Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP): a revolutionary approach in dermatology and skincare

Abstract

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) technology has emerged as a revolutionary therapeutic technology in dermatology, recognized for its safety, effectiveness, and minimal side effects. CAP demonstrates substantial antimicrobial properties against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, promotes tissue proliferation and wound healing, and inhibits the growth and migration of tumor cells. This paper explores the versatile applications of CAP in dermatology, skin health, and skincare. It provides an in-depth analysis of plasma technology, medical plasma applications, and CAP. The review covers the classification of CAP, its direct and indirect applications, and the penetration and mechanisms of action of its active components in the skin. Briefly introduce CAP's suppressive effects on microbial infections, detailing its impact on infectious skin diseases and its specific effects on bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. It also highlights CAP's role in promoting tissue proliferation and wound healing and its effectiveness in treating inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and vitiligo. Additionally, the review examines CAP's potential in suppressing tumor cell proliferation and migration and its applications in cosmetic and skincare treatments. The therapeutic potential of CAP in treating immune-mediated skin diseases is also discussed. CAP presents significant promise as a dermatological treatment, offering a safe and effective approach for various skin conditions. Its ability to operate at room temperature and its broad spectrum of applications make it a valuable tool in dermatology. Finally, introduce further research is required to fully elucidate its mechanisms, optimize its use, and expand its clinical applications.

Keywords: Cold atmospheric plasma; Dermatological diseases; Inflammatory skin diseases; Skincare.

Fig. 1

Schematic representation of the cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) mechanism in dermatological applications illustrates the various steps involved in CAP’s interaction with skin tissues for therapeutic purposes. CAP generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) through high-energy collisions, which play a pivotal role in biological processes such as oxidative stress, immune modulation, and wound healing. The figure details how CAP facilitates transdermal drug delivery by breaking down the stratum corneum and enhancing permeability through plasmaporation. Additionally, it highlights CAP’s ability to promote tissue regeneration, target infected or cancerous cells selectively, and modulate lipid composition for improved skin barrier function

Fig. 2

The features of the CAP device developed and operated by our hospital research group include A a surface discharge plasma generator device and a voltage regulating instrument. 1 Electric power supply; 2 voltage regulator; 3 high-voltage probe; 4 digital storage oscilloscope; 5 electrode for surface CAP. B Schematic diagram of plasma working principle. C Detection of activated water treated with CAP

Fig. 3

The formation, penetration, and characterization of CAPs entail complex interactions influenced by chemical and physical factors. CAPs interact intricately with treated targets, generating reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) from atmospheric gases and water vapor. CAP exposure enriches aqueous media with species like hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, CAP therapy influences the extracellular matrix (ECM), a crucial three-dimensional network in skin health. This interaction may modulate skin inflammation and infection, while the ECM’s role as a cell scaffold is essential for tissue development. Factors influencing species quantity include plasma settings and distance from the target. [19, 51, 53]

Fig. 4

Gas plasma treatment effects on wound healing targets. Gas plasma treatment influences key cells (keratinocytes, fibroblasts, immune cells) in and around the wound bed, reducing microbial growth. It stimulates keratinocytes and fibroblasts, activates macrophages, and attracts neutrophils and lymphocytes toward the damaged tissue [7]

Fig. 5

A study by Lou et al. explored how helium/argon cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) influences wound healing in rats. Wound closure was measured on days 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 14 after applying He-CAPJ and He/Ar-CAPJ for 60 s. Results showed significant wound reduction in plasma-treated wounds compared to the control group. Pronounced wound contraction occurred after He/Ar-CAPJ treatment between days 8 and 14, with better wound closure results than He-CAPJ from days 2 to 8. The study also evaluated wound closure after treating the wounds with He/Ar-CAPJ for 1, 3, and 5 min. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [121]. Copyright 2020 Frontiers