Medical solutions

Does Perineal Massage Before Birth Really Work?

Published

5 years ago

October 16, 2021

As a soon to be mum, you’ll receive a lot of advice, both solicited and unsolicited. It can be overwhelming, particularly because you don’t want to ignore any tips that could help you deliver your baby safely.

In addition to the mountains of advice, you’re also probably dealing with fear. A common fear, especially among first-time moms, is that their vagina will tear while giving birth. This phenomenon is called a perineal tear. Serious cases of perineal tearing are rare but when they do occur, they might need surgery.

The less serious cases are common. Some heal on their own while others require stitches and a few weeks to heal.

In any case, it’s important to do what is best not only for the safety of your baby but also for your sake. This means taking the necessary precautions to ensure that you don’t experience any level of tearing while giving birth.

And that brings us to perineal massage. If you’ve heard of perineal tearing, you’ve probably heard that doing perineal massage before birth is one way to prevent it. In fact, most sources claim that it’s the only way. What you are not sure about is whether it really works. Let’s find out.

The Origins of Perineal Massage

Traditionally, under the supervision of midwives, pregnant women in the west have been doing perineal massage. However, it is reported that perineal massage was first done in Africa, and that it was discovered by a German doctor, who then tried it back home.

There seems to be a world of difference between the version of perineal massage done now and the one done in Africa. The African version can be more aptly referred to as Birth Canal Widening. It was done using gourds of increasing sizes, and was found to be effective.

This has evolved into a less scary sounding version. Nowadays, rather than gourds, perineal massage is done using fingers, and with the help of a range of perineal massage oils.

Why It’s Done

The primary goal of perineal massage is to reduce the amount of strain that the baby goes through in the final thirty minutes of labor. It’s also done to prevent vaginal tearing and to eliminate the need for an episiotomy, which permanently damages the pelvic floor muscles. An episiotomy is when the delivering physician makes an incision in the perineum to provide more space for the baby to come out.

An episiotomy involves cutting through the nerves that lead to the pelvic floor, which increases the probability of the mother developing a prolapse in the future.

How it Works

Perineal massage makes the area between the vagina and the anus (the perineum) more supple and elastic. Combined with pelvic floor exercises, it also trains you as a mum to relax your pelvic floor, so that the baby can come out more easily.

By gently stretching the perineum and gradually increasing the pressure you apply during the massage, you increase the stretching ability of your perineum. Before birth, and without perineal massage, the birth canal is 2cm wide. Perineal massage before birth can progressively stretch this diameter to 10cm. This greatly reduces the chances of perineal tear and eliminates the need of an episiotomy. It ensures that the baby’s head comes out much more easily.

The use of perineal massage oil is important, as it reduces muscle tension, while softening the skin, which ultimately makes the massage more effective. Sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, and grape seed oil are some of the best options.

What Science Says About Perineal Massage

A range of clinical trials have been performed to scientifically determine the efficacy of perineal massage in preventing vaginal tearing. As early as 2006, these trials revealed that if you want to avoid an episiotomy, perineal massage is the way to go.

Subsequent studies have confirmed that perineal massage does reduce episiotomies. Further, they have found that the use of a vaginal dilatator before birth increases the chances of an intact perineum.

Conclusion

By all accounts, perineal massage does seem to work. And if professional midwives have been using it to safely deliver babies, why go against them? As far as the problem of differentiating between good and bad advice goes, this seems like good advice. And while perineal massage may not guarantee that you won’t get even a little perineal tearing, there’s so much potential gain and nothing to lose.

Medical solutions

Oxygen Facial Treatments: What They Are, How They Work, and Why OxyGeneo Stands Apart

Published

3 weeks ago

April 5, 2026

Alexandra

The oxygen facial has captured the imagination of skin enthusiasts and celebrities alike — and for good reason. Oxygen is fundamental to every cellular process in the skin. When oxygen levels in the dermis are optimised, skin cell renewal accelerates, collagen synthesis improves, and the complexion takes on the dewy, luminous quality that no amount of surface-level product application can replicate. But not all oxygen facials are equal, and understanding how different approaches to skin oxygenation compare is essential to choosing the right treatment.

OxyGeneo oxygen facial four-step process diagram showing exfoliation, oxygenation, infusion, and enhancement stages alongside comparison table of oxygen facial versus traditional facial outcomes

What Is an Oxygen Facial?

An oxygen facial is a professional skin treatment that introduces elevated concentrations of oxygen to the skin — either through topical application, pressurised delivery, or by triggering the body’s own oxygenation response. The goal is to increase cellular oxygen levels in the epidermis and dermis, stimulating renewal, enhancing nutrient absorption, and producing an immediate brightening and plumping effect.

The market contains several distinct approaches to oxygen facial delivery. Pressurised oxygen machines spray oxygen and serums directly onto the skin surface. Hyperbaric oxygen chambers saturate the surrounding air. OxyGeneo, by contrast, takes a fundamentally different and clinically validated approach: rather than applying oxygen externally, it triggers the skin’s own natural oxygenation response from within — a mechanism based on the Bohr Effect.

The Bohr Effect: The Science Behind Internal Skin Oxygenation

The Bohr Effect is a well-established physiological principle: when CO₂ levels in the bloodstream rise, haemoglobin releases more oxygen to surrounding tissues. OxyGeneo harnesses this mechanism by creating a controlled CO₂ environment at the skin’s surface using the effervescent reaction between the OxyPod capsule and its complementary serum. The skin, sensing elevated surface CO₂, responds by sending oxygen-rich blood to the treatment area — increasing dermal oxygen concentration by up to 30% compared to baseline.

This internally-triggered oxygenation is more effective than topical oxygen application because it delivers oxygen through the vascular system — precisely where the skin’s fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and collagen-producing cells need it most.

OxyGeneo vs Pressurised Oxygen Facials: Key Differences

Feature	Pressurised O₂ Facial	OxyGeneo Technology
Oxygen delivery method	External — sprayed onto surface	Internal — Bohr Effect triggers blood oxygenation
Skin penetration depth	Epidermis only	Dermal layer via vascular response
Exfoliation included	Separate step required	Built-in via OxyPod effervescence
Active ingredient absorption	Standard	Enhanced by oxygenation + permeability increase
Evidence base	Anecdotal / limited	Clinical studies, Pollogen by Lumenis data
Downtime	None	None

The OxyPod System: Personalised Active Ingredients

What distinguishes the OxyGeneo oxygen facial experience from a standard oxygen treatment is the OxyPod system. Each OxyPod capsule contains a unique combination of active ingredients tailored to a specific skin concern. When combined with the complementary serum during treatment, the OxyPod creates the effervescent CO₂ reaction that triggers oxygenation while simultaneously releasing its active ingredients into freshly oxygenated, highly permeable skin.

Geneo Illuminate: Kojic acid, Vitamin C, and carrot extract for brightening and pigmentation correction.
Geneo Hydrate: Blue spirulina, niacinamide, and lactobionic acid for deep hydration and barrier repair.
Geneo Revive: Almond oil and nourishing lipids for mature, dry skin requiring intensive renewal.
Geneo Clarify: Charcoal and purifying actives for congested, oily skin.
Geneo Energize: Cocoa bean, caffeine, and cinnamon oil for dull, fatigued skin needing circulation boost.

Immediate and Cumulative Benefits

One of the reasons oxygen facials are so popular is their ability to deliver visible results after a single session. The OxyGeneo treatment produces immediate improvements in skin luminosity, hydration, and texture that are noticeable within hours. With a course of treatments — typically 4–6 sessions spaced 1–2 weeks apart — cumulative benefits including improved skin tone evenness, reduced fine lines, and lasting hydration enhancement become progressively more apparent.

Who Is the Oxygen Facial Right For?

Dull, tired complexions: The oxygenation response immediately revitalises sluggish cellular activity and produces a visible glow.
Pre-event preparation: Oxygen facials are consistently popular as pre-wedding, pre-party treatments because of the immediate brightening and smoothing effect.
Sensitive skin: The OxyGeneo mechanism is non-aggressive — no harsh abrasives, no microneedling — making it suitable for sensitive and reactive skin types.
All skin types: The OxyPod customisation system allows the oxygen facial to be tailored to oily, dry, combination, or mature skin.
Pigmentation and uneven tone: Oxygen-enhanced delivery of brightening actives makes the oxygen facial highly effective for pigmentation concerns when combined with the appropriate OxyPod.

Conclusion

The oxygen facial has evolved significantly from its origins as a celebrity pre-event treatment. OxyGeneo technology represents the most clinically advanced approach to skin oxygenation available: triggering the body’s own vascular oxygenation response, enhancing active ingredient absorption, and delivering personalised treatment through the OxyPod system — all without downtime and suitable for every skin type. For those seeking a luminous, hydrated, and renewed complexion, an OxyGeneo oxygen facial is among the most evidence-backed choices available.

Health And Beauty

Geneo+ vs. Oxygeneo: A Comparative Analysis

In the ever-evolving world of skincare, finding the right treatment for your skin can be a daunting task. Among the innovative solutions available, Geneo+ and Oxygeneo stand out as popular choices for those seeking rejuvenated, youthful skin. But how do these treatments differ, and which one is truly the best option for you? In this comprehensive analysis, we will delve into the unique features, benefits, and outcomes of Geneo+ and Oxygeneo. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skincare routine or simply curious about the latest in facial treatments, understanding these options will empower you to make an informed decision for your skin’s health and beauty. Join us as we explore the ultimate showdown between Geneo+ and Oxygeneo, and discover which treatment reigns supreme in delivering radiant results.

Published

2 years ago

September 21, 2024

Marks Strand

Geneo+ and Oxygeneo are both innovative facial rejuvenation technologies that offer a range of benefits for improving skin health and appearance. While they share some similarities, there are key differences between the two technologies.

Geneo+

Geneo+ is a three-in-one facial treatment that combines exfoliation, oxygenation, and nutrient infusion. It uses a unique capsule technology to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin while simultaneously exfoliating dead skin cells. Geneo+ also incorporates radiofrequency (RF) technology to stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity.

Oxygeneo

Oxygeneo is another innovative facial treatment that combines exfoliation, oxygenation, and infusion. It uses a patented technology to infuse oxygen and nutrients into the skin while gently exfoliating. Oxygeneo also offers the option of adding a variety of serums to target specific skin concerns.

Oxygeneo

Key Differences Between Geneo+ and Oxygeneo

Feature	Geneo+	Oxygeneo
Capsule Technology	Yes	No
Radio Frequency (RF)	Yes	No
Customizable Serums	No	Yes
Exfoliation Method	Mechanical	Chemical

Benefits of Geneo+ and Oxygeneo

Both Geneo+ and Oxygeneo offer a range of benefits, including:

Improved skin texture: Both technologies can help to refine pores and smooth the skin’s surface.
Enhanced skin radiance: By removing dead skin cells and increasing oxygenation, both treatments can help to brighten the complexion.
Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: The RF technology in Geneo+ and the nutrient infusion in both treatments can help to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of aging signs.
Hydrated skin: Both treatments can help to improve skin hydration and plumpness.

Choosing the Right Treatment

The best treatment for you will depend on your specific skin concerns and preferences. It is recommended to consult with a qualified skincare professional to determine which technology is most suitable for your needs.

In conclusion, both Geneo+ and Oxygeneo offer innovative and effective facial rejuvenation treatments. While they share some similarities, there are key differences between the two technologies. By understanding these differences, you can make an informed decision about which treatment is right for you.

Medical solutions

Antimicrobial Resistance – Everything You Need to Know

The world is no stranger to antibiotics, and it’s not just prescribed for human use. Antimicrobial resistance has been an issue for some time, with the CDC estimating that many people die each year by infections caused by these diseases. Here are some things we need to know about antimicrobial resistance.

Published

4 years ago

September 22, 2022

Marks Strand

Microbes like fungi and bacteria are responsible for just about every common infection, ranging from flus to stomach viruses. They evolve over time and their primary function is to reproduce and spread quickly and efficiently—all the while causing mayhem in our bodies. They evolve to adapt to their environment and ensure they survive any combating efforts like antibiotics.

What Is Antimicrobial Resistance?

This term is used to describe the event where disease causing microbes evolve over time and no longer respond to medication. When microbes like bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses become drug resistant, infections are much harder to treat and the risk of disease spread increases.

Moreover, the severity of the illness escalates—sometimes to the point of death. The eventuality is infections being extremely difficult to treat, or impossible altogether.

antimicrobial resistance

Causes of Resistance

Antibiotic Overuse

The prevalence of resistant microbes is greatly enhanced by the inappropriate use of antimicrobials.

Sometimes, medical practitioners make the mistake of inappropriately prescribing antimicrobials only to appease patients demanding so because they have incessant infections. Antimicrobials can also be wrongly prescribed before a diagnosis is actually made.

As such, healthcare providers should exhaust all diagnostic options to ensure they get the diagnosis of the infection right. After diagnosis they now can prescribe a specific antimicrobial or a broad spectrum one.

As a medical practitioner, minimize both prescription and over prescription of antibiotics. Don’t prescribe antimicrobials just because the patient expects you to prescribe antibiotics. The reason for this is because sometimes the infections ailing the patients are viral and antibiotics don’t work on viruses.

Mutations

Microbes are notorious for constant mutations to both adapt and reproduce. The mutations allow them to evolve rapidly and adapt to new environmental conditions. Some of these mutations can help the individual microbe survive exposure to antimicrobials, resulting in antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Normally, antimicrobials kill microbes. If some microbes have developed resistance and don’t die, the resistant gene is then passed on to their offspring. For instance, bacteria multiply by the billions—terrifying I know.

Bacteria with the drug resistant gene may transfer a copy of this gene to other bacteria that was otherwise non-resistant. The newly resistant bacteria is now immune to antimicrobials and will now only thrive and multiply, rendering the whole idea of antimicrobials moot.

Other Potential Causes of Antimicrobial Resistance

Scientists have concluded that adding antibiotics to agricultural feed indeed does promote AMR. Most of the antibiotics produced actually are used for agricultural purposes. Be that as it may, it’s still foggy on whether drug resistant microbes in animals are a significant enough public health concern.

It is not uncommon for critically ill patients to develop infections necessitating some antimicrobial intervention. The increased use of antimicrobials can worsen the situation by selecting for antimicrobial resistant microbes.

The extensive use of the antimicrobials can be perceived as antibiotic overuse. This, coupled with close contact among the patients, creates the perfect environment for the spreading of drug resistant microbes.

Precautions like personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks and eye glasses should be used to combat this situation in hospitals. Moreover, it goes without saying that the hygiene in hospitals should be nothing short of impeccable.

Practices like handwashing or hand sanitization should be second nature. Hospital staff should also consistently practice appropriate handling and disposal of equipment like needles and clinical waste.

Some Common Drug-Resistant Microbes

There are several common drug resistant microbes but I’ll only mention one.

Staphylococcus Aureus

This pathogen is actually harmless and can be found on your skin or in your nose. This pathogen can however cause an infection once it finds itself inside a wound. It is resistant to lots of antimicrobials like methicillin.