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.