CO₂ Aging Care — Face & Body

CO₂ Aging Care (Face & Body) in Seoul

Medically reviewed by Dr. Chae-ho Lee, Medical Director, Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae; Member, Korean Society of Clinical Aesthetic Medicine

Doctor profile · Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae, Seoul

CO₂ Aging Care in Seoul is a non-invasive carboxy facial, also used on the body, that applies carbon dioxide to the skin through a gel-and-sheet application. At Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae, each session lasts about 40 minutes and needs no numbing. The clinic links it with tone, elasticity, hydration, pore care, and gentle exfoliation, and describes skin as looking clearer and more hydrated straight after treatment.

What Is CO₂ Aging Care?

CO₂ Aging Care is a topical skin treatment in which a carbon dioxide–releasing formulation is applied to the face or body and left to work on the skin, with the aim of supporting circulation and oxygen supply.

• Carbon dioxide on the skin: the treatment applies CO₂ to the surface rather than injecting it.
• Formulation chemistry: the clinic describes sodium carbonate and citric-acid components as part of the mechanism.
• Circulation and oxygen: the approach is intended to support local circulation and the skin's oxygen supply.
• Stated skin goals: the clinic associates it with skin and collagen regeneration, elasticity, tone, hydration, pore care, and exfoliation.
• Sensation: a mild tingling or fizzing feeling is typical as the carbon dioxide is absorbed.

The idea behind this category is sometimes explained through the Bohr effect, in which higher local CO₂ encourages blood to release oxygen into surrounding tissue. An expert article in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology describes topical CO₂ gels as a development of injected carboxytherapy, with gel application reported to increase microcirculation. Published clinical evidence for topical CO₂ products is still limited, so the benefits on this page are the clinic's description rather than proven outcomes.

Face and body

The treatment can be used on the face or on areas of the body. Exact steps vary with the area and the skin's condition, and the area to treat is agreed at consultation.

How it differs from related treatments

• Versus injected carboxytherapy: the clinic separately offers Carboxytherapy & Body Slimming under body contouring. CO₂ Aging Care is a surface treatment that involves no needles.
• Versus skin scaling: scaling is a roughly 20-minute session focused mainly on clearing dead skin and sebum. CO₂ Aging Care is a longer session with a broader stated focus on tone, hydration, and elasticity.
• Versus whitening iontophoresis: iontophoresis uses a device to help a vitamin ampoule into the skin for brightening. CO₂ Aging Care relies on carbon dioxide instead.

If your main concern is something else, a different option in the same category may fit better. Clogged pores and heavy oil often point toward scaling or a peel first. Redness or reactive skin may be better served by calming care such as sono, cryo, or LED treatments. The choice depends on your specific concern and is made after Dr. Lee has seen your skin.

Who Performs CO₂ Aging Care at Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae

Dr. Chae-ho Lee
Medical Director at Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae

Dr. Chae-ho Lee, Medical Director of Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae and its only physician, is the doctor named for CO₂ Aging Care. Skin care and facial treatments are among his listed core specializations. Under the clinic's one-on-one consultation principle, he assesses your skin and confirms whether the treatment fits before it is booked. If you have dermatitis or another inflammatory skin condition, that conversation is where it should be raised. English interpretation is available.

Who Is a Good Candidate for CO₂ Aging Care?

The clinic describes CO₂ Aging Care as suited to people with dull or dark-looking skin who want tone improvement, exfoliation, or a better balance of oil and moisture. Typical candidates include:

• Adults whose skin looks dull, dark, or tired.
• People with uneven tone.
• Those whose skin feels dry or is out of balance between oil and moisture.
• People with excess oil or visible pores.
• Those with accumulated dead skin.
• Adults with early signs of skin aging, such as reduced firmness or uneven texture, on the face or body.

The clinic states that sensitive skin may receive this treatment. It may not be suitable, or may need to be postponed, for:

• Atopic dermatitis or other forms of dermatitis, for which the clinic recommends against it.
• Active skin infection in the treatment area.
• Open wounds.
• Healing problems or delayed wound healing.

Pregnancy, current medications, and your skin type should be discussed with Dr. Lee before treatment.

What to mention at your consultation

Coming prepared makes the assessment more useful. Points worth raising include:

• Any history of atopic dermatitis, eczema, or other dermatitis, even if it is quiet at the moment.
• Recent peels, exfoliating acids, or other procedures on the area.
• Whether you are pregnant, and any medications you take.
• Whether you want the face, the body, or both treated.
• How long you will be in Seoul, so the three-session course can be planned realistically.

What to Expect: Procedure, Recovery, and Results Timeline

Preparing for your session

Arrive with clean skin. Avoid aggressive chemical peels beforehand. In the days leading up to the appointment, skip harsh physical scrubs, chemical exfoliants, and intense sun exposure. Follow any skin-care instructions given to you. Tell the clinic about active dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, or other irritation.

During the treatment

1. Assessment: tone, texture, sensitivity, and any existing inflammation are reviewed.
2. Preparation: the treatment area is prepared.
3. Application: the CO₂-based formulation is applied to the face or body.
4. Contact time: the formulation is left to work on the skin.
5. Finishing: post-treatment skin care completes the session.

The session takes about 40 minutes. No topical numbing or local anesthesia is required. Most people feel a mild tingling or effervescent sensation rather than pain.

Recovery and results

Time after treatment	What to expect
Immediately	Skin is described as looking clearer and more hydrated. Mild redness is possible.
First few days	Any mild redness, swelling, or tenderness generally improves.
First week	Moisturize, wear sunscreen outdoors, and avoid scrubs and peeling products for about one week.
1–2 weeks	The next session is usually due.
After at least 3 sessions	The clinic describes improvements in elasticity and tone developing over this course.

Recovery is usually short, and most people resume normal activities soon after treatment, depending on the area and intensity. Results vary with skin type. The clinic recommends at least three sessions at one-to-two-week intervals.

Fitting it into a visit to Seoul

No dedicated recovery days are needed for this treatment on its own. For a single session, a stay of one to two days may be enough, depending on the area and your individual recovery. The clinic states that patients can fly home after the session. A course of three sessions needs roughly two to four weeks at the recommended spacing, so discuss the schedule if you are visiting for a shorter time. Opening hours run from 10:30 every day, and the last registration is at 18:00 on weekdays or 15:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. The clinic is closed on the final Sunday of each month.

Safety, Precision, and Clinic Standards

• Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare has registered Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae to receive foreign patients.
• The clinic gained that status in January 2023.
• A one-on-one consultation with Dr. Lee comes before every treatment plan.
• Tone, texture, sensitivity, and existing inflammation are checked before application.
• Temporary redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, or mild discomfort can occur in treated areas.
• Rare complications include prolonged irritation, skin discoloration, infection, or delayed healing.
• Atopic dermatitis and other dermatitis are reasons the clinic advises against this treatment.

Protecting skin afterward

Broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is the general daily recommendation, according to the American Academy of Dermatology's sunscreen FAQs. After any exfoliating treatment, over-exfoliating at home can leave skin red and irritated, according to the American Academy of Dermatology's exfoliation guide. That is the reason for the one-week pause on scrubs and peeling products.

Persistent or unusual symptoms should be checked promptly. Contact the clinic, and see a local medical professional if you have already returned home.

The Bottom Line

• CO₂ Aging Care applies carbon dioxide to the skin of the face or body, without needles.
• The clinic links it with tone, elasticity, hydration, pore care, and exfoliation.
• Each session takes about 40 minutes, with no anesthesia and a short recovery.
• At least three sessions at one-to-two-week intervals are recommended.
• It is not recommended for skin with atopic dermatitis or other dermatitis.
• The listed benefits are the clinic's description, and published evidence for topical CO₂ products remains limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a CO₂ facial painful?
It is generally not painful. Most patients notice a mild tingling or fizzing sensation as the carbon dioxide is absorbed. No numbing cream or local anesthesia is used.

Is this the same as carboxytherapy injections?
No. CO₂ Aging Care is applied on the skin as a gel-and-sheet treatment. Injected carboxytherapy is a separate service at the clinic, offered under body contouring.

When will I see a difference?
The clinic describes skin as looking clearer and more hydrated right after the first session. Changes in elasticity and tone are described as building over at least three sessions.

Can I have it if I have sensitive skin?
The clinic states that sensitive skin may receive this treatment. Atopic dermatitis or other dermatitis is different, and the clinic recommends against treatment in that case.

Can the body be treated as well as the face?
Yes. The treatment is offered for both face and body. The steps may vary with the area, and the plan is set during your consultation.

What aftercare is needed?
Use moisturizer and wear sunscreen when you go outside. Avoid scrubs and peeling products for about a week after each session.

Who do I contact if something seems wrong once I am home?
Reach the clinic by phone or through its website and explain your symptoms. Anything persistent or unusual should also be seen by a local doctor without delay.

Can I fly home right after treatment?
The clinic states there is no flight restriction after this treatment. Mild redness, swelling, or tenderness can take a few days to settle, so allow for that when planning photos or events.

Book a Consultation at Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae

If you are considering CO₂ Aging Care in Seoul, the first step is a one-on-one skin consultation with Dr. Lee, with English interpretation available. Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae occupies the 8th floor of the Wookdo Building at 151 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, and Exit 1 of Hongik University Station is directly outside. Contact the clinic to arrange a visit, and look through its before-and-after gallery beforehand.

Disclaimer

Treatment suitability, expected results, recovery time, risks, and potential side effects vary by individual. The information provided is for general informational purposes and does not replace an in-person medical consultation. Patients should discuss their medical history, treatment goals, and individual circumstances with a qualified medical professional before undergoing treatment.

Sources & Further Reading

• JCAD — Topical Carboxytherapy for Skin Rejuvenation
• AAD — Sunscreen FAQs
• AAD — How to Safely Exfoliate at Home