Julia Zimmermann PD, PhD, Demonstrates PHLAS, A New Cold Plasma Skin Care Device

Julia Zimmermann, PD, PhD, CEO of terraplasma and Managing Director of hyped about science, is a pioneering physicist and biophysicist whose unique journey has taken her from the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics to the forefront of dermatological innovation. Initially studying cold atmospheric plasmas for use in fields ranging from microbiology to clinical medicine, Zimmermann’s research led to the development of cold plasma technologies now used in skin treatment, including the innovative PHLAS device.

Through her companies, terraplasma, terraplasma medical, and most recently, hyped about science, Zimmermann has worked to translate scientific discovery into real-world medical applications. Central to her work is the development of surface micro-discharge (SMD) technology, a method that allows for the generation of cold plasma safe for use on human skin. Unlike naturally occurring plasmas, which can reach hundreds of thousands of degrees, cold plasma is created by partially ionizing the surrounding air without generating heat or requiring noble gases.

In an interview with Dermatology Times, Zimmermann explained that cold plasma mimics the body’s immune response by producing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, the same molecules the immune system uses to fight off pathogens. This mechanism forms the basis of the PHLAS device, a compact, battery-powered, at-home skin care tool designed to treat acne-prone and blemished skin by reducing inflammation, redness, and pore size while refining skin texture. The technology, which takes 30 seconds to apply on each sector of the face, will be available to purchase later this month.

The SMD-based PHLAS offers several advantages over other plasma technologies such as plasma jets, microwave plasmas, and dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs). Notably, SMD avoids direct electrical current to the skin and eliminates the need for expensive gas inputs, making it more cost-effective and user-friendly for consumers. Zimmermann co-developed this technology with her father, who has since retired, but she continues their legacy of combining scientific excellence with entrepreneurial vision to bring cutting-edge dermatological solutions to market.

“I'm really sad about [his retirement] because it was so great working with him,” Zimmermann said. “But I just wanted to share this because it's somehow also a personal journey and it was really great doing all this together with him.”