Make your own carbon dioxide water baths
Did You Know? Half Your Cells Are Blood Cells
Out of our nearly 50 trillion cells, about 25 trillion are blood cells. These blood cells nourish and detoxify the rest of the body—including muscles, skin, liver, and brain—by supplying oxygen and nutrients and removing waste.
To function properly, blood cells need carbon dioxide (CO₂). Maintaining an optimal CO₂ pressure in the body is crucial for us to function at our best. Learn more in the article – Carbon dioxide pressure more important than blood pressure >>
How CO₂ Facial Baths Work
When CO₂ is absorbed through the skin, it triggers three powerful effects:
- Vasodilation – blood vessels expand.
- Improved blood flow – blood becomes more fluid and moves more easily.
- Enhanced oxygen delivery – oxygen molecules are released from the blood (the Bohr effect, discovered by Danish physiologist Christian Bohr) and become more available to the cells.
This leads to better microcirculation and more efficient oxygenation throughout the body, even in rigid or blocked areas with poor blood flow. As the blood returns to the heart, it also carries waste products for elimination via exhalation.
The Secret Behind Hot Springs: Carbon Dioxide
Bathing in hot mineral springs is an age-old remedy for poor circulation, stress relief, and skin issues. These springs contain high levels of CO₂, now believed to be the primary reason for their therapeutic effects—more so than the minerals themselves.
Artificial CO₂-enriched baths (common in Eastern Europe, Germany, and Japan) mimic these benefits and are used to help with conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and diabetes-related skin problems. According to a Japanese review, artificial CO₂ baths offer effects comparable to those of natural hot springs.
A German study even found that about 30 milliliters of CO₂ per minute can be absorbed through the skin, providing a 10–12% boost over the body’s normal resting CO₂ production of around 250 ml/min.
Facial Bath Protocol
- Find a large bowl that fits your face.
- Prepare 1.5 liters of mineral water, or use a soda machine (two large bottles). Typically, five slow presses are enough—but this may vary depending on water quality and how full the CO₂ cylinder is.
- Use either cold or lukewarm water. Cold water can feel more refreshing, and warm water retains less CO₂.
- Set a timer for 5-6 minutes.
- Optional: Massage your face, do light exercise, or shave beforehand to boost circulation.
- Pour the water into the bowl, start the timer, and dip your face.
- Breathe as needed. Raise your head for air, then dip again. (Tip: Use a straw to breathe while keeping your face submerged.)
- It may feel a little uncomfortable in your nose at first—hang in there!
- If the CO₂ bubbles start to slow, gently move your head to stimulate more release.
Afterward, your skin will likely feel soft, fresh, and rejuvenated.
Alternative to Using Mineral Water or a Soda Machine
You can create your own carbonated water with a slow-release CO₂ reaction using:
- Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
- Ascorbic acid (or citric acid)
Recommended Method:
- Start by adding 1 tsp of baking soda to the water.
- Add 0.5 tsp of ascorbic (or citric) acid to initiate bubbling.
- As the CO₂ bubbles begin to slow (usually after a few minutes), add another 0.5 tsp of acid.
- Repeat this step every few minutes to keep the water actively releasing CO₂.
This gradual addition of acid ensures that CO₂ is produced continuously during the bath—allowing more of it to be absorbed through the skin instead of escaping into the air.
Other DIY CO₂ Bath Options
You can also create carbonated baths for hands, feet, or even a full-body soak:
Hands
- Water: ~1 liter
- Baking soda: 1 tsp
- Ascorbic (or citric) acid: Start with 0.5 tsp
- As the bubbles slow, add some more acid every few minutes
- Bathe for 10–15 minutes.
Feet
- Water: ~5 liters
- Baking soda: 1 tbsp (tablespoon)
- Ascorbic (or citric) acid: Start with 0.5 tsp
- As the bubbles slow, add some more acid every few minutes
- Bathe for 10–15 minutes.
Full-body
- Water: Half a standard bathtub (~50–60 liters)
- Bicarbonate (baking soda): 1 deciliter (dl)
- Ascorbic (or citric) acid: Start with 0.5 dl
- As the bubbles slow, add some more acid every few minutes
- Bathe for 20–30 minutes
Bathing in carbonated mineral water can become a relaxing and rejuvenating ritual. It may leave your skin feeling softer, improve circulation, and even give you a more youthful glow.
Why not try it out—and enjoy a bubble of well-being?
