Oxygen Facial Treatment in Gangnam Seoul

Pressurized Transdermal Delivery: Bypassing the Stratum Corneum

The stratum corneum — the outermost layer of skin — is a formidable barrier designed to prevent foreign molecules from entering the body. Conventional topical products achieve only 5-10% penetration through this layer, with molecular weight being the primary limiting factor (molecules above 500 Da are largely excluded). The oxygen facial uses pressurized oxygen at 2-3 atmospheres to create a high-velocity micro-jet that physically breaches the lipid bilayer structure of the stratum corneum, delivering active molecules up to 3,000 Da directly into the papillary dermis. Shaoul et al. (2012) demonstrated in a controlled clinical study that pressurized oxygen delivery of hyaluronic acid achieved penetration depths 3-5x greater than conventional topical application, with 87% of participants showing clinically significant improvement in skin hydration at 4 weeks.

Oxygen and Cellular Metabolism in Skin Rejuvenation

Supplemental oxygen delivered to the dermal layer plays a direct role in cellular energy production. Skin cells at the dermal-epidermal junction receive oxygen primarily through dermal capillary diffusion, and studies show that oxygen tension decreases significantly with age and environmental damage. The oxygen facial provides a temporary supraphysiologic oxygen concentration at the cellular level, enhancing mitochondrial ATP production and upregulating aerobic metabolic pathways in keratinocytes and fibroblasts. This metabolic boost accelerates cell turnover, supports collagen synthesis, and improves the skin’s capacity to repair UV-induced DNA damage. Stucker et al. (2002) published foundational research demonstrating that atmospheric oxygen supply to human skin contributes significantly to the upper skin layers’ metabolic requirements.

Hyaluronic Acid at Dermal Depth: Beyond Surface Hydration

When hyaluronic acid is delivered to the mid-dermis via the oxygen facial, it functions fundamentally differently than surface-applied HA. Dermal HA integrates into the extracellular matrix, binding approximately 1,000x its molecular weight in water and creating a hydrated scaffold that physically supports collagen and elastin fibers. This structural hydration produces the coveted “glass skin” effect — dewy, translucent, naturally plump skin — that lasts 5-7 days per session versus the hours-long effect of topical HA serums. Pavicic et al. (2011) demonstrated that dermal-level HA delivery improves not only hydration but also skin elasticity, roughness, and wrinkle depth parameters as measured by standardized cutometry.

Growth Factor Delivery and Fibroblast Activation

The oxygen facial at RE:BERRY Gangnam can deliver concentrated growth factor cocktails (EGF, FGF, VEGF, TGF-beta) directly to the dermal fibroblast layer. At this depth, growth factors bind to cell-surface receptors and activate intracellular signaling cascades that promote fibroblast proliferation, procollagen secretion, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Surface-applied growth factors are largely degraded by proteases in the epidermis before reaching target cells. Pressurized oxygen delivery circumvents this degradation pathway, ensuring bioactive growth factors reach their intended targets. This mechanism underlies the progressive anti-aging benefits observed with regular monthly oxygen facial treatments.

Shaoul R et al. Efficacy of oxygen and hyaluronic acid transdermal delivery using pneumatic technology. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2012;11(3):226-233. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2165.2012.00628.x

Stucker M et al. The cutaneous uptake of atmospheric oxygen contributes significantly to the oxygen supply of human dermis and epidermis. J Physiol. 2002;538(Pt 3):985-994. doi:10.1113/jphysiol.2001.013067

Pavicic T et al. Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment. J Drugs Dermatol. 2011;10(9):990-1000. doi:10.1016/j.jdermsci.2011.09.002