Inflammatory Acne
Apex used 8 minutes per zone, 3× weekly for 12 weeks. No topicals or systemics.
— Dr. Melissa R.,
cosmetic dermatology
Apex.The peak of cold plasma.
Clinic-level treatment at home. Face, neck, chest and body in minutes.
- 30-day skin trialOpened and used — full refund
- Lifetime warrantyManufacturing faults, for life
- FDA clearedCold atmospheric plasma
- HSA/FSA eligiblePay with your HSA or FSA card, via Truemed
Nova customer videos
They got Nova and loved it. Now imagine Apex.
Same technology. Clinical output.
Tap a video for sound
Clinical outcomes.
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Resistant Rosacea
Apex used 10 minutes per zone, 3× weekly for 8 weeks. Continued previous moisturiser only.
— Dr. Carla M., aesthetic physician -
Hormonal Acne
Apex used 7 minutes per zone, 3× weekly for 12 weeks. Topicals paused for the trial.
— Nina P., acne practitioner -
Texture & Fine Lines
Apex used 8 minutes per zone, 4× weekly for 12 weeks. Patient was prior IPL/laser-fatigued.
— Lauren V., medical esthetician
Individual results vary. Cold atmospheric plasma is FDA cleared (510k). Clinical-use protocols shown are practitioner-administered; consult your physician for individual indications.
Six peer-reviewed studies
Don’t take our word for it.
Six published studies of cold plasma on skin, in plain English. Tap a card for what they did, who took part, the limits and the source.
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Read the study
Pilot trial · 12 people · 2023
Less redness, fewer rosacea lesions.
Once a day for six weeks on one side of the face: that side ended up with fewer inflammatory lesions and smaller red areas than the untreated side.
- What they found
- Six weeks of once-daily treatment on one side of the face reduced inflammatory lesion count and the size of red areas versus the untreated side, and quality-of-life scores improved. The investigator’s overall rating and redness intensity did not differ.
- Who took part
- 12 adults with erythemato-telangiectatic (3) or papulopustular (9) rosacea, median age 50.5.
- What they did
- 90 seconds per area, once daily, 6 weeks, one facial side; untreated side as control.
- Device
- PlasmaDerm Flex (CINOGY), a clinic dielectric-barrier-discharge device.
- Scope
- A clinic device, not this product. It supports the technology, not this device specifically. 12 people, single centre, no sham control, co-primary endpoint not met, funded by the device manufacturer.
- Published in
- Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2023DOI 10.1159/000533190Read the study ↗
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Read the study
Randomised trial · 40 people · 2025
Acne severity improved more with plasma.
Everyone used a standard acne cream; the group that also had weekly plasma sessions scored better on acne severity at six and ten weeks than the placebo-device group.
- What they found
- With everyone also using adapalene, the plasma group’s investigator-rated acne severity improved more than the placebo-device group at six and ten weeks. The fall in total lesion count (45.8→22.1 vs 49.4→38.6) did not reach statistical significance.
- Who took part
- 40 adults with mild papulopustular acne, 20 per arm, all on adapalene 0.1% daily.
- What they did
- Weekly sessions for 6 weeks, up to 1 minute per area, 6 minutes per session (per register).
- Device
- Handheld clinic device (Plasma care, per the trial register) with an identical-looking placebo.
- Scope
- A clinic device, not this product. It supports the technology, not this device specifically. Pilot of 40 people; one co-primary endpoint not significant; plasma was an add-on, so no plasma-alone effect; sponsored by a private practice.
- Published in
- Dermatologic Therapy, 2025DOI 10.1155/dth/4228323Read the study ↗
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Read the study
Randomised trial · 34 people · 2021
Fewer inflamed spots after ten sessions.
One side of the face was treated: after ten sessions it showed a larger drop in inflammatory acne lesions, and more people rated that side as improved.
- What they found
- Overall, treated and untreated sides did not differ significantly in lesion counts. After ten sessions the treated side showed a larger reduction in inflammatory lesions, and more participants rated that side as improved.
- Who took part
- 34 people enrolled, 29 completed, moderate acne vulgaris.
- What they did
- 8–10 treatments on one side within 4–6 weeks; follow-up at 2 and 4 weeks.
- Device
- Cold helium plasma jet, unnamed in the abstract.
- Scope
- A clinic device, not this product. It supports the technology, not this device specifically. Primary comparison not significant; self-ratings were unblinded (no sham); 5 of 34 dropped out; engineering journal rather than a dermatology journal.
- Published in
- Applied Sciences (MDPI), 2021DOI 10.3390/app112311181Read the study ↗
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Read the study
Pilot trial · 22 people · 2021
Eczema scores and itch down in four weeks.
Three sessions over two weeks: treated eczema patches scored lower for severity and itch than sham-treated patches, with less S. aureus bacteria on the treated side.
- What they found
- After three sessions, treated lesions scored lower than sham-treated lesions on four dermatitis scales (including EASI and SCORAD) and itch at week four, with a larger fall in S. aureus on the treated side.
- Who took part
- 22 adults (13 women, 9 men, mean age 27) with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis and symmetric lesions.
- What they did
- 3 sessions at weeks 0, 1 and 2; 5 minutes per session at 5 mm; sham on the matching lesion.
- Device
- MediPL Derm, an investigational microwave-driven argon plasma jet.
- Scope
- A clinic device, not this product. It supports the technology, not this device specifically. 22 people, one centre, severe eczema excluded, four-week follow-up; the sham side may have been influenced by treatment nearby.
- Published in
- Scientific Reports, 2021DOI 10.1038/s41598-021-93941-yRead the study ↗
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Read the study
Review · 2025
Most promising for inflamed skin.
A review of 12 human studies found cold plasma “appears to hold promise” for some conditions, with the stronger results in inflammatory skin conditions.
- What they found
- A scoping review of 12 small human studies concludes cold plasma “appears to hold promise for some, but not all” of the conditions studied, with stronger results in inflammatory than infectious conditions.
- Who took part
- 12 human studies (6 inflammatory, 6 infectious skin conditions).
- Device
- Various clinic devices.
- Scope
- The technology in general — not this product specifically. The underlying studies are few and small; the authors call for larger trials. New journal; funding not stated.
- Published in
- Journal of Integrative Dermatology, 2025DOI 10.64550/joid.hhwhg996Read the study ↗
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Read the study
Review · 2022
A decade of skin research, reviewed.
Covers cold plasma in wound healing, inflammatory and infectious skin conditions and hair loss, and explains the proposed mechanism: reactive species and local blood flow.
- What they found
- Reviews cold-plasma use across wound healing, inflammatory, infectious and parasitic skin conditions, skin cancers and hair loss, and summarises the proposed mechanisms (reactive species, local blood flow).
- Who took part
- Literature review.
- Device
- Multiple device types reviewed.
- Scope
- The technology in general — not this product specifically. Narrative review, not primary data; the authors say the safe dose window “cannot be determined just yet”; published in an oncology journal.
- Published in
- Frontiers in Oncology, 2022DOI 10.3389/fonc.2022.918484Read the study ↗
Zero-risk
The 30-Day Skin Trial.
Use Apex on your worst skin for 30 days. Opened, used, doesn’t matter — if your skin doesn’t change, send it back. Full refund, no restocking fee, no interrogation.
And a $100 gift card for your time.
Using Apex
Minutes per area. Not a routine.
Clinic output means a whole face, neck and chest is covered in minutes, not a session.
- Clean, dry skin Nothing on the skin first — no gel, no serum, no conductive cream. Apex needs no prep product.
- Fit the head Three heads. The rectangular head comes fitted on the device; swap to the comb head for the hair and scalp, or the dome head for targeted areas.
- Glide, don’t press Light pressure, slow passes. At five times Nova’s output, a full face, neck and chest takes minutes, not a session.
Apex vs Nova
Which one is right for you?
Same cold plasma technology. The difference is how much skin you need to cover, and how fast.
Apex
Nova
Plasma output
5× Nova’s output
Standard output (Nova Max: 3×)
Coverage
Full area — face, neck, chest, scalp and body
Targeted — a cheek, a patch, a flare
Session time
Minutes for a full face, neck and chest
1–2 min per area · 5–8 min a session
Attachments
Three heads: rectangular (fitted), comb and dome
One fixed head
Built for
Widespread or severe presentations; clinics and practices
Localised concerns; daily home use
Price
$1,899One purchase
from $240One purchase
Nova treats one area at a time. Apex covers the whole face, neck and chest in minutes, with five times the output and three heads. It’s the machine clinics run.
Apex vs the alternatives
A different mechanism. A different bill.
How each option works on the skin, and how you pay for it. Nothing here compares results.
| Compared on | Apex | IPL | Laser | Prescriptions | LED | Clinic sessions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat on the skin | None — non-thermal, skin temperature | Yes — light is converted to heat in the skin | Yes — targeted heat | None | Minimal | Depends on the treatment |
| Anything absorbed | Nothing — ionised air only | Nothing | Nothing | Yes — actives absorbed by the skin or taken orally | Nothing | Depends on the treatment |
| Ongoing cost | None after purchase. No consumables | Per session or course | Per session | Per refill, for as long as you use it | None after purchase | Per visit |
| Rebound when you stop | Nothing applied, nothing to withdraw from | Nothing applied, nothing to withdraw from | Nothing applied, nothing to withdraw from | Some carry a documented rebound risk when stopped (e.g. topical steroids) | Nothing applied, nothing to withdraw from | Depends on the treatment |
| Pay once or keep paying | Once | Keep paying — courses and maintenance | Keep paying | Keep paying | Once | Keep paying |
What’s in the box
Everything, in one case.
Tap a number to see what it is.
No consumables, no refills, nothing to reorder.
Apex deviceColour touchscreen; the rectangular head ships fitted.
Comb and dome headsSealed. Comb for the hair and scalp, dome for targeted areas.
Charging standDocks the device between sessions.
Charging cableMains cable for the stand.
Clinical transport caseAluminium, foam-fitted, everything in its place.
Zero-risk
The 30-Day Skin Trial.
Use Apex on your worst skin for 30 days. Opened, used, doesn’t matter — if your skin doesn’t change, send it back. Full refund, no restocking fee, no interrogation.
And a $100 gift card for your time.
Questions
Before you decide.
Is Apex for me?
I’ve spent a fortune on skincare, prescriptions and clinic sessions. Why would Apex be different?
Because it isn’t another cream, pill or light. Cold plasma is energised air at skin temperature: no heat, nothing absorbed, nothing applied. It’s the technology clinics charge per session for, in your hands, with 30 days to prove it on your own skin.
Is clinic-grade output safe at home?
Yes. Apex is non-thermal: it runs at skin temperature, with no UV, no laser and no chemicals. Higher output means more skin covered per minute, not more heat. Start on the lowest setting and work up.
My skin reacts to everything. Will it flare?
There’s nothing in a session to react to: no heat, no actives, nothing absorbed. Start on the lowest setting on one area. If anything stings, stop and email us; the 30-day trial covers you either way.
Does it hurt?
No. Apex isn’t a plasma pen. It runs at skin temperature; at most you feel a mild tingle during a pass.
How is Apex different from Nova?
Five times the plasma output, full-area coverage and three treatment heads. Nova treats one area at a time; Apex covers the whole face, neck, chest or body in minutes. It’s the machine clinics run.
Using Apex
How long does a session take?
Minutes. At five times Nova’s output, a full face, neck and chest is covered in one short session instead of area by area. Three to five sessions a week.
What are the three heads for?
The rectangular head comes fitted on the device. The comb head is for the hair and scalp; the dome head is for targeted areas.
Do I need gels, serums or refills?
No. Clean, dry skin and nothing applied. Apex has no consumables, cartridges or refills, ever.
Can I keep using my prescription or skincare?
Yes. Apex runs alongside them. Don’t stop or change a prescribed treatment without the clinician who prescribed it.
Buying, trial & payment
What if it doesn’t work for me?
Use it for 30 days from delivery. If your skin hasn’t changed, send it back, opened and used, for the full price back plus a $100 gift card for your time. No restocking fee; you only cover the return postage.
What does the lifetime warranty cover?
Manufacturing faults for the life of the device, for the original buyer. We repair or replace it.
Can I pay in instalments?
Where Shop Pay Installments is offered on your order, the split-payment option appears at checkout. Card, Shop Pay and your device’s wallets all work.
Can I use my HSA or FSA?
Yes. Apex is HSA/FSA eligible through Truemed, who handle the paperwork, including the Letter of Medical Necessity. Pay with your HSA or FSA card at checkout.
How fast does it ship?
Free worldwide shipping with duties covered, dispatched in 1–2 business days.
What’s in the box?
The Apex device with the rectangular head fitted, the comb and dome heads, the charging stand, the charging cable and the clinical transport case. Nothing to reorder.
Safety
Who should check with a doctor first?
Adults only. If you’re pregnant, have a pacemaker or implanted device, epilepsy, a skin-cancer history or an open wound, ask your clinician before using any cold-plasma device.
From practitioners and advanced users.
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Cosmetic Dermatology
★★★★★
We introduced Apex initially for inflammatory acne and post-procedure recovery patients. Within a few weeks it became one of the most requested treatments in clinic. The skin stays noticeably calmer afterward compared to many heat-based modalities. Very impressive tolerability profile.
Dr. Melissa R. — Cosmetic Dermatologist -
Medical Esthetics
★★★★★
Apex filled a gap we honestly struggled with for years — patients who needed correction but could no longer tolerate aggressive treatments. Redness settles faster, irritation is lower, and clients consistently comment that their skin feels more stable after sessions.
Lauren V. — Medical Esthetician & Clinic Owner -
Integrative Dermatology
★★★★★
We’ve trialled a large number of device technologies over the years and most never become part of long-term protocols. Apex did. Especially for chronic inflammatory patients who are exhausted from prescription cycling and over-treatment.
Dr. Ethan K. — Integrative Dermatology Clinic -
Acne Practitioner
★★★★★
What stood out clinically was consistency. Less inflammation, calmer recovery, better skin tolerance overall. We started with a few sessions experimentally and now use Apex across a significant portion of our acne-focused protocols.
Nina P. — Advanced Acne Practitioner -
Aesthetic Medicine
★★★★★
Patients increasingly want results without trauma. That’s where Apex makes sense. It gives us a non-thermal option that still feels clinically serious. Especially useful for reactive skin types where lasers and aggressive resurfacing can become risky.
Dr. Carla M. — Aesthetic Physician -
Clinical Specialist
★★★★★
Honestly one of the more interesting technologies I’ve worked with recently. Patients who normally stay inflamed for days after treatments are recovering much more comfortably. The feedback from long-term acne and rosacea clients has been especially strong.
James T. — Clinical Skin Specialist -
Advanced Home User
★★★★★
I had an entire shelf of products and my skin was still unpredictable. Apex is probably the first thing that actually reduced how much I rely on skincare. My skin just feels more controlled now.
Rachel D. — 38, Former ‘Skincare Maximalist’ -
Advanced Home User
★★★★★
I bought it because the mechanism made sense to me. What surprised me was how noticeable the difference became over time. Less redness, fewer flare-ups, smoother texture. My skin finally stopped feeling constantly irritated.
Michael S. — 42, Tech Consultant -
Advanced Home User
★★★★★
I still get hormonal breakouts, but they’re nowhere near as aggressive now. They calm down faster and don’t linger the same way. Easily the most effective device I’ve personally used.
Amanda K. — 34, Hormonal Acne History -
Advanced Home User
★★★★★
After years of peels and lasers I became extremely cautious with treatments. Apex felt different immediately because there was no heat or trauma involved. My skin looks healthier overall without going through harsh recovery cycles anymore.
Priya L. — 46, Procedure-Fatigued User -
Advanced Home User
★★★★★
What sold me was that it felt more like a controlled technology than beauty marketing. After about a month my skin looked calmer and more even than it has in years. I’ve simplified my entire routine because of it.
Daniel R. — 39, Former Accutane User -
Advanced Home User
★★★★★
Most devices trigger irritation for me within minutes. Apex didn’t. That alone impressed me. Over time the persistent redness around my cheeks softened noticeably and my skin became far less reactive day to day.
Olivia M. — 51, Sensitive Skin User
Apex
Own the machine.
One purchase. Thirty days to judge it on your own skin — full refund plus a $100 gift card if it doesn’t deliver.
Free worldwide shipping, duties covered. Dispatched in 1–2 business days.
Buying for a clinic?