The Bohr effect, when applied in skincare, refers to a process where a change in pH causes local oxygen release, potentially enhancing skin appearance. It's often leveraged in treatments to "supercharge" the skin.
How the Bohr Effect Works in Skincare
The underlying principle involves manipulating the pH of the skin. Typically, this is achieved through treatments that involve the application of a substance that interacts with the skin's environment to alter pH levels. Carbon dioxide (CO2) often plays a key role.
Here's a breakdown:
- pH Shift: Skincare treatments introduce components that shift the pH balance of the skin.
- CO2 Activation: These treatments frequently involve carbon dioxide (CO2). The CO2 can be pre-existing (such as that produced by the skin cells themselves) or delivered via topical products.
- Oxygen Release: The change in pH, triggered by the CO2 and other compounds, causes hemoglobin (a protein that carries oxygen in the blood) to release oxygen. This locally increases oxygen availability.
- Enhanced Skin Appearance: The increased oxygen is believed to invigorate the skin cells, potentially leading to a brighter, more youthful appearance. This might manifest as reduced appearance of fine lines, improved skin tone, and a general boost in radiance.
Example: Ultrasound and CO2 Serums
Some aesthetic treatments utilize ultrasound technology in conjunction with gels or serums containing components that activate the Bohr effect.
- The ultrasound interaction with the applied gel containing these special molecules (such as bicarbonate) leads to the production of CO2 in the skin.
- This increased local CO2 concentration lowers the pH.
- The change in pH causes hemoglobin to release oxygen.
- The increased oxygen availability may help rejuvenate the skin.
Benefits (Theoretically)
The theoretical benefits of using the Bohr effect on the skin stem from increasing oxygen levels. Oxygen is essential for cellular function, and increased levels could potentially:
- Promote collagen production.
- Enhance skin cell metabolism.
- Improve skin radiance and tone.
- Reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Important Note: While the Bohr effect is a well-understood chemical phenomenon, the specific efficacy and long-term effects of using it in skincare treatments may vary and warrant further research.
