The use of Plasma technology is a relatively new Trend in the cosmetics and is not yet entirely clear. The first devices were showing as an Alternative to Laser rejuvenation, but the most recent studies, that is, the possibility of using Plasma is much wider.
To understand, what are the advantages of the use of Plasma-technologies, let us first understand what Plasma is. Plasma is a Gas that, in contrast to our usual stable gas, is not only neutral molecules but also contains charged particles — free electrons and the positive and negative ions (and in some cases, consists only of these charged particles).
They distinguish 2 types of Plasma:
The Plasma is the source:
Concrete effects in the interaction with the fabric targets depending on the type of the used plasma, the dose, flow rate, pressure, reaction time (parameters on the effect of modifications of the devices) and the properties of the tissue.
Originally medicine relied on the thermal effects of the plasma. So, a High-Flow Plasma, with the help of the exposure to inert gases electric current of great strength, known as the Plasma knife, and is used for the dissection and removal of tissue. The ability of the plasma heated fabric (although with less intensity) was the Foundation of their use and in the cosmetics.
However, it must be said that in recent years, more and more attracts attention to the technology of the cold low-temperature plasma (35-40overWith), resulting in the therapeutic effects to be achieved without damage to living tissue.
Currently, the possibility of the application of the ability of the cold a low temperature of the investigated Plasma to generate free radicals and UV radiation for the disinfection of the human skin, as well as for the treatment of wounds. These effects may skin kill antibiotic-resistant microorganisms (this is especially important for nosocomial infections), without the. Antimicrobial activity of the plasma was shown not only in animal experiments but also in randomised controlled trials: the treatment of wounds within two minutes with cold Argon Plasma stimulates a significant decrease in the number of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria in the wounds.
In addition, it was found that the treatment of the wounds of the cold low-temperature Plasma accelerates their healing. The most recent work, published in the journal Scientific Reports, showed that such a Plasma stimulates the Proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes through the activation of the β-katenin pathway and inhibition of E-cadherin, which is responsible for contact inhibition of cell growth. In the case of mice, whose wounds treated with low-temperature Plasma already after 15 days of noted the almost complete recovery of the Epidermis and muscle tissue, as well as a high density of collagen fibers, while in the wounds, healing in a natural way, these processes were much slower.
Recent studies have also shown that the cold Plasma causes a temporary reduction in the barrier function of the corneal layer and increase the permeability of the skin for medicinal and cosmetic products. It is assumed that it facilitates, in connection with the transformation of Lipid bilayers under the action of the plasma and the formation of temporary channels, the Passage of various substances.
The beginning of the era of Plasma technology in the cosmetics associated with the thermal effects of the plasma. So, Plasma methods of rejuvenation is based on a controlled thermal damage to the material with the aim of regenerative processes start and "Updates" of the fabric. This principle is the most important and other methods of Hardware-rejuvenation, however, in the case of the use of Plasma has its own characteristics.
The pioneer Plasma rejuvenation is the technology of the Plasma skin Regeneration (Plasma Skin Regeneration, PSR), which only in the year 2006 as a plasma gas prompted the use of the nitrogen — inert gas, the oxygen, displacing the is required, to Oxidation and combustion, of the surface of the skin, and minimize the risk of burns and scarring.
Under the action of high frequency electric current in the handle of the device, the ionization of the molecules of nitrogen and it is a Plasma, which is supplied without contact to the skin in the Form of short pulses (for example, a contactless method for the treatment allows the skin to cool down quickly, and eliminates the risk of burns to the parts of the device). This is, in fact, the Plasma is a "carrier" of electric energy.
As soon as the Plasma falls on the skin, their energy is quickly distributed over the surface and gradient provides for the heating of the skin — first, the Epidermis, and then (depending on energy level) of the Dermis with the formation of the superficial Zone of irreversible thermal damage, and a deeper Zone of thermal modification.
It is important that, in contrast to lasers, Plasma no chromophoric requires in the skin, so the heating of the tissue flows evenly, without the "Explosive" vapor transparent for roofing fabric. A layer of old damaged skin serves as a "biological contactor Association remains" of the underlying cells, and on-the-spot to a new one, and then gradually dies. In addition, it is skin treatment for all skin types and reduces the risk of side effects in the Form of scars, infections, and depigmentation. Also in the case of the high-energy impact deepithelization comes quickly, and ends usually within 5-7 days after the procedure.
The operations in the layer of the skin, longer. Immediately after the treatment, celebrated the restoration of collagen fibers (in those areas where the temperature of the warming exceeded 60overS) and the response to the thermal shock, then occurs a gradual destruction of damaged structures and the activation of de neocollagenesis and neoelastogenesis. The processes of transformation of the Dermis to take at least 3 months after the treatment.
A further variant of the use of the special properties of the plasma for the implementation of Anti-Aging treatments a factional Plasma RF technology, published in 2010
On the tips of special manipulator (in the Form of movable rollers or flat stationary towers), many needle-shaped electrodes (spicule). When approaching the surface of the skin of a few micrometers and a powerful electric hf discharge by the electrodes lightning-Plasma (Plasma discharge with high density produced).
These outbreaks of "punching" the Epidermis and the upper layers of the Dermis, form channels, surrounded by a Zone of thermal damage. With a further rotation of the ball (or the clamping force to the stationary nozzle) spicules pressed in these areas of Ablation, exerts on you an additional mechanical action.
The depth and size of the damage also recognised the energy and duration of the pulses (according to research on the skin of piglets, fountain Ablation up to 50-200 microns in depth and from 80 to 200 microns in diameter, and the Zone of coagulation around in 100-200 µm). Epithelialization ends after 3-4 days, the Remodeling processes of the Dermis take up to 6 months.
Factional Plasma RF treatment is recommended for correction of age-related changes (wrinkles, sagging skin, etc.), as well as for the orientation of the skin tone and reduce scarring. In addition, the speed of execution of the procedure (an average of 10 min for 5 passes in the face) allows the use of rollers for the processing of large areas of the skin, e.g., abdomen.
What are the characteristics of Plasma rejuvenation compared to a Laser, an Alternative to which it was originally created?
In contrast to lasers, Plasma and all types can have on the skin. Hyper pigmentation that may occur after the treatment, in General, occurs less frequently, as in the case of the laser machining. Also significantly reduce the risk of infection and scarring is reduced.
Shown WITH2Laser form more homogeneous to the depth and the diameter of the damages, while in the case of the use of Plasma, these sizes can vary. In addition, the Laser provides a deeper effect than Plasma. However, it is more than surface effects of Plasma treatments may be one of the reasons for the lower risk of the inflammatory Hyper-pigmentation.
With regard to the effectiveness of the method was carried out, the direct comparison of fractionated Plasma RF technology, and the fractionation WITH2-Laser for the elimination of scars after acne. One side of the face patients (a total of involved 33 people with III and IV skin types), with the aid of Plasma, and the other Laser, after 3 treatments of each species. The depth of damage in the first case, varies within 120-150 microns, and a diameter of 150-180 µm. Fractional WITH2-Laser-formed damage to a depth of 300-400 microns and a diameter of 100-120 microns. The Zone of thermal damage around the fountain Ablation was wider than in the case of the plasma.
Both methods are essentially and almost equivalent to that reduces the severity of post-acne-scars — with 51.1 ± 14.2 to 22.3 per ± 8,6 in the case of the plasma (an improvement of 56.4%), and 48.8 ± of 15.1 to 19.9 ± 7.9 for Co2-Laser (improvement of 59.2%) on a scale of ESSA. In response to the laser irradiation in the case of 12 individuals (36.4%) in developed postvospalitel'naâ Hyper-pigmentation, as well as on the part of the Plasma treatment of such complications were recorded.
So, you have to fight with Plasma pigmentation, leveling the texture and tone of the skin and in the fact that it is not equivalent to ablative lasers. High-energy Plasma, which, in turn, helps in the fight against serious defects, such as wrinkles, decline of elasticity and firmness of the skin and scars after acne, and stretch marks, but the depth of the impact, the depth is limited to the upper layers of the Dermis (in the case of the Laser thermal therapeutic zones may be greater than 1 mm).
And although Plasma rejuvenation carries a lower risk of side effects on the recovery, and requires less time, the efficiency of ablative Laser to high. But this procedure can types procedure of choice in patients with dark skin, since you greatly reduce the risk of inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
To also develop technologies for the use of Plasma, and there are already a growing number of promising devices with new properties that allow you to go from the comparison with the "little brother" Laser and a separate niche.
The main difference between the serious professional Plasma devices of Handheld devices for home and Salon use is the presence of the control over the depth and degree of damage to the skin. This is a very important aspect, so that a predicted result and the risks of unwanted side effects.
The number of new devices increases the functions of the plasma with each passing year. Also appear on portable devices, with which the energy of the plasma in the cabin and for home. However, it must be noted, that in them the effects are modes in which there is no possibility to change neither the strength, nor the depth, nor the processing time, which raises questions regarding their efficacy and safety.
At the same time, the developers of professional equipment, on the contrary, focus their efforts on the improvement of the devices and the creation of more controlled technologies, the expected and stable results.
The interest in Plasma technology is growing — this was confirmed by a large number of devices appearing on the market in the last few years. Plasma rejuvenation provides a softer effect than ablative Laser, however, accompanied by a smaller number of adverse events, and is controlled more and more. A further advantage is the possibility of using Plasma for the treatment of darker skin photo types.
In addition, there were cosmetic devices that produce a cold low-temperature Plasma, which is considerably the prospects for the use of Plasma advanced technologies, and suggests the growth of their popularity in the future.