If eating better can help with weight loss, can bathing better help cure a nasty disposition? We may not wait long to find out. Already hailed as a revolution in cleansing technology, microbubble generators are starting to diversify and proliferate, as creative designers continue to spin off new devices that take advantage of their remarkable power.
At Japanese beauty equipment maker Futek Inc., the idea is that cleaner skin means a better reflection in the mirror, and therefore a better mood. The company has just begun marketing its new CO2 Bubble Washbowl designed for deep facial cleaning. The company's representatives were busy showing off the machine to swarms of interested ladies at the recent Beautyworld Japan expo held in Odaiba in May.
To properly qualify as "micro," a bubble must be less than 1/1000 micrometers in (0.001) in size – about 200 times smaller than a normal water bubble. Japan Press Network featured such a machine fitted for bathtubs using similar technology at the March Caretex trade fair. It sold for $3,000 per copy.
Futek's battery-powered machine is about the size of a standard washbowl and far cheaper, as well as portable. Its patented design relies on palm-sized modular carbon dioxide cartridges to deliver the microbubble generating gas into the basin.
The company recommends adding its Bubble Wash Essence cream and pouch of CO2 powder to the bowl before beginning. At the push of a button, a soft blue LED illuminates the base of the bowl as the CO2 gas bubbles emanate. Eyes closed, the user immerses his or her entire face in the gurgling water for several seconds at a time before toweling off.
"Customers like the elegance of the design and the relative ease of use," says Futek's Ryousuke Koseki. "The cleansing effect is thorough, and those with acne and sensitive skin can really feel the difference."
Hands or face, the device feels like it works as advertised. To be effective for deep cleaning skin, some beauticians argue that microbubbles should be between 2-25 micrometers in size, allowing them to penetrate hair follicles and skin pores while not passing through epidermis.
Futek's microbubbles average about 50 microns, but that doesn't seem to matter a great deal; their mild negative ionic charge combines with positive-charged dander, sebum and other organic matter that collect on the skin and within pores for a deep cleanse that leaves no residue. Meanwhile, the carbon dioxide gas is touted to help stimulate blood circulation and beautify the epidermal layer.
After a 15-second immersion in the tub, the absence of grime actually makes the hands look whiter and the skin feel squeaky clean.
Demand for the CO2 Bubble Washbowl has been strong since marketing kicked off six months ago, says Mr. Koseki.
Retailing for 39,800 yen per unit, the company has sold over 3,000 thus far. The gas cartridges are good for about 15 minutes of total use, or up to 10 average sessions. A set of five sells for 7,200 yen. Bubble Wash Essence cream and CO2 powder replacements sell for 1,800 yen and 1,200 yen, respectively.
