Hannah Gay discovers there is more to Pollogen’s Glo2Facial than just a relaxing experience.
It’s no secret to skin experts that oxygen plays a vital role in the health of the skin. When we think back to biology basics, we know that like most living organisms, the skin requires oxygen to survive and thrive.
Apart from the stratum corneum, oxygen is consumed by the epidermis and dermis. It’s broadly understood that oxygen can benefit the skin via wound healing, moisture retainment and the absorption of nutrients.
Much of the research conducted today on the role oxygen plays on the skin stems from the discovery of The Bohr Effect in 1904. Lisa Williams, Co-Founder and General Manager at Professional Beauty Solutions (PBS) describes The Bohr Effect as “the process when the concentration of CO2 on the skin increases. The haemoglobin in the body then sends a surge of oxygen through the skin, oxygenating it from the inside out.” It’s via this process that every layer of the epidermis is oxygenated, not just the outermost layers, Lisa argues.
PBS is the Australian distributor for Pollogen – a supplier of professional aesthetic devices used in salons and clinics globally. The brand is regarded for its Geneo (and soon-to-launch GeneoX) technology, responsible for the exciting Glo2Facial. This treatment “uses a patented process called Oxfoliation that simultaneously oxygenates and exfoliates the skin,” Lisa tells me. “It creates a CO2-rich environment on the skin’s surface that removes dead skin cells while also triggering the Bohr effect within the body.” This is done using three technologies in one: Tripollar RF, Oxygeneo and Ultrasound.
Offerings like Glo2Facial have gained popularity in recent years as knowledge of the benefits of oxygen infusion to the skin has grown. “An increase in oxygen promotes cellular repair and regeneration to improve the skin’s hydration, tone, and texture,” adds Lisa. With this in mind, I was keen to jump on the trend and try the treatment out for myself.
I visited Vaia Skin and Beauty in Sydney’s East to experience the Glo2Facial. I was treated by skin therapist Sam, who toured me through their stylish, light-drenched space. I cosied up under the covers of my treatment bed, before Sam commenced a double cleanse. TriPollar gel was applied to my entire face, followed by a 20-minute radio frequency session to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin fibers. Gel was then removed using a hot towel.
[left to right] Vaia Skin and Beauty / Vaia skin therapist, Sam
After careful consultation, Sam recommended the Glam Oxygeneo Serum from a choice of seven targeted and customisable ingredient combinations. The Glam OxyPod is elected to tackle signs of ageing by preventing collagen and moisture loss. Once the serum is applied, the oxygenation process can begin.
“Our patented Oxfoliation technology occurs when the Glo2Facial OxyPods react with the Primer Gel to gently exfoliate the skin and create a bubbly, CO2-rich environment on the skin’s surface,” Lisa explains. “The body then responds by sending a surge of oxygen to the skin, which creates ideal conditions to nourish and transform the skin from the inside-out.”
From the perspective of the receiver, this process created what can only be described as a ‘spicy’ sensation on the skin. Not painful, it felt like little more than a rigorous granular cleanse with the sensation fading within 30 seconds of moving to a new area of the face. By combining exfoliation and oxygenation of the skin, the treatment’s most visible plumping and brightening effects can occur.
Once my pores were unclogged and my skin was prepped for maximum ingredient absorption, Sam conducted an additional cleanse. I was then treated to a spot of LED – a Vaia Beauty specialty. As a final step, Sam used the ultrasound handpiece to infuse Glam Serum into my skin. This provided a healthy and hydrated finish. An eye cream, SPF and lip balm were also applied. “With three proven technologies in the one device (across three separate handpieces), these functions can be used separately as stand-alone treatments or in conjunction for enhanced skin rejuvenation results,” Lisa adds.
And she’s not wrong – my pesky smile lines had seemingly disappeared into oblivion. I looked as though I was wearing a filter, and that any signs of ageing had simply dissipated. For the remainder of the day, my barrier felt plump and strong. While other intensive treatments can leave my skin feeling weak, it felt as though my skin had developed an additional line of defense.
“Unlike other devices on the market, the GeneoX is a non-vacuum device which means it won’t damage the skin,” Lisa says. “Therefore, it is safe for use on all skin types (including sensitive skin), in capillary-rich areas of the face such as the nose, and on the sensitive skin around the eyes and mouth.”
To learn more on the GeneoX by Pollogen, call Professional Beauty Solutions on 1800 625 387 or enquire online here.
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