1. Acne Formation Mechanism / Growth Conditions

The formation of acne is primarily linked to the overgrowth of a specific skin bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes. This bacterium naturally resides in hair follicles and typically does not cause issues under balanced conditions. However, when the skin's pores become clogged and sebum production is excessive, the inside of the follicle becomes a closed environment that is oxygen-deprived and rich in oils. This creates the ideal growth conditions for Propionibacterium acnes—as an anaerobic bacterium, it proliferates rapidly in such an environment, breaking down sebum and producing irritating substances that trigger acne development. Acne is essentially a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit, starting as microcomedones and progressing to visible inflammatory lesions under the influence of bacteria.

2. Sebum, Inflammation, and Follicular Clogging

Abnormal sebum secretion is the foundation of acne formation. Influenced by factors such as hormones, the sebaceous glands become overactive, producing excess sebum. When this sebum mixes with shed keratinocytes and the follicular duct opening undergoes abnormal keratinization, it easily leads to follicular clogging. The clogged pore acts like a "sealed petri dish," providing an ideal breeding ground for Propionibacterium acnes.

After the bacteria multiply significantly, their metabolic byproducts irritate the follicular wall, triggering a localized immune response and leading to inflammation. This inflammatory response manifests as redness, swelling around the follicle, and even the formation of pustules. The degree of inflammation often determines the severity of acne, ranging from mild comedones to severe cystic acne. In this process, excessive sebum secretion acts as the "fuel," follicular clogging serves as the "container," and bacteria-induced inflammation acts as the "trigger," creating a vicious cycle in acne development.

3. Why Traditional Aesthetic Methods Struggle to Provide Lasting Solutions

Traditional aesthetic methods such as lasers, intense pulsed light (IPL), chemical peels (e.g., glycolic or salicylic acid), while capable of improving acne symptoms in the short term, often fail to address the root causes of recurring acne. The main limitations include:

First, these methods have limited effectiveness in eliminating deep-seated Propionibacterium acnes. The bacteria often form protective biofilms, and most traditional treatments struggle to penetrate and eradicate these structures effectively, allowing the bacteria to regrow easily.

Second, traditional treatments focus on managing surface symptoms, such as temporarily suppressing sebum production or promoting exfoliation to alleviate pore clogging. However, they cannot address the endogenous factors (such as hormonal fluctuations) that lead to excessive sebum production, nor can they permanently alter follicular structure, making clogging prone to recurrence.

Additionally, some invasive or highly irritating aesthetic procedures may temporarily compromise the skin barrier, potentially exacerbating inflammation or causing skin sensitivity, leading to a cycle of "treatment-damage-recurrence." For persistent recurring acne, a multi-target approach is needed—one that simultaneously addresses bacterial clearance, anti-inflammatory effects, and improvement of the follicular environment. This is precisely where cold plasma technology shows its potential.

Why Can Plasma Effectively Solve the "Bacteria/Acne" Problem?

The potent antimicrobial efficacy of cold plasma primarily stems from the multi-faceted, synergistic destructive effects of its generated active components on bacteria.

1. Core Mechanism: Generation of Highly Reactive ROS/RNS for Efficient Cold Plasma Sterilization

When cold plasma acts on the skin, it ionizes the surrounding air at near-room temperature, producing a series of highly reactive, short-lived Reactive Oxygen Species/Nitrogen Species (ROS/RNS). These ROS/RNS are the core agents for bactericidal action. They rapidly penetrate and oxidatively damage bacterial proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, thoroughly disrupting bacterial structures at a chemical level. This ROS-mediated sterilization mechanism does not rely on antibiotics, making it effective against drug-resistant bacteria.

2. Dual Physical and Genetic Strike: Direct Destruction of Bacterial Membranes and DNA

Beyond chemical oxidation, cold plasma can inflict direct physical and genetic damage on bacteria:

• Destruction of Cell Membranes: The lipids and proteins in bacterial cell membranes are oxidized by ROS, leading to membrane perforation, increased permeability, leakage of cellular contents, and ultimately bacterial death due to loss of structural integrity.

• Destruction of DNA: ROS/RNS can penetrate into bacteria, damaging their DNA strands. This incapacitates genetic functions and prevents bacterial reproduction, targeting the root cause of regeneration.

3. Comprehensive Pathogen Clearance: Broad-Spectrum Sterilization

The action of cold plasma is non-selective, granting it broad-spectrum sterilization properties. It not only efficiently kills the primary acne-causing bacterium—Propionibacterium acnes—but also effectively eliminates pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, which often accompanies severe inflammation. This "comprehensive coverage" antimicrobial action helps restore balance to the follicular microbiome and reduces the risk of mixed infections and exacerbated inflammation.

4. Safe and Non-Invasive Treatment Advantage: Low Temperature Without Skin Damage

Unlike traditional physical therapies such as lasers or high-temperature treatments, cold plasma operates at near-ambient temperatures, ensuring it is low-temperature, non-invasive, and does not harm the skin. Its energy form is primarily active particles rather than heat, thus avoiding thermal damage to surrounding normal skin tissue. Patients typically experience only a mild tingling or cooling sensation during treatment, with quick post-procedure recovery and a low risk of hyperpigmentation, establishing it as a safe anti-acne technology.

By Elsen