Use of Carboxytherapy in Dermatologic, Cosmetic Concerns

Carboxytherapy injections have demonstrated successful results in treating several dermatologic and cosmetic concerns, such as skin aging, cellulite, alopecia, and more.

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“Carboxytherapy, also known as carbon dioxide therapy or carbocrenotherapy is defined as intradermal and/or subcutaneous microinjections of sterile purified carbon dioxide into different parts of the body for therapeutic aims,” authors of a recent review¹ wrote. “This modality is considered as a safe minimally invasive one used for rejuvenation, restoration, and recondition of the skin.”

Due to the treatment’s vasodilation and intradermal collagen reorganization effects, carboxytherapy is used predominantly in aesthetic dermatology.

According to the review, article authors sought to explore the several uses of carboxytherapy and compile a list of previously successful uses (based on prior research and data) in various indications, including:

• Alopecia (areata and androgenetic)
• Cellulite
• Infraorbital hyperpigmentation
• Localized fat deposits
• Lymphedema
• Morphea and en Coup de Saber
• Psoriasis
• Scars
• Skin aging
• Striae distensae
• Vitiligo

Currently, there are 2 methods of carboxytherapy application. These include continuous and bolus administration. Article authors included both methods of application in their analysis. Injections can be done intradermally, intracutaneously, or subcutaneously (subdermally).

In their analysis, article authors found that carboxytherapy was effective in skin aging treatment due to its ability to stimulate collagen, elastic fiber synthesis, and improvements to collagen fiber morphometry.

In instances of alopecia, authors found that prior studies demonstrated the statistically significant efficacy of carboxytherapy in treating alopecia. Additionally, carboxytherapy led to significant improvements in skin crusting, redness, dryness, healing, and edema, as well as increased rates of hair growth.

Women with cellulite have also historically benefitted from carboxytherapy, according to authors. In one study mentioned in the review, women receiving the treatment experienced statically significant weight loss and reductions in both abdomen and thigh circumferences. Additionally, carboxytherapy has led to an overall reduction of cellulite.

In skin conditions such as psoriasis, prior studies have proven that carboxytherapy may serve as a promising method of therapy. In instances of patients with vitiligo, authors wrote that past research demonstrated that when coupled with narrowband-ultraviolet B treatment, carboxytherapy resulted in greater repigmentation and participant satisfaction. 

"Up to now, few studies have been performed assessing the role of this modality in the field of dermatology and cosmetology,” article authors wrote. “More robust studies are needed to explore the importance of carboxytherapy in managing different skin disorders and aesthetic conditions.”

Reference

1. Bagherani N, Smoller BR, Tavoosidana G, Ghanadan A, Wollina U, Lotti T. An overview of the role of carboxytherapy in dermatology. Journ of Cosmetic Dermatol. 2023. doi:10.1111/jocd.15741