Best Face Forward

The oxygen treatment gives customers a natural lift for a couple of months, says Pouri, but if at 50 you haven't taken care of your skin, "I can't do a miracle," she points out.

This treatment last about 40 minutes and costs $200.

The O2 Factor

Nutritionist Marius Morariu, partner and co-creator of Tracie Martyn salon on Fifth Avenue in New York City, believes oxygen is only one piece of the puzzle of good skin care.

The salon offers an oxygen mist as part of its trademarked resculpting facial, a treatment designed to lift, firm and contour the face.

The oxygen is a vehicle to infuse a solution containing regenerative peptides into the skin via a fine mist, Morariu explains, which helps to oxygenate the skin.

"The theory behind oxygen in skin care came partly from the fact that there is a lack of oxygen in inner-city environments, and just like every other cell in the body, skin cells require the vital O2 molecule for tissue respiration," says Morariu, who describes the mist as pleasantly cool and soothing, leaving the complexion with a radiant glow.

Tracie Martyn has offered oxygen treatments for more than five years and has received tremendous positive feedback from clients, Morariu says.

"We are known as the specialists for preparing clients for an event," says Morariu, who works with Kate Winslet, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper and many other celebrity clients to "give them that extra confidence before their photo shoots, concerts, TV appearances, movie premieres or award shows."

"The trend of looking the best you can with spa treatments and new skin-care technologies is definitely on the rise," says Morariu. "The choice of these treatments also tends to be towards noninvasive methods."

The resculpting facial, of which oxygen is one component, lasts an hour and starts at $300.

Proceed With Caution

Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist and teacher at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York, isn't as fanatic about the oxygen craze.

According to Jaliman, the most, and perhaps only, effective oxygen treatment is provided by hyperbaric oxygen chambers -- sealed rooms that surround the patient in pressurized oxygen.

	Appealing Treatment
	Photo: Medi-Spa

Jaliman recommends taking vitamins that enhance the skin. For younger-looking skin, she recommends retinol products or a more-involved genesis laser treatment, which stimulates the upper layers of collagen. To enhance circulation, she recommends a facial massage.

At her office, she offers anti-aging treatments, antioxidant peels, botox and more. Jaliman promotes her treatments as scientifically sound and medically proven. She frequents salons herself, but cautions: "You have to know what you're going for."

Be it O2 or vitamin supplements, the path to that coveted, picture-perfect complexion is up to the individual.

If you can afford it, trying an oxygen treatment can't hurt -- and don't be surprised if it leaves you pleasantly refreshed.

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