We usually think of carbon dioxide (CO₂) as something to avoid—but what if small amounts used strategically could actually help the body heal?

A 2025 scientific review looked at twenty-two studies on carboxytherapy, a technique that delivers CO₂ through injections, topical gels, or therapeutic baths.

In both human and animal studies, this approach consistently supported wound healing—improving blood flow, encouraging new vessel growth, and stimulating collagen production.

These effects appear to stem from a natural process known as the Bohr effect: when carbon dioxide is present, hemoglobin is more willing to release oxygen to surrounding tissues.

That oxygen boost, along with improved circulation, helps tissues regenerate faster and more completely.

In practice, this means that chronic wounds—such as pressure sores, leg ulcers, or surgical incisions—may benefit from carboxytherapy as part of a broader care plan.

Inflammation was reduced, healing rates improved, and tissue quality appeared better overall.

Though not yet widely adopted, this simple technique is gaining ground in both clinical and cosmetic settings.

As interest grows, carboxytherapy could become a powerful ally in the body’s natural repair process—offering new hope for stubborn injuries and fragile skin.

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Adapted from: Prazeres J, Lima A, Ribeiro G. “Effects of carbon dioxide therapy on skin wound healing.” Biomedicines. 2025;13(228).