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When I think of skincare, I usually picture serums, moisturisers, and sunscreen neatly lined up on my vanity. But skincare and hair care are far more than just applying oils and serums outside; rather, it’s more about infusing your skin and hair with modern science-led therapies that can do wonders if taken regularly with caution.
Instead of relying solely on promises or viral ingredients, these treatments focus on understanding the underlying causes of concerns such as pigmentation, acne, premature ageing, hair thinning, dandruff and scalp imbalance. Advances in dermatology, trichology and cosmetic science have made it possible to develop targeted therapies that are guided by evidence and tailored to individual needs.
However, science-led does not necessarily mean one-size-fits-all. Skin type, hair condition, medical history, lifestyle and the underlying cause of a concern all play an important role in determining the right approach. With professional guidance and realistic expectations, science-backed therapies can offer a more structured and informed path to healthier-looking skin and hair.
That’s when I, as a Beauty Editor, decided to undertake and review these science-led therapies. And The Wellness & Co. Retreat at Karma Lakelands offered me the chance to try them as well.
“Integration is no longer a trend; it is a modern need. Modern science-based therapies with the wisdom of traditional Ayurveda, along with mental wellbeing practices like sound healing, yoga, meditation, and naturopathy, can be beneficial for your overall skin and hair health”, says Dr Abhilasha Bharadwaj, Ayurveda Physician, The Wellness & Co. Retreat, Karma Lakelands.
Nestled amidst lush greenery, the Wellness retreat offers the perfect backdrop for wellness-focused therapies, combined with expert-led skincare education, advanced skin diagnostics, and holistic wellness practices to create an experience that feels both luxurious and science-led.
Dr Bharadwaj lists down 6 science-backed therapies that can do wonders for your skin and hair if taken regularly and with caution.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves breathing concentrated oxygen inside a pressurised chamber. The increased pressure allows the body to take in more oxygen than it normally does. During a session, you sit or lie comfortably inside the chamber while breathing oxygen through a mask or hood, depending on the setup. HBOT is commonly used in medical settings for specific conditions and recovery support. Sessions are supervised by trained professionals, and the duration and pressure levels can vary depending on individual needs and the treatment plan.
Benefits:
- Increases oxygen delivery to tissues
- Supports faster recovery and healing
- Reduces inflammation
- Enhances energy and mental clarity
Skin & Hair Benefits: Boosts collagen production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles; improves tone, texture, and radiance; helps calm inflammatory skin conditions like acne and rosacea. For hair, it improves circulation around follicles, early research shows encouraging (though not yet conclusive) improvements in follicle density and hair volume.
Ideal for Skin/Hair Conditions: Acne, rosacea, fine lines/wrinkles, photoaging (sun-damaged skin), hair thinning/hair loss (supportive, emerging use)
Who Should Avoid (Skin/Hair): No specific skin/hair contraindications identified beyond the general precautions (e.g., untreated pneumothorax, certain lung conditions or ear infections)
Side Effects — Skin/Hair (If any): No significant skin/hair-specific side effects reported in available literature.
Who is it ideal for:
- Individuals recovering from injury or surgery
- Athletes
- Those experiencing fatigue, brain fog, or inflammation
Who should avoid:
- Individuals with untreated pneumothorax
- Those with certain lung conditions or ear infections
- Anyone with uncontrolled fever (unless medically cleared)
Side effects (If any): Temporary ear pressure or popping; mild fatigue after the session (rare)
Far Infrared Sauna
A Far Infrared Sauna uses infrared light to gently warm the body rather than heating the surrounding air like a traditional sauna. The experience is generally comfortable and can feel less intense than conventional sauna sessions. Features may include adjustable temperature settings, a relaxing enclosed space and infrared panels designed to deliver far infrared heat. Sessions typically involve sitting inside the sauna for a set period while sweating. Staying hydrated before and after a session is important, particularly because sweating can lead to fluid loss.
Benefits:
- Promotes detoxification through deep sweating
- Relieves muscle and joint pain
- Improves circulation
- Supports relaxation and stress reduction
Skin & Hair Benefits: Deep sweating helps clear impurities from pores, supporting clearer skin and reduced breakouts; research shows far-infrared exposure can increase collagen production and suppress UV-related skin ageing. For hair, improved scalp circulation helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to follicles.
Ideal for Skin/Hair Conditions: Clogged pores/acne-prone skin, premature skin ageing, dandruff and dry scalp (indirect benefit)
Who Should Avoid (Skin/Hair): Active skin infections or open wounds exposed to direct heat; very sensitive or sunburned skin
Side Effects — Skin/Hair (If any): Temporary flushing or redness from heat exposure; possible skin dryness if not adequately hydrated
Who is it ideal for:
- Individuals seeking detoxification
- Those with muscle stiffness or chronic aches
- Anyone looking to relax and improve circulation
Who should avoid:
- Pregnant women (unless approved by a physician)
- Individuals with uncontrolled heart conditions
- Those with severe dehydration or acute illness
Side effects (If any): Mild dehydration; temporary dizziness if not adequately hydrated.
Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC)
Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures (think-110 degrees Celsius) for a short, controlled period. During a session, a person stands in a specialised cryotherapy chamber while the body is exposed to very cold air. The head generally remains outside the chamber in many setups. Sessions are brief and supervised, with protective clothing such as gloves, socks and footwear usually provided. Cryotherapy centres may offer WBC as part of wellness and recovery programmes. It should only be performed using appropriate equipment and professional supervision.
Benefits:
- Reduces inflammation and muscle soreness
- Accelerates post-workout recovery
- Boosts mood and energy
- May improve sleep quality
Skin & Hair Benefits: Increases circulation and cell turnover, contributing to brighter, more even skin tone and smoother texture; also shows anti-inflammatory benefit for skin conditions like eczema. Anecdotally linked to faster hair and nail growth from the circulation boost, though robust clinical evidence specific to hair remains limited.
Ideal for Skin/Hair Conditions: Eczema and inflammatory/itchy skin conditions, uneven skin tone, dull skin.
Who Should Avoid (Skin/Hair): Open wounds, active skin infections, or frostbite-prone/cold-sensitive skin conditions (e.g., cryoglobulinemia, cold urticaria)
Side Effects — Skin/Hair (If any): Temporary skin redness or numbness; rare risk of frostbite if skin isn’t kept dry and protected during the session
Who is it ideal for:
- Athletes
- Individuals with muscle pain or inflammation
- Those seeking recovery and enhanced performance
Who should avoid:
- Individuals with uncontrolled hypertension
- People with severe cardiovascular disease
- Those with cold-related disorders (e.g., Raynaud’s disease)
Side effects (If any): Temporary skin redness or numbness; mild tingling sensation after cold exposure.
Collagen Bed Therapy
A Collagen Bed is a wellness device designed to combine specific light wavelengths, often red and near-infrared light, with a relaxing bed-like setup. These devices are commonly marketed for supporting the appearance of skin and promoting a spa-like relaxation experience. Depending on the model, a collagen bed may feature built-in light panels, adjustable session settings and a comfortable surface for lying down. Treatment time can vary between devices. It is important to check the manufacturer’s instructions and understand that results and benefits can differ from person to person.
Benefits:
- Stimulates collagen production
- Improves skin elasticity and texture
- Supports skin rejuvenation
- Promotes a healthy, radiant complexion
Skin & Hair Benefits: Stimulates collagen synthesis for firmer, more elastic skin and a more radiant complexion. Improves hair follicular growth.
Ideal for Skin/Hair Conditions: Skin ageing, sagging/loss of elasticity, dull complexion
Who Should Avoid (Skin/Hair): Photosensitive skin conditions; individuals on photosensitising medications (unless medically advised)
Side Effects — Skin/Hair (If any): Rare, mild skin sensitivity
Who is it ideal for:
- Individuals concerned about skin ageing
- Those seeking non-invasive skin rejuvenation
- Anyone wanting healthier-looking skin
Who should avoid:
- Individuals with photosensitive conditions
- Those taking photosensitising medications (unless medically advised)
Side effects (If any): Rare, mild skin sensitivity
PEMF AND Negative Ion Therapy
PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy uses electromagnetic pulses delivered through specialised equipment, while negative ion therapy exposes users to negatively charged ions in the surrounding air. Wellness centres may combine these technologies in a single session. PEMF devices can include mats, pads or other applicators, depending on the system. Negative ion equipment may be designed to create a fresh-air-like environment. Session length and intensity vary by device. These therapies are often offered as complementary wellness treatments, rather than replacements for conventional medical care or prescribed treatment.
Benefits:
- Promotes relaxation
- May improve mood and mental clarity
- Supports stress reduction
- Creates a calming environment
Skin & Hair Benefits: It helps hair follicles, increases skin collagen production and supports overall cellular renewal.
Ideal for Skin/Hair Conditions: Skin Laxity and wrinkles, Androgenic Alopecia, Scalp micro-inflammation
- Who Should Avoid (Skin/Hair): Those with specific medical concerns should consult a physician
Side Effects — Skin/Hair (If any): No
Who is it ideal for:
- Individuals experiencing stress
- Those seeking relaxation and improved well-being
- Anyone looking for a calming wellness experience
Who should avoid:
- Generally safe for most individuals
- Those with specific medical concerns should consult a physician
Side effects (If any): No significant side effects reported
IV Therapy (offered for different categories, depending on individual’s health goals)
IV Therapy delivers fluids, vitamins, minerals or other nutrients directly into a vein through an intravenous line. Because the ingredients enter the bloodstream directly, the treatment does not require digestion. Depending on the clinic and formulation, IV therapy may include fluids and selected nutrients based on individual requirements. A typical session involves sitting or reclining while a healthcare professional administers the infusion. The contents should be chosen carefully after considering a person’s health and nutritional needs. IV therapy should always be administered by a qualified medical professional in an appropriate clinical setting.
Benefits:
- Rapid hydration
- Replenishes vitamins and minerals
- Supports immunity and recovery
- Boosts energy levels
Skin & Hair Benefits: With targeted formulations (Biotin, Vitamin C, Glutathione), it directly supports keratin production for stronger hair and nails, boosts collagen synthesis for firmer skin, and glutathione’s antioxidant action helps brighten complexion and reduce oxidative skin damage. Delivered intravenously for higher bioavailability than oral supplements.
Ideal for Skin/Hair Conditions: Brittle/thinning hair, biotin deficiency, dull or uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation/dark spots, nutrient-deficiency-related skin and hair issues.
Who Should Avoid (Skin/Hair): Known allergies to specific vitamin/mineral ingredients used in the formulation (e.g., biotin, glutathione).
Side Effects — Skin/Hair (If any): Rare allergic skin reactions to specific ingredients; mild bruising or discomfort at the injection site (not skin/hair-specific)
Who is it ideal for:
- Individuals with dehydration
- Frequent travellers
- Athletes
- Those seeking wellness and recovery support
Who should avoid:
- Individuals with kidney failure
- Certain heart conditions causing fluid overload
- Anyone with allergies to IV ingredients
Side effects (If any): Mild bruising at the injection site; temporary discomfort during insertion; rare allergic reactions.
As these therapies are expensive and require regular sessions, here are some affordable options for you to try at home. But I advise you to consult a physician before taking these therapies.
