The Japanese Secret to Radiant Skin: CO2 Jelly Masks Explained
Honouring Earth's Elements for Radiant Skin
There's something beautifully intentional about working with the very elements we breathe. Carbon dioxide—the same gas we exhale with every breath—holds remarkable power to nourish and restore our skin from within.
For over two decades, Japanese skincare has embraced this earth-given element, crafting CO2 masks in jelly, sheet, and foam forms. Today, I want to share the story of CO2 jelly masks with you, exploring how this natural approach can transform your skincare routine.
The Origins of Carboxy Therapy
Carboxy therapy (CO2 therapy) was first discovered through medical practice. Practitioners used it to heal wounds, including pressure injuries where blood flow had diminished. Through patient observation, they found that CO2 effectively increases circulation to the skin, bringing with it a cascade of nourishing benefits.
This eventually led to the creation of CO2 Japanese skincare products in 1997. Though the concept of "carbon dioxide skincare" was new and unfamiliar at first, people slowly began to understand its gentle yet transformative effects.
Within just a few years, these masks gained deep appreciation among those who love Japanese Skincare. Unlike fleeting trends, CO2 jelly masks have remained beloved to this day—a true testament to their results.
Let me walk you through the science and ingredients for the mask we use in our Wabi Sabi Facial.
How CO2 Jelly Masks Restore Balance
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.
Until around age 30, our skin cells naturally renew themselves, maintaining a healthy turnover cycle of about 28 days. As we move through the seasons of life beyond this age, our cellular renewal begins to slow, often leading to concerns like hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and slower healing.
This is where CO2 offers its support.
When carbon dioxide is absorbed through our skin into our capillaries—its molecular structure is extremely small, allowing it to pass through with ease delivering oxygen to our cells.
The Bohr Effect: Nature's Oxygen Exchange
When CO2 enters the skin, it creates what scientists call the Bohr effect. This natural phenomenon involves an exchange of CO2 and oxygen in the dermal capillaries, deeply enhancing the skin's oxygenation.
In our blood vessels, oxygen binds to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. For this oxygen to reach and nourish our skin cells, it must first be released from hemoglobin.
CO2 facilitates this exchange, helping to free oxygen so it can flow into the skin cells where it's truly needed.
This increased oxygenation awakens the mitochondria—our cells' energy centers—leading to improved metabolism, proper skin turnover, and the creation of essential molecules like hormones and collagen.
By providing oxygen to the mitochondria, we can support our skin's natural ability to rejuvenate at a cellular level!
The Benefits of CO2 Jelly Masks
Circulation & Vitality – Boosting blood flow and oxygen supply for improved cell metabolism and collagen production (beautifully effective for under-eye dark circles too)
Deep Hydration – Enhancing your skin's natural ability to retain moisture
Firmness & Tone – Gently tightening and firming, helping to refine enlarged pores and support skin structure reducing sagging skin
Renewal & Radiance – Stimulating cell turnover for naturally exfoliated, smooth, brightened skin
Calming Comfort – Anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and calm sensitive or irritated skin (wonderful for acne scars)
Lymphatic Support – Draining lymph to reduce puffiness and support your body's natural detoxification process
Experiencing Japanese CO2 Magic - The Wabi Sabi Facial
At Earth Skin Studio, we've woven the transformative power of Japanese carboxy jelly masks into our most booked Wabi Sabi Facial. This deeply restorative treatment harnesses carbon dioxide to oxygenate your skin, providing lifting, tightening, and regenerating effects. It gently brightens dull complexions, reduces puffiness, and nourishes skin cells at their deepest level.
The carboxy mask I've chosen for this facial works beautifully on your face, eyelids, neck, and décolleté—every area receiving the same intentional care and attention.
Thanks to its thoughtful lactone formulation, the mask consistently generates carbon dioxide uniformly within the gel for the entire 40 minute duration, allowing your skin to receive its full rejuvenating benefits.
Nourished by Nature
The formula is enriched with Apple and Edelweiss Cell Culture extracts, offering deep hydration. Melon Phyto Placenta Extract, sourced from the fiber surrounding melon seeds, not only enhances moisture but also helps gently remove dead skin cells for a brighter, more even complexion.
A unique blend of peptides works to improve collagen quality and support your skin's underlying layers, bringing increased elasticity and firmness.
Your skin is visibly rejuvenated after each intentional treatment.
What to Expect During Your Wabi Sabi Facial
When you arrive for your Wabi Sabi Facial, I begin by gently cleansing your skin, preparing it to receive the nourishing benefits ahead with the a vitamin C peel.
The Ritual
The carboxy mask comes in two parts—a gel and powder—that is carefully combine and mix for about 30 seconds, watching as they blend together.
I then apply this combined gel to your skin, covering your face and neck with care. I also nurture your eyelids and lips, and never forget to apply the gel under your ears at the lymph nodes to support lymphatic circulation.
The gel begins to set within minutes, so I work with focused attention during application.
The Restoration Process
You'll then rest for 35-40 minutes as the mask transforms into a jelly-like consistency and the CO2 bubbles work its magic. This is your time to simply be—to breathe, to settle into stillness, to let your skin receive what it needs.
I go we in with a hot stone hand and arm massage to further help guide you into bliss.
When it's time, I gently peel off the jelly from your face and neck, rinsing away any remaining traces.
Your treatment continues with more Japanese serums and moisturizers, sealing in all the nourishment and radiance.
For the first time users, Bi-weekly use is an option for maximizing benefits, followed by a maintenance routine of once a month to keep up with optimal hydration levels.
A Final Thought
The CO2 jelly mask woven into our Wabi Sabi Facial offers a simple yet deeply effective way to see meaningful results. Many clients notice a visible difference after their very first visit.
This treatment is especially beautiful before special gatherings or whenever your skin is calling for extra nourishment and radiance.
The ability to experience this level of restoration in our intimate studio space feels truly special. For me, it's one of the most cherished treatments I offer—a practice I turn to for profound results.
I'd love to welcome you in for a Wabi Sabi Facial and share this transformative ritual with you. Have you had the chance to stop in for one yet?
