The dual action of ozone on the skin
Abstract
The aim of this brief review is to summarize the recent literature on the effect of ozone (O3) on cutaneous tissues. Recently it has been reported that a chronic contact with O3 can be deleterious for the skin. Our group and others have shown a progressive depletion of antioxidant content in the stratum corneum and this can then lead to a cascade of effects resulting in an active cellular response in the deeper layers of the skin. Using an in vivo model we have shown an increase of proliferative, adaptive and proinflammatory cutaneous tissue responses. On the other hand the well known activity of O3 as a potent disinfectant and oxygen (O2) donor has been also studied for therapeutic use. Two approaches have been described. The first consists of a quasi-total body exposure in a thermostatically controlled cabin. This treatment has proved to be useful in patients with chronic limb ischaemia. The second approach is based on the topical application of ozonated olive oil in several kinds of skin infection (from soreness to diabetic ulcers, burns, traumatic and surgical wounds, abscesses and skin reactions after radiotherapy). We and other authors have observed a striking cleansing effect with improved oxygenation and enhanced healing of these conditions. It is now clear that, on the skin, O3, like other drugs, poisons and radiation, can display either a damaging effect from a long exposure or a beneficial effect after a brief exposure to O2 and O3 or to the application of ozonated oil to chronic wounds.
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O3 can have a deleterious effect on skin health.
“Biological studies examining the effects of ozone (O 3 ) on the skin have shown that O 3 can have a deleterious effect on skin health.[9]”
From Bad air gets under your skin (2017) · cites this paper as [9]
Ozone mediates its noxious effects through free radical reactions achieved either directly by oxidation of biomolecules to generate ROS or by production of cytotoxic non-radical molecules.
“Ozone mediates its noxious effects through free radical reactions that are achieved either directly by oxidation of biomolecules to generate ROS or by the production of cytotoxic non-radical molecules [33].”
From Oxidative Stress and Ageing: The Influence of Environmental Pollution, Sunlight and Diet on Skin (2017) · cites this paper as [33]
Ground-level ozone is a highly reactive environmental pollutant capable of inducing oxidative stress in cutaneous tissues.
“Ground-level ozone, a major component of smog, is a highly reactive environmental pollutant that is capable of inducing oxidative stress in cutaneous tissues.”
From Oxidative Stress and Ageing: The Influence of Environmental Pollution, Sunlight and Diet on Skin (2017) · cites this paper as [33]
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- Authors
- Valacchi, G., Fortino, V., & Bocci, V.
- Affiliations
- University of Siena (IT)
- Corresponding author
- Valacchi, G.
- Venue
- British Journal of Dermatology
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press (OUP)
- Published
- 2005-12
- Volume
- 153
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 1096-1100
- ISSN
- 0007-0963 (ISSN-L)
- 1365-2133
- OpenAlex
- W2104243457
- Cited by
- 243
- References
- 49
- Citations by year
- 2026: 7 · 2025: 16 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 14 · 2021: 30 · 2020: 22 · 2019: 13 · 2018: 14 · 2017: 9 · 2016: 16 · 2015: 13 · 2014: 6 · 2013: 9 · 2012: 11
- FWCI
- 0.39
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- British Journal of Dermatology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Institutional Research Information System University of Ferrara (University of Ferrara) (submittedVersion)
- Funders
- Ministero dell’Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Medical and Biological Ozone Research
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging › Plasma Applications and Diagnostics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine › Photodynamic Therapy Research Studies
- Keywords
- ozone, skin, stratum corneum, antioxidant depletion, oxidative stress, chronic limb ischemia, ozonated olive oil, wound healing, skin infections, diabetic ulcers, burns, ozone disinfection, oxygen donors
- MeSH terms
- Humans, Oxidants, Photochemical, Ozone, Skin, Skin Diseases, Infectious, Oxidative Stress
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