With consistent use your skin should be clearer, more hydrated, evenly textured, brighter, and overall healthier and better nourished. You should not experience the drying or irritation that accompanies many traditional acne products like Retin-A.

Because AO2 Clear is only oxygen and distilled water, there is no potential for irritation or other adverse reactions.

The short answer is no. You would be hard-pressed to find any discussion of skin purging in peer-reviewed medical literature.

Unfortunately, this notion has been perpetuated by the skincare world (and occasionally even by dermatologists in popular magazines/internet articles). It is a myth that the skin goes through a detox stage after the introduction of a new product. Toxins are generally not processed and released through the skin. Eliminating toxins is a job primarily for the liver and kidneys.

Now how did this theory of skin purging become so ingrained in the beauty world?

It is likely due to confusion with another well-documented and proven reaction known as retinization. This is an adjustment period that the skin may experience in response to an agent that affects skin turnover. As suggested by the name, this reaction most commonly occurs after starting a retinoid which is a derivative of Vitamin A. Tretinoin (Retin-A), retinol, adapalene (Differin), and isotretinoin (Accutane) are a few common examples. It can also occur with alpha and beta hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. Redness and flaking are the classic features of retinization. If the application of the retinoid is not too frequent or intense, these symptoms should resolve within 3-4 weeks. Generally, breakouts are not common as part of this reaction unless the user is applying moisturizers to combat the dryness, and the moisturizers themselves are triggering the breakouts.

Where does AO2 Clear fit in?
We know that a low oxygen state can impede turnover of the lining of the skin pore leading to the formation of the blackhead. AO2 Clear delivers oxygen to the pore and, thus, corrects this turnover issue. So, in theory, a retinization-like adjustment period could occur while the skin acclimates to the new treatment. However, in our market study and from the data we have obtained since AO2 Clear came to market, we have found only isolated reports of dryness or irritation. Furthermore, it is unclear if the solution itself was the culprit. It is likely that the hydrating properties of oxygen account for the lack of irritation seen clinically.

What should you do if you notice any irritation after starting AO2 Clear?
It goes without saying that it is worth checking to make sure the irritation is not caused by another product or medication. Also consider the sponges: even though they are composed of pure cellulose without any additives, there is a small possibility that someone could react to them. We suggest substituting 100% cotton rounds (or some other product you know you tolerate) to apply the solution. If the irritation persists, then use AO2 Clear every other day and increase the use of a moisturizer you tolerate well. Remember, the retinization process is temporary and should resolve within a few weeks. If you’re still having issues beyond this timeframe, contact us to arrange a refund. Rest assured though—we haven’t had any users who followed the above suggestions and still noticed irritation.

What if I notice new breakouts after starting AO2 Clear?
This is likely not due to the process of retinization as breakouts are not a common feature. Some suggestions:
First, we recommend you incorporate AO2 Clear into your existing routine rather than replacing all other products at once. Sometimes, we are not aware that other steps in our skincare regimen might be helping with breakouts until they are withdrawn. As your skin improves with AO2 Clear, you can taper off other products in a gradual fashion. If you started another product or medication at the same time as AO2 Clear, make sure this is not the cause of the breakouts. Other pointers: Never reuse the sponges! Clean the tray with soap and water regularly. Store the tray and the unused sponges in the supplied pouch, Ziplock bag, or other sealed container as bacteria can be aerosolized in bathrooms and colonize any products left unprotected. (Most of us know not to leave our toothbrushes out for this reason.) Finally, be consistent! Using AO2 Clear regularly and switching to a new pouch every 2-3 weeks is the best way to optimize your results.

AO2 Clear is the only topical acne treatment that contains just oxygen and distilled water. It’s also the only product to harness nanobubble technology for such an extraordinarily high gradient of oxygen concentration. No other product is as clean and powerful.

If using AO2 Clear consistently twice daily, you should start to see improvement within the first two weeks. Because oxygen acts as a natural antibacterial against the specific bacteria that causes acne inflammation, the preventative benefits act cumulatively—the longer you use the product, the more benefit you can expect to see—clarity, hydration, and even texture.

The transfer of a gas like oxygen from one location to another depends on the difference, or gradient, in concentration between the two locations. If that gradient is significant, oxygen will move from the high-concentration one to the low-concentration one. In our case, the two locations are the skin surface and the skin pores. A good example of an oxygen gradient is hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This treatment is costly, cumbersome, and has the potential for serious side effects. AO2 uses the same principle of an oxygen gradient as hyperbaric therapy, but it’s convenient, low cost, and has no potential side effects.

Oxygen is critical in promoting healthy skin by supporting cell regeneration and collagen production. It helps enhance skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and contributes to a radiant complexion. Additionally, oxygen can assist in healing wounds and combating bacteria, promoting an overall rejuvenated and refreshed skin appearance.

Hydrogen, although it has some antioxidant properties, doesn’t play as central a role in these essential functions for skin. While ozone has some antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits, its use in skincare is debated due to concerns about potential side effects and limited scientific evidence. Oxygen is generally considered safer and more widely accepted for skincare, offering proven advantages without the uncertainties associated with hydrogen and ozone.

The nanobubble technology is also in use for peripheral neuropathy under the name of NoxyPure, manufactured by Periphex Corp, our licensor.