Carboxy (CO2) Therapy

In the clinic: medical CO2 is injected subcutaneously via a 30G needle across the target area. Within minutes, the tissue's CO2 concentration spikes, triggering the Bohr effect — hemoglobin releases oxygen into surrounding tissue at a higher rate. The increased oxygen stimulates fibroblast activity, microcirculation, and collagen synthesis over the following days. At home: a two-component gel mask is mixed on the skin; the chemical reaction generates CO2 bubbles that tingle on contact. The at-home version's effect is more superficial (surface microcirculation, mild brightening) rather than the full dermal collagen response of injection.

In-clinic injection: mild stinging during injection (5–15 minutes), local swelling and a crackling sensation (actual CO2 under skin) for ~10 minutes post-treatment, then quick resolution. No significant downtime. At-home gel mask: cool-tingling bubble sensation for 10–15 minutes (the reaction), then wash off. Brightening visible immediately for 12–24 hours.

Carboxy therapy (carboxytherapy, CO2 therapy) uses controlled administration of medical-grade carbon dioxide to trigger a specific biochemical response: the Bohr effect. When tissue CO2 levels rise, hemoglobin releases more oxygen — meaning skin tissue actually gets MORE oxygenation, not less, despite the CO2 infusion. The increased local oxygen stimulates microcirculation, fibroblast activity, and collagen production. Developed in French thermal spas in the 1930s, carboxy therapy became a Korean derm-clinic staple from the mid-2000s (RIBESKIN was the first commercial Korean carboxy system in 2007). Two delivery methods exist: (1) in-clinic CO2 injection with a fine needle, used for localised concerns like under-eye darkness, stretch marks, and cellulite; (2) at-home CO2 gel masks (DJ Carbon, Ribeskin, Paparecipe) that mix two components immediately before application, generating CO2 via a chemical reaction on the skin surface. The at-home version is dramatically less powerful but mimics the brightening/circulation effect for a fraction of the cost.