Cold plasma: controlled physics for skin, nails and microorganisms

Cold plasma: controlled physics for skin, nails and microorganisms

In podiatry, foot care and cosmetics, the demands placed on treatments are constantly increasing. In addition to effectiveness, aspects such as tolerability, hygiene, sustainability and reproducible results are becoming increasingly important. At the same time, chronic, microbial or regenerative issues are on the rise – from nail fungus and sensitive skin to stressed or inflamed skin conditions.

Cold plasma is a technology that addresses precisely this interface. Originally developed in medical research, it is now increasingly being used in podiatry and cosmetic practice. The reason: cold plasma does not act chemically or thermally, but via controlled physical stimuli that can be specifically adapted to different skin and nail conditions.

What is cold plasma?

Atmospheric cold plasma is an ionised gas with a temperature of around 38 °C. It is created when oxygen and nitrogen molecules from the ambient air are activated by electrical energy. This produces a mixture of various active components, in particular:

• reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS)
• free electrons and other charged particles

These components are short-lived, highly reactive and take effect immediately upon contact with the skin surface – without heating or damaging it.

Cold plasma as a "controlled stimulus"

The key to understanding cold plasma is not the mere existence of these active particles, but their controlled dosage and composition. Cold plasma does not have a blanket effect, but rather a context-dependent one.

Single-celled microorganisms such as fungi or bacteria react to the oxidative stimulus with structural damage. Human skin cells, on the other hand, have complex protective and regulatory mechanisms. They use the same stimulus as a signal to initiate antioxidant, regenerative and stabilising processes.

This selective effect forms the basis for the versatile application of cold plasma in podiatry, foot care and cosmetics.

Further information

• Cold plasma in podiatry
  Antimicrobial mode of action, indications, case studies Nail fungus
• Cold plasma in foot care & cosmetics
  Skin protection, regeneration, cosmetic applications
• How cold plasma treatment with GEHWOL TECH works
  Technology, controllability, safety by design, application