The Bohr Effect: how a little carbon dioxide delivers more oxygen
It sounds backwards at first, how does adding carbon dioxide increase oxygen? The answer is a well-documented piece of human biology.
1. Introduce CO₂
A treatment delivers a burst of carbon dioxide to the skin. Think of red blood cells as delivery trucks carrying oxygen, they need a signal for where to drop it off.
2. The body responds
Wherever CO₂ is high, the body assumes that tissue is working hard and needs oxygen. Small blood vessels widen and circulation opens up toward the area.
3. Oxygen arrives
Fresh, oxygen-rich blood floods in bringing nutrients and carrying waste away using nothing but your body’s own delivery system.
The science behind it
The Bohr effect was first described by Danish physiologist Christian Bohr in 1904. A rise in carbon dioxide (and the accompanying drop in pH) causes a “rightward shift” in the oxygen–hemoglobin dissociation curve. That shift means hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells holds onto oxygen less tightly and releases more of it into surrounding tissue. Carboxytherapy applies this on purpose: introducing CO₂ triggers local vasodilation and increased microcirculation, improving how much oxygen actually reaches the skin.
The science behind it
The Bohr effect was first described by Danish physiologist Christian Bohr in 1904. A rise in carbon dioxide (and the accompanying drop in pH) causes a “rightward shift” in the oxygen–hemoglobin dissociation curve. That shift means hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells holds onto oxygen less tightly and releases more of it into surrounding tissue. Carboxytherapy applies this on purpose: introducing CO₂ triggers local vasodilation and increased microcirculation, improving how much oxygen actually reaches the skin.
Oxygen is the fuel
behind healthy, resilient skin
Oxygen isn’t a luxury for skin, it’s a requirement. Nearly every repair and renewal process depends on a steady supply. When more oxygen reaches skin cells, the skin is simply better equipped to do its job.
Energy for renewal
Skin cells need oxygen to produce energy, so well-oxygenated cells can turn over and repair more efficiently.
Collagen production
The body can’t build collagen, the protein behind firm, elastic skin without oxygen.
Tissue recovery
Healing tissue is oxygen-hungry. Adequate oxygen helps compromised skin recover more smoothly.
Improved circulation
Fresh blood flow brings nutrients in and carries waste out, leaving skin clearer and refreshed.