The Therapeutic Effect of Atmospheric Pressure Plasma on Ultraviolet B-Induced Skin Photoaging and Damage in Mice

The active substances produced by atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) have biomedical effects such as disinfection, proliferation, anticancer, and wound healing. Plasma has been applied in dermatology; however, the mechanism of APPJ on ultraviolet B (UVB) induced skin photoaging and damage has not been widely investigated. In this study, we developed an APPJ device that is capable of generating plasma in open spaces and acting on biological surfaces. We then studied the effects of the APPJ application on UVB-induced skin photoaging and damage in mouse models. The results showed that APPJ prevented the degradation of collagen and elastin by decreasing the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). We also found that after the APPJ treatment, the density of the extracellular matrix (ECM) was maintained, the skin roughness caused by the UVB was decreased, and the epidermal and dermal thickness was improved. Molecular analysis of the skin tissue revealed that APPJ prevented UVB-induced apoptosis through p53, Caspase-8, caspase-9, and Bax in the pro-apoptotic pathway and Bcl-2 in the anti-apoptosis pathway and eventually reduced the expression of Caspase-3. In conclusion, APPJ application could protect skin against UVB-induced photoaging and damage, demonstrating its potential as a new therapeutic method for skin conditions.