A new wave of scientific thinking is reshaping how experts understand aging — and it has everything to do with CO₂ skincare benefits, mitochondrial health, and the way our skin receives oxygen.

In 2025, researcher Dr. Masato Hiki published the Aging Spiral Hypothesis in Medical Hypotheses, proposing that aging is driven not just by damage, but by a metabolic collapse that begins in the mitochondria and spirals outward into tissue health — including skin.

At The Piazza Center, Dr. Rocco Piazza has long championed carboxy therapy (CO₂ therapy) for its ability to enhance oxygen delivery, support collagen, and restore glow. Dr. Hiki’s work now provides a compelling scientific foundation for these CO₂ skincare benefits.

This blog breaks down the science — and shows why products like Dr. Medion Spaoxy Gel align perfectly with the latest thinking in mitochondrial beauty.

Understanding the Aging Spiral Hypothesis

Dr. Hiki’s research reframes aging as a self-reinforcing metabolic loop involving:

1. Mitochondrial Decline

As we age, mitochondria generate less ATP — the fuel our cells depend on.

2. Lower ATP = Lower CO₂ Production

Mitochondria also produce CO₂ in the TCA cycle. Declining mitochondrial function → lower CO₂ output.

3. Lower CO₂ = Impaired Oxygen Delivery (Bohr Effect)

This is where the major CO₂ skincare benefits come into play.

CO₂ acts as a biochemical switch that tells red blood cells to release oxygen into tissues.
Less CO₂ = less oxygen delivered.

4. Less Oxygen = Even Worse Mitochondrial Function

Hypoxia triggers pathways that further suppress mitochondrial activity.

This creates the Aging Spiral — a metabolic downturn where tissues become energy-starved, oxygen-poor, and slow to repair.

Why This Matters for Skin Health

Skin is one of the most oxygen-hungry organs in the body.
Low oxygen has real consequences:

Fibroblasts (Collagen Builders)

They require oxygen for collagen and elastin synthesis.
Poor oxygenation → loss of firmness and resilience.

Keratinocytes (Barrier Builders)

These cells depend on mitochondrial energy to maintain a healthy skin barrier.
Low energy → dryness, sensitivity, and slower repair.

Post-Procedure Recovery

Oxygen supports healing, circulation, and inflammation control.
This is why CO₂ skincare benefits are especially valuable after lasers or resurfacing.

CO₂ Skincare Benefits Explained Through the Bohr Effect

The Bohr Effect describes how CO₂ influences oxygen release from hemoglobin:

• More CO₂ → more oxygen delivered to tissues

• Less CO₂ → less oxygen delivered

This is the mechanism behind carboxy therapy and many CO₂ skincare benefits, including:

• Enhanced circulation

• Increased oxygenation

• Improved nutrient delivery

• Brighter, more energized skin

• Support for collagen activity

By temporarily increasing local CO₂ levels at the skin’s surface, CO₂ masks and gels help encourage better oxygen unloading — a direct counter to the Aging Spiral Hypothesis.

This is why CO₂ therapy is now being recognized as a powerful tool in mitochondrial beauty and modern skin longevity.

Why Dr. Piazza Recommends CO₂ Therapy for Skin Health

Dr. Piazza has used carboxy therapy in clinical practice for years.
His reasoning aligns perfectly with the science:

“Carboxy therapy is one of the simplest ways to support oxygen delivery and collagen activity. It's a physiologic approach, not just a cosmetic one.” — Dr. Rocco Piazza

Instagram Explainer of Dr. Piazza x Dr. Medion

His preferred at-home system?
Dr. Medion Spaoxy Gel.

Why Dr. Medion Spaoxy Gel Stands Out

1. It Delivers Real CO₂ to the Skin Surface

Creating a short burst of CO₂ activates the Bohr Effect — one of the core reasons behind the product’s CO₂ skincare benefits.

2. It Supports the Mitochondrial–Oxygen Loop

By promoting local oxygenation, Spaoxy Gel supports the exact pathways Dr. Hiki identifies as declining during aging.

3. It Enhances Glow, Firmness & Recovery

Users often report brighter, smoother, more energized skin — especially when used around procedures.

4. It’s a Japanese-engineered, dermatology-level formulation

Spaoxy Gel has long been a favorite of clinicians in Japan for its precision and purity.

CO₂ Skincare Benefits: Who Can Benefit Most?

You may see meaningful improvements if you struggle with:

• Dullness or slow circulation

• Early fine lines

• Post-laser inflammation

• Redness or reactive skin

• Loss of firmness

• A “tired” or low-energy skin appearance

These issues often stem from poor oxygen delivery — exactly what Spaoxy Gel addresses through CO₂ therapy.

How to Build a Mitochondria-Smart Skincare Routine

To support the mechanisms described in the Aging Spiral Hypothesis:

1. Use CO₂ treatments 1–3x weekly

Dr. Medion Spaoxy Gel

2. Pair with exosomes or vitamin C for mitochondrial resilience

Supports repair and collagen pathways.

3. Add peptides + retinoids for collagen support

4. Protect the barrier with hydration + SPF

This creates a routine aligned with oxygen delivery, mitochondrial function, and collagen longevity.

What Is Dr. Medion's line of CO2 masks and Its Advantages?

Dr. Medion products, such as medical-grade gels and masks, apply carboxytherapy principles topically to enhance oxygenation and hydration. Unlike invasive procedures, Dr. Medion treatments are painless and suitable for frequent use, helping to maintain skin firmness and reduce fine lines. Clinical data show Dr. Medion can increase skin hydration by over 100% after a single application and maintain improved elasticity with consistent use.

Conclusion: Why CO₂ Skincare Benefits Are the Future of Anti-Aging

Dr. Hiki’s Aging Spiral Hypothesis suggests that aging is fundamentally a problem of:

• declining mitochondrial energy

• reduced CO₂ production

• impaired oxygen delivery

• weakened collagen and repair systems

CO₂ therapy directly targets this triad.

This is why more clinicians — including Dr. Piazza — are integrating CO₂ skincare benefits into modern skin health strategies.

As the science evolves, CO₂-based skincare like Dr. Medion Spaoxy Gel represents one of the most promising bridges between longevity science and everyday beauty.

Shop the Dr. Medion Collection

Explore our curated CO₂ skincare and carboxy therapy products:
👉 https://shop.thepiazzacenter.com/collections/dr-medion-collection-page-co-carboxy-therapy