A recent prospective clinical trial with a large sample size in a healthy elderly cohort, demonstrated that repeated intermittent hyperbaric oxygen exposures had dramatic ageing-modulating effects on the skin.
Decreased senescent cells
As you may already know, healthy skin cells divide every 24-48 hours. Senescence is the process in which a cell ages and permanently stops dividing but does not die. As we age, this process becomes more common. Over time, large numbers of old (or senescent) cells can build up in tissues throughout the body and taint healthy cells. HBOT significantly decreased senescent cells (also known as fibroblasts and melanocytes). So, with the help of HBOT, you can decrease senescent cells and leave the skin feeling and looking more youthful.
Increased elastic fibre length and stability
Elastic fibres decrease in ageing skin but accumulate abnormally in photoaged skin. This study showed increased elastic fibre length and stability among the cohort who received hyperbaric oxygen treatment. This is important for reversing the signs of ageing in skin, because increased elasticity means the skin does not sag or droop as much.
Increased collagen density
With age, the ability to replenish collagen naturally decreases. The study demonstrated hyperbaric oxygen therapy increased collagen density. The benefits of collagen in reversing the signs of ageing in skin are well known, so we’re thrilled to see that this is just one of the many benefits of HBOT.
Summary
In summary, the molecular mechanism of ageing is complex. Further studies need to be done. Nevertheless, this study indicates that HBOT can significantly modulate pathophysiological ageing effects on the skin of healthy ageing adults by the effects explained above.