We’ve seen them, we’ve longed for them, but do they really work? To find out, we tested two new oxygen masks: Sue Devitt’s Microquatic Oxygen Infusion Masque and Borba’s Replenishing Quench Masque to see if our skins glowed like the aurora borealis after use.
Both masks use peroflurocarbons to release oxygen into the skin, making it firmer and more radiant. The Sue Devitt Masque employs blue algae, orchid and water lily extracts, and chamomile to sooth and moisturize the skin. As this happens, hydrolyzed soy protein halts sebum production and cleanses the face in the process.
Borba’s Masque utilizes Lychee fruit imported from China for vitamins and nutrients, as well as silk fiber cloaked in silicone to smooth skin. The silk fiber works with collagen and elastin fiber to keep moisture in, as ginseng, aloe, cucumber, apricot, and soy heal and nourish.
Both these treatments felt like a bubble bath for my face – frothy, pampering, refreshing. But I wondered if I needed to really slather a mask on my face to get my daily dose of oxygen
“There are no specific benefits in applying these products topically. You get the same result from ingesting these products as you would if you applied them topically,” says Dr. Ariel Ostad, a practicing dermatologist in New York City. “It really depends on the time constraint and preference of a person.”
Both masks can be used daily. As Dr. Debra Jaliman, also of New York City, comments, “It is appropriate to use them daily as oxygen masks are very mild.” Ostad and Jaliman agree that neither of these products is essential, especially to a person on a budget. As Ostad points out, “You can reap the same benefits if not much more by exercise, basic skin care such as moisturizing and proper diet such as increasing your daily intake of green vegetables, fruits or juicing green vegetables.”
But that doesn’t mean, as Ostad points out, that you should not incorporate oxygen masks into your routine. By all means, go for the frothy treatment (at the very least, your skin will glow and you’ll feel particularly refreshed). But for goodness’ sake, don’t skimp out on your daily dose of fresh fruits and veggies.
Sue Devitt Microquatic Oxygen Infusion Masque, $40 at Barneys New York (www.barneys.com) Harvey Nichols, and Facelogic Spas.
Borba Replenishing Quench Masque, $30 at www.borba.com
