Skin & Aesthetics · Facials
Oxygen Facial Therapy in Seoul: An Honest Guide
An oxygen facial is a non-invasive treatment in which a device sprays pressurized oxygen together with a hydrating serum onto the skin, giving a temporary plump, dewy look. Hommage Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul does not list a dedicated oxygen device, so Dr. Hwang Seonhwa assesses your skin and recommends comparable hydrating or soothing options the clinic uses, such as LDM or cryo care.
Quick answer
An oxygen facial sprays pressurized oxygen and a hydrating serum onto the skin, giving a plump, dewy look that usually lasts a few days. It takes 30–60 minutes, needs no anesthesia and has no downtime, but evidence that the oxygen itself changes skin is limited. Hommage Women's Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul does not list an oxygen device; Dr. Hwang Seonhwa recommends comparable hydrating or soothing options such as LDM, cryo or Coreg Cell-Fit.
Key takeaways
- The visible glow comes mainly from hydration, the serum and a cool mist, not from oxygen entering the skin.
- It is a pre-event or maintenance treatment; effects do not build up over a course.
- A 2011 systematic review called the evidence for topical oxygen “scarce, anecdotal and not well documented.”
- Persistent redness, flaking or itching should be diagnosed first; a facial is not a treatment for rosacea or eczema.
Infographic
Oxygen facials in numbers
Session length
Often part of a longer facial.
Usual downtime
Mild puffiness or pinkness for a few hours.
How long the glow lasts
Fades as normal moisture balance returns.
Ideal timing before an event
The glow peaks early; try it once well before a big day.
Needles or heat
No injections, heat or strong acids in the oxygen step.
Quality of evidence
Few, small studies; several without a control group.
Oxygen facials at a glance
| Key fact | Details |
|---|---|
| What it is | A facial that sprays oxygen-rich air and serum onto the skin, or uses an oxygen dome or mask |
| Treatment time | Typically 30–60 minutes, often as part of a longer facial |
| Comfort | No anesthesia; most people feel a cool, pressurized mist |
| Downtime | Usually none; skin may look slightly puffy or pink for a few hours |
| How long results last | The dewy look typically lasts a few days |
| Evidence | Limited; most of the visible effect comes from hydration and serum ingredients |
| At Hommage Clinic | Comparable options such as LDM, cryo or Coreg Cell-Fit, after a skin assessment |
An oxygen-style facial may suit you if you have
- Dull, dehydrated skin and want a quick refresh
- Sensitive skin that does not tolerate peels or strong exfoliation
- A wedding, photo shoot or event in the next few days
- Realistic expectations of a short-lived, surface-level glow
Wait or see a doctor first if you have
- Persistent redness, flushing, itching or flaking that has never been diagnosed
- An active cold sore, open wounds, sunburn or a skin infection
- Concerns such as melasma, acne scars or sagging, which need medical treatment
- Known allergies to skincare ingredients you have not shared with the clinic
What is an oxygen facial and how does it work?
An oxygen facial uses a machine that concentrates oxygen from the air and delivers it to the skin under gentle pressure, usually through an airbrush-style wand that mixes it with a serum. Some versions use a dome or mask over the face instead. Serums typically contain hyaluronic acid, vitamins, antioxidants or peptides.
The idea is that oxygen and pressure help the serum reach the skin surface and “revitalize” it. In practice, scientific evidence that topical oxygen changes the skin in a lasting way is limited. The plump, fresh look most people notice comes mainly from hydration, the serum itself, the cool mist and mild, temporary swelling of the outer skin layer. Medical oxygen therapies used for chronic wounds are a different treatment and should not be confused with cosmetic oxygen facials.
Who is an oxygen facial for?
An oxygen facial suits people who want a gentle, short-term boost in hydration and radiance without exfoliation or downtime. It is often chosen before an event or as a calm option for sensitive skin.
It is not a treatment for skin conditions. Uneven pigment, acne scars, enlarged pores and loss of firmness sit deeper than an oxygen facial can reach. Ongoing redness or flushing may be rosacea, and itchy, flaky patches may be eczema or contact dermatitis, so these should be diagnosed first. See redness reduction therapy and skin barrier repair for medical options.
What happens during an oxygen facial?
A session usually takes 30 to 60 minutes and needs no numbing. You can go back to work or sightseeing straight afterward.
- Cleansing: makeup and oil are removed, sometimes with a mild exfoliating step.
- Oxygen and serum: the wand passes over the face, spraying a fine, cool mist of oxygen and serum. It feels like a gentle stream of air.
- Optional extras: some clinics add massage, a sheet mask or LED light therapy .
- Finish: moisturizer and sunscreen are applied.
How long do oxygen facial results last?
The dewy, plumper look usually lasts a few days. Because the effect is mostly surface hydration, it fades as the skin's natural moisture balance returns.
That makes oxygen facials a maintenance or pre-event treatment rather than a course with cumulative results. If you want hydration that lasts weeks to months, treatments that work in the dermis, such as skin boosters , are more effective. Aftercare is simple: wear sunscreen, drink enough water, and avoid heavy makeup, saunas and strong actives such as retinoids for the rest of the day if your skin feels sensitive.
Risks and possible side effects
Oxygen facials are generally low-risk, but reactions are possible, mostly from the serum or other steps in the facial rather than the oxygen. Possible side effects include:
- Temporary redness, warmth or mild puffiness
- Stinging, itching or a rash from serum ingredients, including allergic contact dermatitis
- Small breakouts if rich products clog pores
- Worsening of rosacea or eczema during a flare
Oxygen equipment must be kept away from open flames and smoking. Contact the clinic if redness, swelling or itching gets worse after the first day, or if blisters or hives appear.
Oxygen facial vs HydraFacial vs LDM: which is right for you?
All three aim for fresher, hydrated skin, but they work differently.
- Oxygen facial: no suction or exfoliation, so it is gentle, but the effect is short-lived and mostly surface hydration.
- HydraFacial-style facial: adds suction-based exfoliation and extraction, so it also clears congested pores.
- LDM: a gentle ultrasound treatment used at Hommage Clinic for hydration and to calm skin after lasers or lifting.
For sensitive or reactive skin, a soothing option such as LDM or a cryotherapy facial is often a better fit than anything involving suction or acids.
Hydrating and soothing care at Hommage Clinic
Hommage Clinic is a walk-in-friendly women's health and skin clinic in Gangnam, a short walk from Sinnonhyeon Station. The clinic does not list a dedicated oxygen facial device. Instead, Dr. Hwang Seonhwa checks your skin and recommends the treatments the clinic does use, such as LDM, cryo soothing or Coreg Cell-Fit, a non-thermal QMR treatment intended for dry, dull or sensitive skin. Explore otherskin and aesthetic treatmentsif you have deeper concerns.
Cosmetic facials are not covered by Korea's National Health Insurance. Cost depends on the treatment, the number of sessions and whether it is combined with other care, and you receive a written quote first. Please contact us before your visit to arrange language support.
Mechanism
How does an oxygen facial work? Claim vs reality
Oxygen facials are often marketed as “feeding skin with oxygen.” The reality is more modest. The skin's outer layer is a strong barrier, and the cells that need oxygen are supplied mainly by blood vessels from below. What the device does reliably is deliver a cool, fine mist of serum under gentle pressure onto the surface.
That is still useful for a short-term refresh. Water and humectants such as hyaluronic acid temporarily swell the outer layer so fine dryness lines look softer, the cool airflow can reduce a little puffiness, and freshly hydrated skin reflects light more evenly. These effects are real but surface-level, which is why they fade within days.
| Common claim | What the evidence suggests |
|---|---|
| “Floods the skin with oxygen” | The outer layer is a strong barrier; deeper skin gets oxygen mainly from blood vessels. Lasting effects of topical oxygen are not well shown. |
| “Instant glow” | True, mostly from hydration, serum and cool airflow; it fades within days. |
| “Anti-aging” | Not shown for wrinkles, sagging or pigment. These need lasers, lifting, boosters or medical care. |
| “Good for sensitive skin” | Often gentle, because there is no suction or peel, but serum ingredients can still irritate. |
Who it suits
Oxygen facial for sensitive skin and before events
The two most common reasons people ask about oxygen facials are a sensitive complexion that reacts to peels and suction, and an upcoming wedding, photo shoot or business trip. Both are reasonable reasons to choose a gentle, no-downtime treatment, as long as expectations are realistic.
For sensitive or reactive skin
Because there is no suction, exfoliation or heat in the oxygen step, it is often well tolerated. The risk lies in the serum: fragrance, essential oils and some botanical extracts are common causes of irritation. Ask for a short, simple ingredient list. If you flush easily or have patches that sting or flake, a diagnosis comes first; our redness reduction and skin barrier repair pages explain the medical options.
Before a wedding or photo shoot
The glow is at its best in the first day or two. Book your first ever oxygen or hydrating facial at least a week before a big day so you know how your skin reacts, then repeat it one or two days before the event. Avoid starting new active products, peels or lasers in the final week.
What Hommage offers instead
Hommage Clinic does not list an oxygen device. For the same goals, Dr. Hwang may suggest LDM for hydration and calming, a cryotherapy facial to cool heat and puffiness, or Coreg Cell-Fit for dry, dull or sensitive skin.
Hommage · Gangnam
Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
For sensitive skin, the serum ingredients matter more than the oxygen. Illustrative photo.
Compare
Oxygen facial vs HydraFacial vs LDM vs skin boosters: how long each lasts
If you are choosing between gentle hydrating options, the most useful comparison is how long the effect lasts and how much it does. An oxygen facial and a HydraFacial-style facial both give a glow measured in days. LDM is often used as part of a series or after other procedures. Skin boosters work inside the skin and last months.
Hommage · Gangnam
Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
The glow peaks in the first day or two, which is why many people book just before an event. Illustrative photo.
Results
Oxygen facial results timeline: before an event
Unlike treatments that build up over a course, an oxygen facial works best as a single, well-timed session. Here is how the effect typically changes over the days after treatment.
Aftercare
Oxygen facial aftercare: do's and don'ts
Aftercare is simple because the treatment is gentle. The aim is to keep the hydration in and avoid irritating freshly treated skin for the rest of the day.
Do
- Apply a plain moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen
- Drink water and use a humidifier in dry weather
- Keep makeup light for the rest of the day
- Tell the clinic about any itching, hives or blisters
Don't
- Use retinoids or strong acids that evening if skin feels sensitive
- Use saunas or hot steam rooms the same day
- Smoke or go near open flames around oxygen equipment
- Expect the glow to last more than a few days
Hommage · Gangnam
Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
Moisturizer and sunscreen are usually all you need afterward. Illustrative photo.
Evidence
Do oxygen facials work? What the research says
Few treatments in aesthetic medicine have been studied as little as cosmetic oxygen facials. Reviews by dermatologists agree on two points: the published research is small and mostly uncontrolled, and better studies are needed before any lasting benefit can be claimed. That does not mean the facial is useless; it means its value is a pleasant, short-lived refresh rather than a proven skin treatment.
Systematic review, 2011
Evidence for dermaplaning, topical oxygen and photodynamic facials was described as scarce, anecdotal and not well documented.
Aesthetic Plast Surg, 2011;35(6):1151–9Studies without a control group
A 2018 review of topical oxygen as an add-on for hair loss, acne and chronic skin conditions found only four small studies; two had no control group.
Bennardo et al., Dermatol Pract Concept, 2018;8(4):272–6Traveling to Seoul
Hydrating facials in Seoul for international patients
A gentle hydrating facial fits easily into a trip to Seoul: one visit, no downtime and no follow-up appointment. Long flights and Seoul's dry winter air both leave skin tight and dull, so many visitors book a session a day or two after arrival or just before a special event. Hommage Women's Clinic is in Gangnam, a short walk from Sinnonhyeon Station (Line 9 and Shinbundang Line), and walk-ins are welcome.
Plan your visit
- Send your dates and skin concerns by WhatsApp, KakaoTalk or the contact form, and ask for language support if you need it.
- Bring your passport for registration and a list of your skincare products, allergies and medicines.
- Mention any recent laser, peel or injection, so treatments can be timed safely.
- Avoid sunburn and new strong products in the days before your visit.
After you fly home
Keep using sunscreen and a simple moisturizer. If you develop a rash or swelling after the trip, see a local doctor and bring the product list you were given.
Hommage · Seoul
Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
Gangnam: the clinic is a short walk from Sinnonhyeon Station. Illustrative photo.
Hommage · Gangnam
Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
A skin check comes before any facial, so conditions that need treatment are not missed. Illustrative photo.
Choosing well
How to choose an oxygen facial clinic in Seoul
Oxygen facials are offered by many spas and clinics in Gangnam. These questions help you compare, whether you book with us or elsewhere:
- Can I see the serum ingredients? Fragrance and botanicals are common irritants.
- Is my skin checked first? Rosacea, eczema and acne need diagnosis, not just a facial.
- Are the claims realistic? Be cautious of promises of lasting anti-aging from oxygen alone.
- Is the equipment used safely? Oxygen devices must be kept away from flames and heat.
- What does the price include? Ask about add-ons such as masks, massage or LED.
What affects oxygen facial cost in Seoul?
Cost depends on the device, the serums used, session length, add-ons such as masks, massage or LED, and whether you book a single session or a package. At Hommage Clinic, the cost of comparable treatments such as LDM, cryo or Coreg Cell-Fit depends on the treatment and the number of sessions. Facials are not covered by Korea's National Health Insurance, and you receive a written quote before treatment.
Your visit
What to expect at your appointment
01
Skin check
Dr. Hwang reviews dryness, redness and sensitivity, plus your skincare routine, allergies and recent treatments.
02
Options explained
You hear what each option can realistically do, how long it lasts and what it costs, with a written quote.
03
Treatment
A gentle session with no anesthesia and usually no downtime, so it fits easily around work or travel.
04
Home care
Simple advice on moisturizer, sunscreen and which actives to pause for a day.
Your doctor
Dr. Hwang Seonhwa
Physician · Skin & Aesthetic Treatments
Dr. Hwang starts with a skin check to rule out rosacea, eczema or irritation that needs medical care, then matches a hydrating or soothing treatment to how reactive your skin is and how soon your event is.
Physician for face and skin procedures, including lifting, laser and skin-improvement treatments, planned around facial proportions and skin condition.
Oxygen facials: frequently asked questions
Do oxygen facials actually work?
Oxygen facials can make skin look fresher and more hydrated for a few days, but evidence that the oxygen itself has a lasting effect is limited. Most of the visible change comes from the serum, hydration and a little temporary swelling of the skin surface. Think of them as a short-term glow, not a treatment for wrinkles, pigmentation or scars.
Does an oxygen facial hurt?
An oxygen facial does not usually hurt and needs no anesthesia. Most people describe a cool, pressurized mist moving across the face. Some serums can tingle briefly. If your skin stings or burns during treatment, say so straight away, because it may be a reaction to an ingredient.
How long does an oxygen facial last?
The plump, dewy look from an oxygen facial typically lasts a few days. Because the effect is mainly surface hydration, many people book it a day or two before an event. For longer-lasting hydration, treatments such as skin boosters work deeper and usually last months.
Is an oxygen facial safe during pregnancy?
An oxygen facial is generally considered low-risk in pregnancy because it does not use heat, needles or strong chemicals. The main thing to check is the serum: tell the clinic you are pregnant so products with retinoids or strong acids are avoided. Pregnancy can also make skin more sensitive and prone to pigment, so a gentle approach is wise.
Can I get an oxygen facial before a big event?
Yes. An oxygen facial is a common pre-event choice because it usually has no downtime and the glow peaks in the first day or two. If you have never had one, try it at least a week before an important event so you know how your skin reacts to the serum.
Can foreigners book a hydrating facial in Seoul?
Yes. Visitors and foreign residents can book a skin assessment and hydrating treatment at Hommage Clinic in Gangnam. Walk-ins are welcome, or book ahead for a set time; bring your passport for registration. Please contact us before your visit to arrange language support.
Does Hommage Clinic offer oxygen facials?
Hommage Clinic does not list a dedicated oxygen facial device. For the same goals, such as hydrated, calm and fresh-looking skin, Dr. Hwang Seonhwa may recommend LDM, a cryotherapy facial or Coreg Cell-Fit after assessing your skin.
Can oxygen get into the skin from a facial?
The skin's outer layer is a strong barrier, and the deeper skin receives its oxygen mainly from blood vessels below. Reviews of topical oxygen describe the evidence for lasting cosmetic effects as limited, so the glow is best explained by hydration, the serum and the cool mist.
Is an oxygen facial good for acne?
A small number of studies have tested topical oxygen as an add-on for mild acne, but they were small and not all had control groups. An oxygen facial is not a substitute for proven acne treatment. If you have breakouts, see acne treatment options first.
Oxygen facial vs HydraFacial: which is better?
It depends on your skin. An oxygen facial has no suction or exfoliation, so it is gentler and suits sensitive skin. A HydraFacial-style facial adds suction exfoliation and extraction, so it does more for congested pores. Both give a glow that lasts days, not months.
How often should I get an oxygen facial?
There is no proven schedule, because the effect does not build up over a course. Most people book one before an event or occasionally for a refresh. For lasting hydration, discuss skin boosters with your doctor.
Is an oxygen facial the same as hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
No. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical treatment in which you breathe oxygen in a pressurized chamber, used for conditions such as some chronic wounds. A cosmetic oxygen facial only sprays oxygen and serum onto the face, and the evidence for medical oxygen therapy does not apply to it.
Is an oxygen facial covered by insurance in Korea?
No. Cosmetic facials are not covered by Korea's National Health Insurance, and travel insurance rarely covers them. You receive a written quote before any treatment.
References
Sources used for this page, reviewed by Dr. Hwang Seonhwa. Read our editorial and medical review policy.
- Dermaplaning, topical oxygen, and photodynamic therapy: a systematic review of the literature. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2011;35(6):1151–1159. PubMed
- Bennardo L, Del Duca E, Dastoli S, Schipani G, Scali E, Silvestri M, Nisticò S. Potential applications of topical oxygen therapy in dermatology. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2018;8(4):272–276. Full text
This page is general information and does not replace a personal consultation. Illustrations are original works of Hommage Women's Clinic, Gangnam, Seoul; photos marked illustrative are not of patients.
Related skin treatments
HydraFacial-Style Facial
Suction-based cleansing, extraction and hydration for congested, dull skin.
LDM
Gentle ultrasound treatment the clinic uses for hydration and post-procedure soothing.
Cryotherapy Facial
Cooling care to calm heat, redness and puffiness, including after lasers.
Skin Barrier Repair
Care for dry, stinging or easily irritated skin with a weakened barrier.
LED Light Therapy Facial
Red, blue and near-infrared light for calming and acne-prone skin.
Skin Care for Hormonal Changes
How pregnancy, the pill and menopause affect skin, and pregnancy-safe options.
Want fresher skin without the guesswork?
Book a skin assessment with Dr. Hwang Seonhwa in Gangnam and get a clear explanation of which hydrating treatment suits your skin, and how long its effect will realistically last.
Hommage Clinic · 4F, Building A, 509 Gangnam-daero, Seoul (near Sinnonhyeon Station) · Mon & Fri 10:00–20:00 · Tue–Thu 10:00–19:00 · Sat 10:00–15:00