The jury is still out about oxygen rich products and our skin.  Our bodies need oxygen for basic cellular functions, just like food and water.  We can supplement our skin with oxygen to help improve a wide array of concerns including acne and wrinkles.  We know that we cannot live without oxygen because our bodies would shut down.  Some skincare companies believe that our skin is being suffocated by the sun, pollution and other environmental aggressors resulting in our skin looking dull, sallow, and older than it really is.

As we age, we know our skin retains less water.  Oxygen can give back that water loss, help rejuvenate tissue repair, help collagen synthesis and stimulate cellular growth.  Studies have also shown that oxygen administered during and after surgery reduces the risk of infection and has incredible properties for the skin.  It is commonly used for wound healing and acne.  Oxygen kills acne causing bacteria and is also an anti-inflammatory.  The lack of oxygen can make the skin thinner and wrinklier, thus accelerating the aging process. 

Although oxygen has great benefits for the skin, the jury is still out on the power of topical oxygen in products.  Can the skin absorb it?If so, how much is needed to make a difference?  We will not know the answer to these questions for a while!  Personally, I have found that it does make a difference in skin tone, color and hydration

My favorite oxygen enriched products:

Luzern Laboratories Force de Vie Pure Oxygen Eye Contour $110 www.luzernlabs.com.  It contains saccharomyces lysate extract derived from the fermentation process of yeast, which is said to be a natural oxygen delivery system.

G.M. Collins Pureactive+ Cream $44 www.gmcollins.com .  This product is geared toward oily and acne prone skin.  It mattifies the skin and provides a pore-tightening effect as it hydrates and refines the skin's texture via oxygen, antimicrobial peptides and skin-friendly probiotic bacteria.

Biologique Recherche's refreshing L'Eauxygenante $37 www.biologiquerecherce.com .  This refreshing mist contains an oxygen delivery system that stems from research on artificial blood, plus antioxidant rich edelweis extract and vitamin C sourced from kiwi and oranges.