Topical Carboxytherapy for Skin Rejuvenation

Driven by public demand, new safe and effective approaches for achieving dermal rejuvenation are continuously being developed. Recently, there has been growing interest and advances in carbon dioxide therapy, or carboxytherapy. Based on the Bohr effect, carboxytherapy enhances the release of O₂ from the blood into the surrounding tissues in response to increased blood CO₂. Injections of CO₂ promote wound healing, reduced scar tissue, and increase collagen turnover, making it a useful tool for achieving a broad range of aesthetic benefits. A significant advancement in CO₂ technology is the development of a topical gel for the transcutaneous release of carbon dioxide (CO₂ Lift. Lumisque, Inc., Weston FL). Similar to the changes observed following CO₂ injections, the application CO₂ gel increases microcirculation and capillary growth. For example, applying a CO₂ gel mask after skin rejuvenation procedures, such as nanofractional radiofrequency therapy, is a safe and effective means to improve clinical outcomes and reduce treatment-related adverse events. The following manuscript is a review and discussion based on a roundtable discussion conducted at the Generational Dermatology Symposium in Rancho Mirage, California, on February 16-19, 2023. The use of carboxytherapy using a CO₂ gel represents a new multi-purpose new for medical, aesthetic, pediatric, and female health practitioners for improving patient skin health and appearance.