Topical Carboxytherapy as an Adjunct to Skin Recovery Post-CO2 Laser Fractional Resurfacing
In brief
Topical CO2 mask speeds erythema resolution and barrier recovery after laser
In a 12-week randomized trial of six women undergoing fractional CO2 resurfacing, a CO2-delivery mask accelerated erythema fading, normalized water loss faster, and promoted epidermal thickening, with investigators rating better healing and aesthetic improvement. The treatment was well tolerated, but the tiny sample means larger studies are required to confirm benefit.
- Journal
- Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD (Q2)
- Published
- 1 September 2026
- Study design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1b)
- Authors
- Barbara Hernandez-Rovira, Emma Villamaria, K-Raman Purushothaman, Rachel Ziebart, Bengisu Ozarslan, Ava Shamban, et al.
- PMID
- 42696341
- DOI
- 10.36849/JDD.9635
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Histology (top studies of the week, 6 September 2026).
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Topical carboxytherapy, a transcutaneous carbon dioxide (CO2) delivery system, may support skin repair and regeneration, yet its role as an adjunct to fractional laser treatment remains underexplored. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of topical CO2 mask (CO2Lift® Carboxy Gel, Lumisque Skincare) in supporting skin recovery and improving clinical outcomes following fractional CO2 laser resurfacing. METHOD: This 12-week randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluated mild-to-moderate photoaging (n=6 females only). Participants received either topical carboxytherapy (n=4) or standard care (n=2). Assessments included VISIA-CR imaging, biophysical measurements, investigator ratings, and paired (baseline and 4-week) skin biopsies. RESULTS: Topical carboxytherapy accelerated recovery and was well-tolerated, with no major adverse events. VISIA-CR imaging showed accelerated erythema resolution, transepidermal water loss normalized more rapidly, and pH remained stable. Skin histology at week 4 revealed epidermal thickening and rete ridge formation with topical carboxytherapy vs placebo. Investigator ratings demonstrated significantly improved healing, global assessment, and global aesthetic improvement scale scores, with trends toward improvement in photodamage, rhytides, and pigmentation. CONCLUSION: Adjunctive topical carboxytherapy after fractional CO2 resurfacing accelerated healing, improved barrier recovery, and overall aesthetic outcomes. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.