Excessive secretion of sebum contributes to several skin diseases associated with sebum glands, including acne. Excessive sebum secretion can damage the skin barrier function by changing the composition of skin surface lipids, leading to the abnormal keratinocyte differentiation and hyperkeratosis in the follicular ostia. Follicular hyperkeratosis can create anaerobic environment, leading to the proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes.~Recently, several energy devices targeting sebaceous glands have been developed, but there is still a need for an effective and safe therapeutic tool for hyperseborrhea. Non-thermal, atmospheric-pressure plasma (NTAPP) has various biological effects. A recent study demonstrated NTAPP-induced microscopic tissue reactions in the sebaceous glands from rat skin in vivo, suggesting that the potential effect of NTAPP on the human sebaceous gland physiology, but the relevant data are lacking. In this study, investigators aim to assess the safety and efficacy of argon- and nitrogen-NTAPP for reduction of sebum excretion in oily human facial skin.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of argon-and nitrogen- non-thermal, atmospheric-pressure plasma (NTAPP) for reduction of sebum excretion in healthy volunteers with oily facial skin.