IHHT in aesthetic medicine: the authors’ review of adaptive mechanisms and observations of skin microcirculation. The paper considers a course using OxyTerra equipment.
An English editorial exposition of the text by D. Z. Kardashova and G. I. Grigoryev. The publication combines a review of mechanisms with clinical observations. It provides insufficient information for a reliable assessment of sample composition and the control comparison. Tables and images are preserved in the original PDF.
Publication at a glance
- Hypoxic-hyperoxic exposures in aesthetic medicine are considered.
- The authors report observations of skin microcirculation and thermography.
- Changes in these measures do not demonstrate slower biological aging.
IHHT in aesthetic medicine: context
The authors consider age-related skin changes as part of changes throughout the body. Their discussion links skin condition to metabolism and blood supply. Particular attention is given to biochemical markers of aging. [1]
The review’s sources include work on aesthetic correction and skin structure. [2] [3] The authors also consider changes in the microvascular bed. [4] [5] This framing supports investigation of physiological measures as well as appearance.
Why microcirculation matters
The text describes age-related changes in capillaries and oxygen delivery to tissues. The authors discuss a reduction in the number of functioning capillaries and changes in vascular tone. These processes may influence the conditions for skin metabolism.
The publication also addresses the development of anti-aging medical services. [6] Against this background, IHHT is considered an additional physiological approach. A review of experience in aesthetic medicine should not be equated with a separate controlled trial. [7]
Mechanisms discussed by the authors
The method alternates breathing intervals with different oxygen concentrations. The authors describe systemic, tissue, and cellular adaptive responses. In particular, they consider oxygen sensors and mitochondrial function.
The review distinguishes signal initiation, transmission, and the subsequent cellular response. The proposed effects are linked to regulation of blood vessels and energy metabolism. The article also cites studies of preconditioning. [11]
The authors compare these mechanisms with experience of hypoxic training in sport. [8] They also mention studies of rehabilitation for lung diseases. [9, 10] However, findings from other fields provide context rather than direct evidence of an aesthetic effect.
How the OxyTerra course is described
The authors’ text specifies a course of 15 sessions using the OxyTerra training device. Sessions took place daily or every other day. Settings were selected individually according to the response to a hypoxic test.
The publication describes alternating hypoxic and hyperoxic intervals. It also emphasizes the need to monitor the patient’s condition. The parameters reported relate to the authors’ method and are not a universal prescription.
The authors used images of facial and neck skin to assess local changes. They compared data before and after the course. Microcirculation illustrations are available in the original PDF.
Changes reported in the text
After 15 sessions, the authors report an 11.6% reduction in heart rate. Reported reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 8% and 17%, respectively.
They also report a 15% increase in circulating erythrocytes and an 11% increase in blood oxygen-carrying capacity. These figures should be read as the results of specific observations by the authors. They are not guaranteed effects for every patient.
In discussing microcirculation, the authors suggest a change in peripheral vascular resistance. However, the source does not adequately describe a control group or long-term follow-up. It therefore does not permit a separate assessment of the durability of cosmetic outcomes.
Practical significance of the publication
The paper shows which physiological measures can be discussed in relation to IHHT in aesthetic medicine. Its main content concerns adaptive mechanisms and observed changes in circulation.
Assessing the effect in an individual patient requires baseline measurements and reassessment. A specialist decides whether to include the method in a program. The complete author text helps distinguish actual measurements from broader theoretical assumptions.
Original publication data
Complete tables, illustrations, and the authors’ original wording are available in the source PDF. The links below open the corresponding pages of the original.
Thermographic images and observational results
Discussion and opening references
References
References 1–6
1. Gomyranova N.V., Metelskaya V.A., Tkacheva O.N., Ozerova I.N., Perova N.V., Strazhesko I.D. Biochemical markers of atherogenic disturbances in the lipoprotein system: association with biological and chronological vascular aging. Atherosclerosis and Dyslipidemias. – 2014. – No. 4 (17). – pp. 14-19.
2. Manturova N.E., Stenko A.G., Petinati Ya.A., Chaikovskaya E.A., Bolgarina A.A. Injectable collagen in the correction of age-related skin changes: experimental and clinical parallels. Bulletin of RSMU. – 2019. – No.1. – pp.78-85.
3. Zolotenkova G.V., Morozov Yu.E., Tkachenko S.B., Pigolkin Yu.I. Age-related changes in structural and functional skin parameters. Bulletin of Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University. – 2014.- Issue 1. pp. 132–139.
4. Solovyeva E.V., Yusova Zh.Yu., Ivanova M.A. Involutional changes in the skin and microvascular bed. Scientific Bulletins. Medicine. Pharmacy Series. 2012. – No.22 (141), Issue 20/2. – pp.97-100.
5. Tikhonova I.V. Age-related changes in oscillatory processes in the human skin microvascular bed in health and vascular disease. Regional Blood Circulation and Microcirculation. – 2018. –Vol.17, No.3. – pp.42-57.
6. Bazhenova S.A., Danilova L.G., Chetoshnikova L.A. Marketing of anti-aging medical services in aesthetic medicine. Problems of Social Hygiene, Public Health and History of Medicine. 2019. – Vol.27, No.4. – pp.424-428.
References 7–11
7. Kardashova Z.Z., Vasilenko I.A., Grigoryev G.I. Use of intermittent hypoxic-hyperoxic training in aesthetic medicine. Attending Physician, 2018, No. 11. pp. 20-24.
8. Tsyganova T.N. Efficacy of intermittent hypoxic training in sport. Therapeutic Physical Training and Sports Medicine 2015 – No. 6 (132). pp.47-54.
9. Borukaeva I.Kh., Abazova Z.Kh., Ivanov A.B., Shkhagumov K.Yu. Intermittent hypoxic therapy and enteral oxygen therapy in the rehabilitation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Problems of Balneology, Physiotherapy, and Exercise Therapy. – 2019. – Vol.96, No. 2. – pp.27-32.
10. Klyuchnikova E.A., Abbazova L.V., Lokhannikova M.A., Ananyev S.S., Pavlov D.A., Balykin M.V. Effects of intermittent normobaric hypoxia on systemic hemodynamics, blood biochemistry, and physical performance in older adults. Ulyanovsk Medical and Biological Journal. – 2017. – No. 4. – pp.155-163.
11. Novikov V.E., Levchenkova O.S., Pozhilova E.V. Preconditioning as a means of metabolic adaptation to hypoxia and ischemia. Bulletin of Smolensk State Medical Academy 2018, Vol. 17, No.1. – pp.69-79.
Technology and practice
Feedback and session monitoring are described in the section ‘IHHT Technology’.
The IHHT in active longevity and wellness programs is discussed in the Applications section.