Carboxytherapy is one of the most effective skin rejuvenation treatments available, yet it remains one of the least well known. If you have been searching for a way to reduce dark circles, smooth fine lines or improve the appearance of scarring, carboxy therapy could be exactly what you are looking for.

Here we explain what carboxytherapy is, how it works, what it can treat and what you can expect during a session at South Ribble Skin Clinic.

How carboxytherapy works

Carboxytherapy involves the controlled infusion of medical-grade carbon dioxide (CO2) gas beneath the surface of the skin. This might sound unusual, but the science behind it is straightforward.

When CO2 is introduced into the skin, the body interprets it as a localised oxygen deficit. In response, blood vessels in the treated area dilate and blood flow increases significantly. This rush of oxygen-rich blood brings fresh nutrients to the tissue, stimulates collagen production and encourages natural cell renewal.

The result is healthier, firmer, more radiant skin, achieved through the body’s own healing response rather than synthetic ingredients or invasive procedures.

Unlike some aesthetic treatments that work only on the surface, carboxy therapy targets the deeper layers of the skin where real structural change happens. That is what makes it so effective for concerns like dark circles and scarring, where the issue lies beneath the visible surface.

What does carboxytherapy treat?

Carboxy therapy is a versatile treatment that can address a range of skin concerns. The most common reasons clients book a carboxytherapy session include:

Dark circles under the eyes. Dark circles are often caused by poor blood flow and thin skin beneath the eyes. Carboxytherapy boosts circulation in this area, helping to reduce the blue or purple shadowing that makes you look tired even when you are not. This is one of the most popular uses for the treatment, because so few alternatives deliver visible results for under-eye darkness.

Fine lines and wrinkles. By stimulating collagen production and improving skin elasticity, carboxy therapy softens the appearance of fine lines, particularly around the eyes, forehead and mouth. It does not freeze or fill the skin: it encourages your body to rebuild its own structural support.

Scar tissue. Whether from acne, injury or surgery, scarring can be noticeably improved with a course of carboxytherapy treatments. The increased blood flow and collagen stimulation help to remodel scar tissue over time, smoothing the skin and reducing discolouration.

Dull, tired skin. If your skin has lost its glow, a carboxy therapy session can restore brightness and vitality. The boost in oxygenation and circulation gives an immediate lift to the complexion, and with repeated treatments the improvement becomes longer lasting.

Skin laxity. For clients noticing early signs of sagging or loss of firmness, the collagen-stimulating effects of carboxytherapy can help to tighten and tone without surgery.

What to expect during a carboxytherapy session

A session at South Ribble Skin Clinic takes around 60 minutes. Here is what happens:

Consultation first. Before any treatment, we carry out a thorough consultation to understand your concerns, assess your skin and make sure carboxytherapy is the right option for you. This is standard practice for every treatment at the clinic.

The treatment itself. A very fine needle is used to introduce the CO2 gas just beneath the skin’s surface. Most clients describe the sensation as a mild pressure or a crackling feeling under the skin. It is not painful, though you may notice a warm or tingling sensation in the treated area as blood flow increases.

Immediately afterwards. There is little to no downtime with carboxy therapy. You might experience some temporary redness or mild swelling at the treatment site, but this typically settles within a few hours. Most clients return to their normal activities the same day.

Results. Some clients notice an immediate improvement in skin brightness and tone after a single session. For concerns like dark circles, scarring or fine lines, a course of treatments is usually recommended to achieve the best results. Your practitioner will advise on the right number of sessions during your consultation.

Who is suitable for carboxytherapy?

Carboxy therapy is suitable for most skin types and most age groups. It is a particularly good option for clients who want visible skin rejuvenation without the downtime, cost or commitment of more invasive procedures.

It may not be suitable if you are pregnant, have certain cardiovascular conditions, or have active skin infections in the treatment area. These are all things we would discuss during your initial consultation to make sure the treatment is safe and appropriate for you.

Why it matters who performs your carboxytherapy

Carboxytherapy is a medical aesthetic treatment, not a beauty salon service. It involves injecting gas beneath the skin’s surface, which means the person carrying it out should have a thorough understanding of facial anatomy, injection technique and how to manage any complications.

At South Ribble Skin Clinic, all carboxy therapy treatments are performed by Hannah Myerscough, an NMC Registered Nurse with a background in theatre nursing. That clinical training matters: it means your treatment is delivered with the same standards of safety, hygiene and precision that you would expect in a medical setting.

The aesthetics industry in the UK is not fully regulated, which means not everyone offering injectable or skin treatments has formal medical qualifications. Choosing a nurse-led clinic gives you the confidence that your practitioner is accountable to a professional body (the Nursing and Midwifery Council), is trained to handle adverse reactions, and follows clinical protocols at every stage.

Carboxytherapy FAQs

Is carboxytherapy painful? Most clients find it very tolerable. You may feel a mild crackling sensation or gentle pressure as the CO2 is introduced beneath the skin, along with some warmth or tingling. The discomfort is minimal and short-lived.

How many sessions will I need? This depends on what you are treating. For a general skin refresh, some clients see noticeable results after a single session. For dark circles, fine lines or scarring, a course of three to six sessions is typically recommended, spaced one to two weeks apart. We will discuss this with you during your consultation and put together a plan tailored to your skin.

How long do the results last? Results are cumulative, meaning they build and improve with each session. After completing a course, many clients find that the benefits last several months. Maintenance sessions can be booked periodically to keep results looking their best.

Is there any downtime? Very little. You may notice some redness or mild swelling around the treated area, but this usually settles within a few hours. Most clients go straight back to their normal day after treatment.

Can carboxytherapy be combined with other treatments? Yes. Carboxy therapy works well alongside other skin treatments such as microneedling, chemical peels or facials. If you are interested in combining treatments, we can discuss the best approach during your consultation.

How much does carboxytherapy cost? At South Ribble Skin Clinic, a 60-minute carboxytherapy session costs £50. You can view the full price list on our Price List page.

Book a carboxytherapy consultation

If you are interested in carboxy therapy and want to find out whether it is the right treatment for you, we would love to hear from you. Hannah offers a consultation before every treatment to make sure you are fully informed and comfortable before going ahead.

South Ribble Skin Clinic is based at 454 Leyland Road, Lostock Hall, Preston, and serves clients from across Preston, Leyland, Bamber Bridge and the surrounding areas.

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You can also find out more about the treatment on our dedicated Carboxy Therapy page.