95% pure oxygen at low pressure, mixed with a custom serum cocktail.
- Mask + finishing (10 min) — a sheet or hydrogel mask, then SPF. You leave glowing.
Benefits
- Instant radiance — visibly plumper, brighter skin within 60 minutes.
- Zero downtime — no redness, no peeling, no recovery period. You can wear makeup straight after.
- Hydration boost — high-pressure delivery pushes hyaluronic acid deeper than topical application reaches.
- Better product absorption — your skincare works harder for the next 48–72 hours.
- Pregnancy-safe — no actives that can't be used during pregnancy (when delivered without added retinoids).
- Suits sensitive skin — no extractions or aggressive exfoliation.
Side effects
Oxygen facials are one of the gentlest treatments on the menu. Side effects are rare and mild:
- Mild redness for 30–60 minutes
- Slight tingling during the infusion
- Very rare: irritation if a serum ingredient triggers a reaction (always patch-test if you have known sensitivities)
Oxygen facial vs HydraFacial — which is better?
The two get conflated, but they're solving different problems.
| Oxygen facial | HydraFacial | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary goal | Glow + hydration | Deep cleanse + extractions |
| Method | Pressurised oxygen + serum | Vortex suction + serum |
| Best for | Pre-event radiance, dehydrated skin | Congested skin, blackheads |
| Downtime | None | None — minor pinkness possible |
| Typical price | £100–£180 | £150–£250 |
| Best result timing | 1–3 days post | Immediate, lasts 5–7 days |
If you have to pick one, get a HydraFacial first to clean the canvas, then maintain with monthly oxygen facials between bigger interventions.
Where to get an oxygen facial in London
Omorovicza Mayfair Institute
| Address | 1 Hinde Street, Mayfair, London W1U 2AY |
|---|---|
| From | £140 / 60 min |
Their Hungarian thermal mineral water programme combines beautifully with oxygen infusion. Excellent for dehydrated, post-flight, or pre-wedding skin.
Teresa Tarmey at The Cadogan
| Address | 75 Sloane Street, Chelsea, London SW1X 9SG |
|---|---|
| From | £180 / 60 min |
Tarmey's signature performance facial includes oxygen as part of a multi-step glow protocol — popular with brides 1–2 weeks pre-wedding.
Cowshed — Primrose Hill
| Address | 119 Regent's Park Road, Primrose Hill, London NW1 8UR |
|---|---|
| From | £105 / 60 min |
The most affordable of the central London options. Their oxygen-boost facial pairs well with a pre-Friday-night mood and zero downtime.
VIVA Skin Clinics — Chelsea
| Address | 229 Kings Road, Chelsea, London SW3 5EJ |
|---|---|
| From | £165 / 60 min |
Doctor-led if you want oxygen combined with deeper interventions like LED therapy or mesotherapy in a single session.
Frequently asked
How long do results last?
Visible glow lasts 5–7 days. Cumulative effects (better hydration, smoother texture) build with monthly sessions over 3–6 months.
Can I have it before a wedding or photoshoot?
Yes — oxygen facials are one of the few treatments specifically designed for pre-event prep. Book 1–3 days before for peak glow.
Is it safe during pregnancy?
Generally yes, as long as the serum used doesn't contain retinol or salicylic acid. Always tell your therapist before booking.
How is the oxygen actually delivered — is it real oxygen?
Yes. The machine takes ambient air, separates out the oxygen using a molecular sieve, and delivers 90–95% pure oxygen at low pressure (around 5 PSI). The serum is mixed in via a venturi valve in the wand head.
Looking to add oxygen facials to your salon? Get listed on Secret Salons from £1/month. See plans →