I was recently invited to pay a visit to Sharp (getting to their HQ was an adventure in itself!) and learn a little about their Plasmacluster Ion (PCI) technology and I was quite amused when I realised that I already have my life filled with the Sharp PCI Technology – my fridge, my air-conditioner and my car. Amazing what you never notice 😀
But what I was really there for was to learn about this fascinating gadget – a Portable Plasmacluster Ion Generator that isn’t only portable, it boasts skin benefits too. Now, this we gotta see right?
Doesn’t it look just like a mobile phone? 😀 I thought it did. its about the size of an iPhone too but thicker. Nothing terribly bulky and the back flap opens out to a stand and to allow the ions to be emitted from the back of the gadget 😀 But what’s the beauty benefits you say?
Well, that’s what Sharp says. Apparently, what the Plasmacluster Ion technology does is purify the air by generating large numbers of positive and negative ions from the air molecules. If you have ever used an air purifier, you will have an inkling of how it works.
Air gets sucked into the filter and purifier, and fresh clean air is returned to the atmosphere so you breathe in fresh clean air. The Plasmacluster Ion Technology not only purifies the air, it discharges positive and negative ions into the air that then surrounds and binds around particles to discharge them and in the cases of mites and allergens and bacteria, inactivates and neutralizes them.
This was a demonstration using an air purifier with PCI Technology and the ion counter showed a marked increase in the number of ions released into the air. In areas with smells using an air purifier or ion generator can help get rid of unpleasant smells. I have personal experience of this.
On days when it rains and I have a wet umbrella in my car, the musty smell that remains can be very unpleasant. However, when the car air conditioner which has plasmacluster technology (it says so on the dashboard) is running, I do notice that the smell dissipates quite quickly as compared to my previous car that did not have this. Similarly, if I have something in my fridge that has a lingering smell, turning on the Ion Generator helps get rid of the smell.
A friend had durian in the car and I lent them the Portable Ion Generator to see if it would help get rid of the smell, and it did. To a degree. There is a specific car ion generator for purposes of purifying and filtering the air in your car which apparently does the job more effectively.
But what the Portable Ion Generator is about, is the discovery that the positive and negation ions generated are surrounded by water molecules and remain suspended in the air. These molecules bind with the skin to elevate moisture levels in the skin and to improve skin elasticity.
I found this absolutely fascinating! And also the sceptic in me piped up and said “Are you sure it works?” Well, we’ll find out 🙂 I have one of these gadgets blasting its ions away at me as we speak, and whilst the air in my immediate vicinity does feel purer and cleaner, I’m waiting to see if there is anything to observe on my skin. I’ll report back after a month and we’ll see how it is 🙂
Here are a couple other gadgets with PCI technology. Do you own any? 🙂
I’ll be back after a month to let you know what I think about this Portable Ion Generator and if I experienced any beauty benefits from it. I do think any benefits would really be seen over a much longer term, but it’ll be interesting to observe anyway won’t it? Maybe because it deactivates bacteria, I will end up with less breakouts 🙂
Paris B
Sharp Portable Plasmacluster Ion Generator and Car Plasmacluster Ion Generator retails at RM499 each. The Air Filter and Purifier starts from RM699.
Sukie says
This is such an intriguing product! One of my friend’s got air purifiers in his house and I do feel a difference every time I step in! It’s as if the air’s been filtered and feels fresh so I suppose there’s truth in these products! 🙂
ParisB says
I think it makes the most difference in a closed atmosphere e.g. air conditioned environments. It does make the air feel a bit fresher especially now we are battling the haze … again.
Ria says
Like yourself, I’m a bit sceptical about its beauty benefits. Please do keep us posted. ^^
ParisB says
I will do that Ria 🙂 Whilst I can attest to the fresher air, I’m not quite seeing any beauty benefits just yet.
Jamilla says
I do have an ionizer and it makes a difference when you have allergies!
ParisB says
That’s a good point Jamilla. The ions are supposed to kill bacteria and viruses so those with allergies will find it heaven sent 🙂
Lily says
LOL! I really thought they were mobile phones when I saw the first photo…
ParisB says
hehe… and it looks like one in real life too!
Stephanie/Yukaeshi says
This got my interest! I’m currently using a Sharp PCI air filter/purifier in my room to help with my sinus problems, and it does make a difference. The portable one is quite pricey but it’ll sure come in handy during travelling- imagine using it on the plane with the stale air! :O
ParisB says
Yes indeed! I’m presently using it in my bedroom when I sleep and in my office where its air conditioned. It helps the air feel fresher. I totally forgot to take it on the plane when I traveled though. It might have made the journey better 😛
Ling says
I need one of those big boys in my bedroom!! Noah gets very windy at night 😛 lol
And yeah, the car ones look like mobile phones!
ParisB says
LOL! The car ones look like drinking cups. the mobile phone looking one is a portable one you can plug into a laptop 😀
peach_ says
Yes, I have one in white! I have it on my desk and aimed at my face while I work. I must say, I don’t notice any changes in my skin…however, I feel better knowing that I am breathing fresher, cleaner air. It definitely doesn’t hurt!
I also like to keep it on while painting my nails, which I do often. I open windows to ventilate, but having it on while I do a manicure helps!
ParisB says
Yay! Someone who has tried it 😀 I have it blasting away at me while on the computer and as you say, the air around me does feel fresher and cleaner. Helpful as we’re experiencing some horrible haze situations here. I’m not certain about the beauty benefits though and thanks for the tip about using it while painting nails. I’ll be sure to share it when I post my review 😀
Jo says
Hey Paris, do you know where I can buy this? Thanks!
ParisB says
Hi Jo, I’m told its available at most electrical shops that sell Sharp products. Try the bigger ones e.g. Sen Heng, Best Denki etc
Bob says
Hi I am getting the pink one for my wife. Is there any cleaning. That. Has to be done pn a regular basis..and also does the ion plasma generator have to be. Replaced eventually?
Thanx
Paris B says
No cleaning necessary and you will have to replace the filter/ion generator after a certain number of uses, I’m told. Perhaps after about a year if used daily.