Soda water for the face? Apparently, carbonated water facials (also known as sparkling/bubbly/seltzer water face treatments) have been the rage in Japan and Korea—the two leading countries in terms of skincare innovation—for a couple of years now. Several of their high-end and elite spas offer this treatment to their clients. Before you dismiss it as just another popular but useless fad, try and read on first.
What Is Sparkling Water & Why Is It Good For You?
Sparkling water is just water into which carbon dioxide gas under pressure has been dissolved. It may or may not have additives mixed into it. Everyone knows it’s delicious when taken as a beverage but a few bright individuals have found out that applying it onto the skin brings great results. Beauty bloggers around the world swear by this treatment’s effectiveness. Fans of the sparkling water facial say it not only purifies the skin but also firms and brightens it up, tightens the pores, revitalizes the complexion, and removes dead skin cells without being too harsh or causing irritation. Moreover, blackheads also seem less noticeable after treatment. This facial is also compatible with all skin types. Sounds absolutely amazing, right?
How Does It Work?
Since the carbonated water is slightly acidic, it is deemed by aestheticians to be good for exfoliating the skin. The bubbles deliver oxygen deeper into the skin’s barrier causing it to look firmer and smoother while the mineral water is said to help keep the skin cells strong and plump by keeping it hydrated well. The facial also tones down puffy areas and gives the skin a more supple look overall.
Can You Do This At Home?
As mentioned before, some spas do offer this treatment using a SodaStream machine but you can do this at home as well and for cheaper. There are three ways of doing this facial.
The Dunking Method
1. Wash your face, as usual, using your regular cleanser. Make sure your skin is completely free of dirt, grime, and makeup for maximum results.
2. Mix one part mineral water to an equal part of plain carbonated water in a clean basin. The ratio of each part of the mixture should always be equal to avoid skin irritation from the harshness of the fizzing in the sparkling water.
3. There are two methods of doing this. The first being to soak your entire face into the basin and hold your breath for as long as you are able. However, I strongly suggest you make sure to carefully observe your skin and discover which method is best for you, because overdoing it can lead to an undesirable skin reaction.
4. Pat your skin dry using a face towel.
The Dabbing Method
The second way is to soak cotton pads into the mixture and dab it on the skin for several seconds. First, your face will feel tingly and even a little warm. Don’t worry, it’s normal. Once you wipe it off, your skin will feel 10xs cleaner and much more refreshed.
If you do this once or twice a week keeping in mind that, less is more. In a month or so, you’ll see a noticeable difference in your skin. Then again if you don't feel like doing either of those methods, there are tons of products that mimic sparkling water facials, and their results. I have linked a few below.
Products
The GIVENCHY BEAUTY Hydra Sparkling One-Minute Glow Powder is a micro-peeling powder that deeply exfoliates the skin working to detoxify and soften it.
TATCHA Rice Enzyme Powder, made of Japanese rice bran and green tea, starts off as a powder. Once water is added, the powder transforms into a foaming exfoliator. It works to brighten, even, and smooth skin. The best part about this product though is that TATCHA has more than one version of this powder made specifically for each skin type.
JEJU Sparkling Cleansing Water is a Korean product that is basically a bought version of the DIY sparkling water concoction. It can be used as a deep cleanser or a makeup remover, and results in intensely hydrated and tightened skin.
