Carboxytherapy
What it is
Carboxytherapy is a non-invasive treatment in which the skin receives carbon dioxide. A specialised alkaline gel reacts with a CO2 mask right on the surface of the skin: cells read the excess carbon dioxide as a lack of oxygen and respond by increasing blood flow. No needles, no downtime, and no trace on your face when you leave.
Who it is for
- dull skin and a greyish complexion after winter or long hours at a screen;
- first fine lines and loss of firmness — roughly from the age of 30;
- puffiness and dark circles under the eyes;
- uneven texture and enlarged pores;
- skin that needs recovery after sun exposure or acne;
- preparing your face for an event when you need the result today.
How the session goes — 30 minutes
- cleansing and make-up removal;
- an even layer of the active gel;
- the CO2 mask — this is where the reaction begins. A tingling sensation and mild warmth are normal and last a few minutes;
- the mask stays on while the skin absorbs;
- removal, soothing care and a cream suited to your skin type.
Result
Visible straight after the session: a more even complexion, firmer skin to the touch, less puffiness. A single session lasts up to a week. The cumulative result — even tone and smoother texture — comes from a course.
How many sessions
A course of 3 sessions one week apart; for maintenance, once a month starting a month later.
Contraindications
These conditions rule out any form of carboxytherapy:
- pregnancy and breastfeeding — there is not enough clinical safety data for the baby;
- broken skin — open wounds, grazes, burns or deep scratches in the treatment area;
- flare-ups of chronic illness — particularly decompensated cardiovascular, pulmonary or kidney conditions;
- acute infections — active herpes, pustular acne or bacterial skin infections in the treatment area;
- cancer — stimulating microcirculation and the growth of new vessels is contraindicated with tumours;
- fever — a raised temperature, a cold, flu or any acute inflammatory process;
- epilepsy and psychiatric conditions — the stress or physiological response to the treatment may trigger an episode;
- individual intolerance — allergy to the components of the activator gels.
Before and after
- stop using retinoids and strong acid peels 3–4 days beforehand;
- avoid alcohol for 2–3 days — it retains fluid and increases puffiness;
- no sunbeds or beach for a week before the session — the skin must not be inflamed.
For 3–5 days after the treatment:
- no steam rooms, saunas or hot baths — overheating speeds up the release of CO2 and cancels the effect;
- no swimming pools or open water — to avoid infection or irritation;
- sun protection is essential — apply SPF 30/50 before going outside to prevent pigmentation.
Frequently asked
- Does it hurt? No. The treatment is non-invasive and no needles are used; most people feel a light tingling and warmth.
- When can I tint my brows or wear make-up? The treatment does not damage the skin, so the limits are minimal: foundation and powder after 24 hours, brow tint or henna after 1–2 days.
- Can I have it in summer? Yes — and it is worth having. Unlike medium peels and some lasers, carboxytherapy does not increase photosensitivity, but summer does call for strict sun discipline.
Summer safety rules
- No tanning: avoid the beach and sunbeds for at least 3 days before and 5–7 days after the treatment;
- Book late in the day: choose an evening slot, when the sun is no longer strong, so you can walk home comfortably;
- Sunglasses and a hat: for facial treatments, bring a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
Cost: 1873 UAH
Procedure duration: 30 min