Anti-Ageing
Biological ageing is a multifactorial process associated with cumulative cellular injury, a reduced capacity for self-repair and the gradual decline of tissue function.
At skin level, it manifests as wrinkles, sagging, discolouration, thinning and reduced elasticity. These changes are not purely aesthetic; they reflect deeper biological alterations in metabolism, cellular communication and immune function.
Two of the central mechanisms involved in biological ageing are the shortening of telomeres—the protective “caps” at the ends of chromosomes that become progressively shorter with each cell division—and the increase in oxidative stress that accumulates over time.
Both mechanisms are closely linked to cellular oxygenation and metabolic status, creating a basis for therapeutic interventions that act at this biological level.
Biological Ageing and Contributing Factors
Biological ageing is accelerated by factors that impair cellular oxygenation and increase oxidative stress, including smoking, prolonged sun exposure, pollution, an unhealthy diet, chronic stress and a sedentary lifestyle.
By contrast, factors that preserve or improve cellular oxygenation, such as regular exercise, healthy circulation and an antioxidant-rich diet, are associated with a slower rate of biological ageing.
This relationship suggests that improving cellular oxygenation through therapeutic intervention may have beneficial effects on the ageing process.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy does not promise immortality. It provides cells with biological conditions that may support healthier and more gradual ageing.
Scientific Basis
A particularly important recent clinical study published in the scientific journal Aging evaluated 35 healthy adults over the age of 64 who completed 60 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
The findings showed significant telomere elongation of 20% to 38% in certain cell types, together with an 11% to 37% reduction in senescent cells.
These findings open a new perspective in anti-ageing medicine.
Additional studies have reported improvements in cognitive function, reductions in inflammatory markers associated with ageing, a process known as inflammaging, and improvements in skin parameters following courses of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in older participants. These findings extend beyond the aesthetic effects of ageing and address its broader biological dimension.
The Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
In the field of anti-ageing, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be incorporated as an adjunctive biological intervention targeting the deeper mechanisms of ageing rather than only their visible manifestations. It does not replace medical care, a balanced diet or regular physical activity, but works alongside them.
Through telomere elongation, a reduction in senescent cells, improved mitochondrial function and enhanced antioxidant protection, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may act simultaneously on several mechanisms involved in biological ageing.
At skin level, the effects may include improved firmness, radiance and elasticity. At a systemic level, they may be reflected in greater vitality and improved cognitive clarity.
A typical treatment course consists of 20 to 40 sessions and may be repeated every six to twelve months.