While there are many facial products for washing and cleansing the face, in Asian countries like Korea and Japan, there's a popular way to do this using sparkling or carbonated water. More commonly known as soda water or club soda, Asian women either soak their face in the bubbly or dab their faces with the water using cotton pads.
"The idea is that instead of using just plain mineral water, they use carbonated water as well, creating a treatment that is even more nourishing and beneficial," said Korean beauty blogger Alicia Yoon, via The Coveteur.
Many spas in Korea offer this treatment. "The reason some aestheticians love this treatment, other than for its simplicity and timelessness, is because the mineral water can help keep the cells between collagen fibers strong, aiding overall firmness and plumpness of the skin," Yoon added. Carbonated water also doesn't react and irritate any skin type, so many aesthetic clinics prefer it.
The popularity of this beauty treatment has brought forth products that produce the same effect as carbonated water, such as the Loveheart Sparkling Powder from Wish Trend, or the Vita Lemon Sparkling Powder from Peach and Lily. Mixed in clean water, the powder becomes a bubbly face bath that promises to deliver seven beauty results: brightening, hydrating, firming, balancing, exfoliating, oil control and cleaning, according to Into The Gloss.
However, the facial treatment bears no scientific significance, according to experts. "Carbonated water has been reported to cause vasodilation (dilated capillaries), which would improve delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin," Dr. Emily M. Wise, a dermatologist, told Today. "However, there have never been any studies in dermatology literature to validate the specific claims made by this trend."
But while aesthetician Kate Somerville agrees with the experts she theorizes that, "the CO2 could reduce skin's pH level, which might offer some exfoliation properties," according to Today.
To do the carbonated water facial wash, either in powder form or with sparking water, follow the tips below:
1. Mix carbonated water or sparkling powder with mineral water or regular water in a clean basin. If you're using actual carbonated water, the ratio with the other type of water should be 1:1. If you're using powder form, follow the directions in the packet.
2. Soak your face in the mixture. Ideally, this should only take ten to fifteen seconds, but there are others who soak for as long as they can hold their breath under the water. "The idea is that this shouldn't be overdone, and should be carefully monitored to see how one's skin reacts in order to find that sweet spot of how long your skin should be soaking for," Yoon told The Coveteur.
3. Clean your face with a soft cloth or towel afterwards.
Facial cleansing using carbonated water is recommended at least once or twice a week only.
