The method of cutaneous and subcutaneous administration of gaseous carbon-dioxide for cosmetic therapy, that is, to improve the texture and quality of skin is called carboxytherapy. The idea preliminarily originated in France in 1930s when it was observed that taking a bath in pools rich in gaseous carbon dioxide helps in rapid healing of wounds. This benefit of carbon dioxide gas is now used in cosmetic therapy. Carboxytherapy is reported to have beneficial results in improving blood circulation, restoring skin’s elasticity, lessening of fat cells and reduction of cellulite.
The injection of carbon dioxide gas through the skin cells helps to dilate the blood vessels, resulting in improved flow of blood and oxygen through the skin. Carboxytherapy, in a way, makes the human heart to pump more oxygen in the blood by injecting a small amount of carbon dioxide. The blood vessels, in order to nullify the presence of carbon dioxide, carries more oxygen following a physiological principle, generally termed as ‘oxygen off-loading’. As a consequence, worn out cells of the skin gets rejuvenated. Thus, this therapy is used to minimise wrinkles and ageing of the skin.
Along with skin rejuvenation, carboxytherapy is used against :
1. Dark under-eye circles : Carboxytherapy improves the capillary network of the lower eyelid, thus increasing the blood circulation
2. Stretch marks : The injection of carbon dioxide gas helps in collagen formation of skin, thus helping in building the collagen matrix and increasing the thickness of the skin.
3. Fat and cellulite reduction : A specific technique of injecting gaseous carbon dioxide into the fat cells is used, such that, the gas becomes toxic to the fat cells making them burst and subsequently eliminate from the body.
These applications of carboxytherapy makes it one of the most popular skin rejuvenation treatment. It is considered a breakthrough in cosmetic therapy. This treatment with carbon dioxide is least invasive. The patients will only bear a bruise at the spot of injection for a few days, and are generally prescribed not to involve in any vigorous exercises for a couple of hours after the treatment.The period of treatment depends on the severity of the problem. Six to twelve treatments, of fifteen to thirty minutes each, spaced one week apart, yield desired results. However, proper caution are advised to be taken and persons with breathing problems or asthma are generally suggested to refrain from carboxytherapy.
