Oxygen enthusiasts claim there’s something about an extra dose of O2 (the chemist’s designation for Oxygen) that’s revitalizing. Cosmetic specialists say it’s good for the skin, and hydrogen peroxide cream helps water and oxygen penetrate the skin better. But not everyone agrees.

“There’s no scientific evidence to support the belief that oxygen facials do anything for the skin,” says Mitchel Goldman, M.D., of Dermatology Associates in Dan Diego. “Oxygen is actually toxic to skin cells. That’s why most cosmetics contain antioxidants, including vitamins C, A and E.”

Oxygen reacts easily with other substances and causes metals to rust. Hemoglobin in the blood contains iron that oxidizes or “rusts” in order to combine with oxygen in the lungs and carry it to all the body’s cells. There, O2 oxidizes food to yield energy.

But oxidation of the body’s own cells speeds aging. It’s also linked to heart disease and cancer.

That’s why antioxidants, like Vitamins C, A and E, found abundantly in fruits and vegetables have become so popular. They destroy harmful molecules called free radicals that are produced by oxidation. Free radicals disrupt the DNA inside cells and advance aging.

“The skin does better in a nonoxygen environment,” says Dr. Goldman. “That’s one of the reasons why I advise my patients to use antioxidant creams for their skin.”

Cosmeticians have a different take on the role that oxygen plays in skin care.

“When the oxygen gets into the skin, the cell regeneration speeds up,” says Joyce Carboni, Skinsational Spa owner whose spa specializes in oxygen facials. “We apply hydrogen peroxide cream to the face to help oxygen penetrate the skin and get into the cells.”

“The relaxation that you get when you spend time giving yourself a facial is absolutely incredible,” says Bucalo. “It’s about what’s next, and what’s new. I’m available and willing to try anything these ladies have in mind for me.”

“Oxygen is extremely hydrating and healing to the skin. We’ve seen the results,” adds Carboni.

The oxygen facial begins with cleansing. The client receives a mild facial scrub with jojoba beads or an enzyme peel. A thin film of 2 percent hydrogen peroxide cream is then applied. A plastic wrap or facial steamer may be used for the next 10 minutes. Then a mask containing hydrogen peroxide is placed over the skin for another 15 to 20 minutes. To complete the facial, a hydrogen peroxide finishing cream is gently messaged into the skin.

“The best thing about a facial is the therapeutic message,” says Dr. Goldman. “It can perhaps promote lymphatic drainage.”

Cosmeticians say the skin absorbs oxygen like a sponge, but medical opinion says otherwise.

“There’s a limit to how much oxygen your body can absorb,” says John C. Nelson, M.D., of the American Medical Association. “The oxygen carrying capacity of the blood cannot be increased, except by increasing the number of red cells.”

Red cells contain hemoglobin molecules that bind oxygen in the lungs and deliver it to the body’s cells as needed. Dr. Nelson says only people suffering from heart or respiratory diseases benefit from extra oxygen. Regarding oxygen facials or oxygen infused beverages he says, “To the extent that these are used as social or entertainment types of activities, I think there’s no detriment.”

Surgery patients commonly receive 30 percent oxygen during and after surgery (air is only 21 percent O2) because the lungs don’t work as well under anesthesia. Studies have shown that boosting the oxygen helps reduce infection and nausea in post surgery patients.

White blood cells called neutrophils use oxygen to kill germs. The correct amount of oxygen in the body’s tissues is good for health, but doctors say there’s a limit.

Medical experts say inhaling oxygen recreationally probably won’t have any beneficial effect, and they warn that oxygen at high levels can be toxic. However, no evidence shows that oxygen at the low levels used in bars or facials can be dangerous to a normal person’s health.