What Is Microcirculation?
The skin’s microcirculation—the capillary network that delivers blood, oxygen and nutrients to the cells of the epidermis and dermis—is the unseen driving force behind skin health.
A well-functioning capillary network ensures that every cell receives the resources it needs to perform its role, including collagen synthesis, renewal of superficial skin layers, immune defence and repair of minor tissue injury.
With ageing, and under the influence of factors such as smoking, sun exposure, chronic stress and nutritional deficiencies, the skin’s microcirculation gradually deteriorates. Capillaries become less flexible, their density declines and blood flow slow.
The effects are visible: pale or dull-looking skin, slower healing, more pronounced wrinkles and an overall tired appearance.
Skin Microcirculation
Skin microcirculation has a notable capacity for adaptation. Unlike larger blood vessels, where atherosclerotic changes are difficult to reverse, capillaries can regenerate and improve their function in response to appropriate biological stimuli.
This adaptability provides the basis for the potential effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
The neovascularisation stimulated by hyperbaric oxygen therapy through vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes the formation of new capillaries and directly addresses reduced vascular density.
At the same time, improved blood rheology, the ease with which blood flows through the vessels—supports more effective delivery of nutrients and oxygen to even the smallest capillaries. The result is better-nourished and better-oxygenated skin, with visible improvements in its appearance.
Scientific Studies
Studies examining the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on skin microcirculation have reported increased vascular density within the dermis, improved transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO₂)—a measure that directly reflects the amount of oxygen reaching the skin tissues—and enhanced microvascular responsiveness.
The effects may be more pronounced in older patients or in those with metabolic conditions that impair microcirculation, as they often have greater scope for improvement.
Improved skin microcirculation is also frequently perceived subjectively as greater radiance and vitality of the skin.
The Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
In efforts to improve skin microcirculation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy acts from within. Rather than affecting only the surface of the skin, it supports the biological infrastructure that nourishes and sustains skin cells.
The alternation between hyperoxygenation during each session and relative hypoxia between sessions provides a strong biological stimulus for VEGF activation and neovascularisation.
After a series of sessions, increased capillary density within the dermis may produce a lasting improvement in the nourishment of the epidermis—an effect that cannot be achieved through topical aesthetic treatments alone.
Improved microcirculation may also create more favorable conditions for other aesthetic procedures performed alongside treatment.
A typical course consists of 15 to 20 sessions and may be repeated according to the individual’s goals.