Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, once used primarily for medical conditions like decompression sickness and wound healing, is gaining popularity as a wellness treatment. Supporters claim that breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber can improve brain function, boost skin health and even slow aging, but experts say these benefits are not supported by strong evidence.
While some small studies suggest the therapy may improve certain markers linked to aging or cognitive function, researchers caution that these findings are preliminary and often conducted under strict medical conditions that are difficult to replicate outside clinical settings. There is little evidence that consumer versions of the therapy deliver the same results, and experts warn that claims about longevity and antiaging are often overstated.
Safety is another concern, as recent incidents involving hyperbaric chambers have raised questions about proper use and regulation. Medical-grade treatments are typically supervised and approved for specific conditions, but wellness clinics may not follow the same standards. Experts say the therapy may offer benefits in certain medical cases, but for general wellness or antiaging, it may be an expensive approach with limited proven value.
SOURCE:
NY Times, March 16, 2026