Unveiling the Power of Molecular Oxygen in AO2 SKIN

Learn about the difference between atomic and molecular oxygen with Dr. ted Lain

 

Discover the transformative power of AO2 SKIN in an exclusive video featuring renowned board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Ted Lain. Learn how AO2 CLEAR and AO2 HYDRATE utilizes molecular oxygen to deliver oxygen deep into the pore to provide a gentle yet effective solution for clearer, healthier skin.

    CLINICAL RESEARCH

    Evidence of Oxygen Delivery Beneath the Skin Surface Without Disrupting the Skin Barrier

    Researchers examined what happens inside human skin after topical application of AO2 SKIN's oxygen nanobubbles, including oxygen penetration and skin barrier integrity

    SEE FULL STUDY INCLUDING VIDEO AND DETAILED RESULTS 

    THE STUDY

    The First-of-Its-Kind Human Oxygen Nanobubble Enzyme Study

    Conducted in collaboration with North Carolina State University and a board-certified dermatologist and nano-physicist, this study examined human skin biopsies collected before treatment and at 30- and 60-minute intervals following topical application of AO2 SKIN oxygen nanobubbles.

    • Human skin biopsies collected and analyzed directly
    • Quantitative immunofluorescence imaging
    • Independent academic research collaboration
    • Evaluation of oxygen-related biomarkers and skin barrier integrity

    HOW OXYGEN WAS MEASURED

    Your Skin Has It's Own Oxygen Sensor

    Your skin naturally has different oxygen levels at different depths. One important marker, called Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), helps scientists understand how much oxygen is available in the skin. When oxygen levels increase, this marker goes down.
     
    AO2 CLEAR® oxygen nanobubbles were applied to the skin, and biopsies were collected before treatment and again at 30 and 60 minutes following application.

    FINDING 01

    Oxygen Actually Reaches The Epidermis and Dermis

    The study measured HIF-1α, a biomarker that rises when skin is low on oxygen and drops when oxygen improves. After applying AO2 SKIN, HIF-1α decreased significantly; direct biochemical proof that oxygen was delivered into the tissue.
     
    • HIF-1α is a validated scientific measure of tissue oxygenation
    • Results were significant at both 30 and 60 minutes
    • This is the body's own oxygen sensor confirming the positive penetration and effects of AO2

    FINDING 02

    Your Skin's Own Defenses Get Stronger

    Beyond oxygenation, the study found that AO2 SKIN activates the skin's natural antioxidant defense system. Two key protective enzymes, NQO1 and HO-1, increased significantly, and HO-1 kept rising through 60 minutes, suggesting a lasting protective effect.
     
    • NQO1 elevated at 30 minutes — fast activation
    • HO-1 continued rising through 60 minutes — sustained defense
    • AO2 gives the skin a very strong defense after treatment.
    • Skin becomes more resilient to environmental stressors

    FINDING 03

    Your Skin Barrier Stays Completely Intact

    Filaggrin, the key protein responsible for your skin's barrier function and hydration, showed zero change across all time points. The treatment delivers oxygen without disrupting the skin's protective layer.
     
    • Filaggrin levels unchanged at T0, T30, and T60
    • No disruption to the stratum corneum structure
    • Safe and non-disruptive — confirmed at the cellular level

    WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR SKIN

    Targeted Oxygen Delivery. Stronger Skin. No Disruption.

    • Supports better oxygen availability at the pore and follicle level
    • Helps create a healthier environment for skin function
    • Maintains skin barrier integrity
    • Encourages a more balanced, resilient complexion
    This research supports how oxygen nanobubble technology from AO2 SKIN works to improve overall skin health in a gentle, non-disruptive way.

    STUDY ARCHITECTS

    Dr. Zvi Yaniv, PhD

    Dr. Zvi Yaniv, PhD

    Chief Science Officer, AO2 SKIN

    Nanotechnology pioneer with over 300 patents. The scientific architect behind AO2 SKIN's oxygen nanobubble delivery technology.

    Vivian Bucay, MD, FAAD

    Vivian Bucay, MD, FAAD

    Chief Medical Officer, AO2 SKIN

    Johns Hopkins and Baylor College of Medicine graduate. Considered one of the pre-eminent dermatologists in the United States.

    Giuseppe Valacchi, PhD

    Giuseppe Valacchi, PhD

    David H. Murdock Distinguished Professor of Regenerative Medicine

    World-leading expert in redox biology and skin science. Holds NC State's highest faculty distinction.

    AO2 CLEAR

    Oxygen nanobubbles for clarity

    • Impede proliferation of acne-causing bacteria
    • Reduce inflammation, redness, and congestion
    • Enhance tolerability of retinoids and active ingredients

    Made with only distilled water and billions of oxygen nanobubbles.

    AO2 HYDRATE

    Oxygen nanobubbles with glycerin for balance

    • Comforts dryness and restores moisture balance
    • Soothes and supports daily skin resilience
    • Lightweight feel with no residue

    Made with only distilled water, billions of oxygen nanobubbles, and natural vegetable glycerin.

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