Ozone therapy: mechanism of action, methodology, indications and contraindications

Ozone therapy is a procedure that uses ozone - a unique remedy that preserves and restores the natural beauty and health of the skin.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ]

Ozone therapy: indications for use

1. Dermatology:
   • acne;
   • furunculosis;
   • pyoderma;
   • herpes;
   • fungal infections;
   • psoriasis;
   • neurodermatitis;
   • eczema;
   • lichen planus;
   • scleroderma;
   • bullous dermatoses.
2. Cosmetology:
   • prevention of aging;
   • care for dehydrated skin;
   • improvement of the facial contour (lifting of the skin in the area of the “double chin”, neck and décolleté);
   • telangiectasia;
   • scarring;
   • alopecia;
   • cellulite.

The use of ozone therapy in the treatment of "problem skin"

For the treatment of “problem” skin for all types of skin aging, local and systemic ozone therapy methods are used.

Locally - subcutaneous injection of ozone-oxygen mixture, use of ozone-revitalizing cosmetics. Subcutaneously, ozone is injected at points in the locations of wrinkles and in other areas with signs of aging (chin, neck, etc.), as well as in the presence of excess subcutaneous fat in the submandibular and cheek-chin areas. Oxygen-ozone mixture is injected into the paraorbital area to correct wrinkles around the eyes, under the skin of the forehead and nasolabial fold. When using ozone, a rapidly progressive reduction in fat deposits occurs. Fat tissue becomes denser and more compact. Good results can be achieved in the correction of a "double" chin, facelift and shaping.

Ozone therapy for telangiectasia

When an ozone-oxygen mixture with a high ozone concentration is introduced into the lumen of a vessel using a microneedle, the gas fills the entire vascular network of the telangiectasis, and pain is minimal (slight tingling). Under the influence of high ozone concentrations, oxidation and total destruction of endothelial cell membranes occurs, resulting in the instantaneous complete disappearance of the telangiectasis with the absence of any signs of its existence in this place.

Ozone therapy for acne

The method of local injection of inflammatory foci (infiltrates, pustular elements) with an ozone-oxygen mixture in combination with a course of magnetic therapy is used. The depth of the injection and the number of injections under one focus depend on the size of the inflammatory element. Up to 5 cm3 of the ozone-oxygen mixture is injected into each point ^. On average, the course of treatment requires 5-6 procedures with an interval of 5 days. All patients experience clinical improvement after the first procedure. This is reflected in the softening of infiltrates, reduction of swelling, exudation, hyperemia, and pain. The treatment time is reduced by 2-3 times compared to traditional methods.

Ozone therapy for stretch marks

Skin striae ("stretch marks") often accompany the phenomena of edematous-fibro-sclerotic lipodystrophy (cellulite) and are usually localized on the skin of the abdomen, thighs, and mammary glands. They can be a serious cosmetic defect and are quite difficult to treat. Ozone therapy is one of the most effective methods of their correction. Treatment is carried out using subcutaneous injections of an oxygen-ozone mixture with a low ozone concentration. It is also advisable to combine ozone therapy with acid peeling of problem areas.

Ozone is also irreplaceable in early postoperative rehabilitation to prevent complications. It helps to enhance lymphatic drainage, establish microcirculation, improve tissue trophism, and stimulate metabolic processes. The effect is noticeable after one or two procedures: swelling, tissue compaction, and soreness are reduced. After 4-5 procedures, skin sensitivity is restored, hyperemia is reduced, and the feeling of constriction in the area of postoperative sutures disappears.

Ozone therapy for hypertrophic scars

Injecting the scar with ozone causes the feeling of skin tightening to disappear, the scars to become pale and softer, and subsequently to dissolve. As a result, the scar area becomes significantly smoother, and tissue elasticity is restored.

Ozone therapy for focal alopecia

Ozone-oxygen therapy for patients with focal alopecia is performed in the form of intravenous drip infusions of ozonized saline solution in combination with subcutaneous injections of oxygen-ozone gas mixture directly into the foci of alopecia on the scalp. Based on the studies conducted, it was established that in the affected tissue, in response to the effect of the oxygen-ozone mixture, vasodilation and improvement of microcirculation occur, contributing to the elimination of regional hypoxia.

Mechanism of action of ozone therapy

Subcutaneously administered ozone activates metabolic processes and promotes accumulation of macroergs in cells, normalizes active membrane transport (K-Na-pump), deformability of erythrocytes, blood viscosity, permeability and electrical properties of membranes, increasing the intensity of energy processes by increasing oxygen utilization by cells, due to activation of aerobic glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, beta-oxidation of fatty acids and by optimizing the oxygen-transport function of blood (in the presence of ozone, erythrocytes are able to bind and bring in 10 times more oxygen, and it is easier to give it to tissues). In addition, "oxidative stress" is prevented, the activity of the antioxidant defense system increases and the destructive effect of free radicals is neutralized. The volume of tissue fluid in the deep layers increases, the skin's natural ability to retain water is restored, and, as a result, crow's feet and deep wrinkles are smoothed out and disappear, a pronounced rejuvenating effect is achieved.

The fundamental difference between ozone therapy and other cosmetic products and procedures is its dual action, both on the surface and from within the body, which leads to normalization of nutrition, oxygenation, moisturizing, protection and restoration of metabolism in the skin. General cleansing, healing and toning are achieved, and not a temporary cosmetic effect. Ozone therapy, without masking skin imperfections, normalizes its natural functions and stimulates independent work.

Effects of ozone therapy

1. Suppression of bacterial, fungal and viral infections:
   • activation of non-specific defense factors;
   • ozonolysis of the microorganism's membrane;
   • disruption of communication with cellular receptors;
   • inactivation of viral enzymes (reverse transcriptase)
2. Stimulates metabolism:
   • improving the synthesis and consumption of glucose;
   • selective destruction of LDL and TG;
   • increase in the concentration of HDL and alpha-cholesterol;
   • increase in ATP reserves;
   • improving oxygen transport and utilization;
   • reduction of the concentration of under-oxidized products in plasma and cells.
3. Improving blood circulation:
   • increased deformability of erythrocytes;
   • protection of erythrocytes from lipid peroxidation;
   • activation of the enzyme NO synthase;
   • reduction of platelet adhesion;
   • hypocoagulation.
4. Reducing inflammation activity:
   • improving microcirculation in the edema area;
   • suppression of arachidonic acid synthesis;
   • blocking the synthesis of leukotrienes.
5. Anesthesia:
   • oxidation of pain mediators;
   • suppression of the synthesis of toxic products.
6. Detoxification:
   • stimulation of metabolism in hepatocytes,
   • improving neuron function;
   • cleansing of microcirculatory depots.
7. Immunostimulation:
   • changes in the composition and activity of T cells;
   • induction of the synthesis of cytokines and interleukins;
   • increased phagocytosis activity.
8. Increased activity of medicinal products:
   • improving the conditions of their delivery and penetration into cells.

[ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ]

Ozone therapy techniques

1. Autohemozone therapy:
   • intravenous and subcutaneous injections;
   • flow-through or storage;
   • introduction to acupuncture points;
   • rectal insufflation.
2. Ozonation of liquids (distilled water, oil, saline solution):
   • per os;
   • installations;
   • irrigation of affected areas;
   • baths.

In ozone treatment methods, great importance is attached to improving microcirculation, oxygenation, energy supply of cells, adequate nutrition and protection of the skin. Many cosmetic problems - acne, rosacea, hair loss, all types of aging, allergies, cellulite, obesity - are a reflection of the internal state of the body, so they need to be treated not only from the outside, but also from the inside. Ozone copes with this perfectly, providing a detoxifying, antimicrobial antiviral effect, increasing the body's immunity. After the introduction of ozone, tissue metabolism immediately increases, cells begin to renew and rejuvenate.

Ozone therapy: contraindications for use

Ozone therapy is contraindicated for people suffering from the following diseases: acute phase of myocardial infarction, acute alcoholic psychosis (alcohol intoxication), convulsive syndrome, acute pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism, arterial hypotension, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, thrombocytopenia, internal bleeding.

Menstrual bleeding is not a reason to cancel the procedure (a slight prolongation of menstruation and some increase in total blood loss are possible).

Alternative methods: mesotherapy, phonophoresis, electrophoresis, microcurrent therapy.