The Transformative Power of Carbon Dioxide for Glowing Skin
Believe it or not, CO2, or Carbon Dioxide, isn’t just a byproduct of our breathing. It can actually benefit your skin too!
CO2 masks have been a big hit in Japan’s skincare scene for over 2 decades. They can come in many forms, like jelly, sheet, or foam masks.
One of the most popular ones is the CO2 Jelly mask, so I will provide an in-depth explanation of the CO2 Jelly mask, detailing its mechanism of action, scientific background, and benefits in skincare.
A Short History of Carboxy (CO2) Therapy
Carboxy therapy (also known as CO2 therapy) was first used in medical treatments to heal wounds, especially pressure injuries (aka bedsores) caused by reduced blood flow. Studies on carboxy wound healing confirmed that CO2 effectively increases blood flow to the skin, which offers numerous benefits for the skin.
This led to the creation of CO2 skincare products in Japan.
However, back in 1997 when these products first came out, the concept of "carbon dioxide skincare" wasn't yet recognized, and it took some time for people to understand their benefits.
In just a few years, these innovative masks gained popularity and became a well-known product in Japanese skincare. And, unlike some trends that come and go quickly, CO2 jelly masks have continued to be popular to this day.
A prime example of a beloved product among Japanese skincare enthusiasts is the Enisie Glow Pack.
In this article, I will explore this product in greater detail, including its ingredients and application process.
But first, let's delve into the science behind CO2 skincare🫧
How CO2 Jelly Mask Work
Until around age 30, our skin cells function efficiently, maintaining healthy skin turnover (average of 28 days). Beyond this age, however, the ability to create new skin cells decreases, leading to a slower renewal process that often causes various skin concerns, such as hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wounds that takes a long time to heal.
This is where CO2 can come to the rescue!
When carbon dioxide enters the body, through our skin and into our capillaries (CO2’s molecular size is extremely small, allowing for easy penetration), it helps deliver oxygen to our cells.
But how?
When CO2 is introduced into the skin, it creates a physiological phenomenon called the Bohr effect. This effect involves the exchange of CO2 and oxygen in the dermal capillaries, which enhances the skin's oxygenation. In our blood vessels, oxygen is bound to hemoglobin, a type of protein in red blood cells. For the oxygen to be released into skin cells, it needs to be separated from hemoglobin.
CO2 facilitates this process by helping to strip oxygen from hemoglobin, allowing it to be released into the skin cells where it's needed.
This increased oxygenation boosts energy production in the mitochondria—the cell's energy generators— leading to improved metabolism, proper skin turnover, and the synthesis of essential molecules such as hormones and collagen.
By efficiently providing oxygen to the mitochondria, it becomes possible to rejuvenate our skin at a cellular level!
CO2 Jelly Mask Benefits
🌟 Boosting blood flow and oxygen supply to the skin for improved cell metabolism, collagen production (Great for under-eye dark circles too!)
🌟 Enhancing hydration and moisture retention
🌟 Firming and tightening, which can improve enlarged pores and sagging skin
🌟 Stimulating cell turnover, which helps to exfoliate, smooth, and brighten
🌟 Anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe and calm sensitive or irritated skin. (Great for acne scars!)
🌟 Draining lymph for de-puffing and promoting detoxification process
Japanese Carboxy Mask: GLOW PACK
GLOW PACK is one of my favorite Japanese carboxy mask products in Japan. This innovative carbonated jelly mask utilizes carbon dioxide to oxygenate the skin, providing lifting, tightening, and regenerating effects. It effectively brightens dull complexions, reduces puffiness, and nourishes skin cells. You can apply it to your face, eyelids, and neck/décolleté areas to experience med-spa-quality results in the comfort of your home.
Thanks to its lactone formulation, GLOW PACK consistently generates carbon dioxide gas uniformly within the gel for the entire duration of the mask application, maximizing its skin-rejuvenating benefits.
Enriched with Apple and Edelweiss Cell Culture extracts, this formula provides deep hydration for your skin. Furthermore, the inclusion of Melon Phyto Placenta Extract, sourced from the fiber surrounding melon seeds, not only enhances hydration but also aids in the gentle removal of dead skin cells for a brighter, more even complexion.
Additionally, a unique combination of peptides in this formula works to improve collagen quality and support the skin's underlying layers, resulting in increased elasticity and firmness.
Your skin is visibly rejuvenated after each use✨
How to Use
Each Glow Pack box comes with 10 sets of the product, comprising separate Gel and Powder packets, along with a spatula for application.
Start by cleansing your face and patting it dry. Next, let's prepare the gel and powder components:
Using the provided spatula, gather the gel towards the bottom of the pouch.
Open both the gel and powder packets and combine the powder into the gel, mixing thoroughly for approximately 30 seconds.
Apply the combined gel to the skin. Glow Pack's generous 40g content content allows you to cover not only your face but also your neck and décolleté. You can also apply it on your eyelids and lips.
🌟Expert Tip: Don't forget to apply the gel under your ears (lymph nodes) to promote lymphatic circulation.
⚠️Please note that the gel will harden over time, so make sure to finish the application within 5 minutes. To prevent any dripping, you may choose to cover your face with a tissue after application, if necessary.
Allow the gel to sit for 20-30 minutes, during which it will transform into a jelly-like consistency.
Gently peel off the jelly from the face and neck. If any residue remains, rinse it off with water and gently pat your skin dry.
Proceed with your daily skincare routine by applying serums and moisturizers.
For the first month, daily use is an option for maximizing benefits, followed by a maintenance routine of once a week.
⚠️ If your skin is extra sensitive, please let me know. This mask is safe for any skin types, but for extra sensitive skin, I recommend using it only 2 times maximum per week. As your skin adjusts, you can increase the frequency.)
Although the application process might take some practice, once it's on, you can relax, read, or watch TV while the CO2 bubbles work their magic.
Takeaway
Incorporating a CO2 jelly mask into your skincare routine is a simple yet highly effective way to achieve noticeable results, even after just one use.
I highly recommend using it especially before special occasions or whenever you want a quick glow-up!
The ability to enjoy med-spa-like results in the comfort of your home is truly remarkable. For me, it's a secret weapon I rely on whenever my skin needs a boost!
Have you had the chance to try a CO2 jelly mask? If so, what are your favorite products? 💛
Comments