Skin Needling
Skin needling, also known as micro needling or collagen induction therapy (CIT), is a cosmetic procedure that uses tiny, sterilized needles to create micro channels in the skin. It is a minimally invasive procedure that creates evenly-spaced punctures on the skin surface. The depth of the punctures can be adjusted depending on the skin type and concern.
The purpose of skin needling is to stimulate the natural healing process of the skin by creating micro-injuries that trigger the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are proteins that provide structure, strength and elasticity to the skin. By increasing their synthesis, skin needling can improve the appearance and texture of the skin.
At Glow Aesthetics Perth we use the SkinPen needling device. The SkinPen follows a 3 step process:
-Inflammation- SkinPen’s microneedles pierce the skin, triggering your immune system to disinfect the wounds, remove debris, increase blood flow, and begin to create new tissue
-Proliferation- the micro-wounds created by SkinPen are rebuilt with new granulation cells that include collagen proteins. Additionally, a new network of blood vessels develops
-Remodelling The wound is replaced with new dermal tissues and blood vessels which are comprised of rich collagen and elastin proteins. These proteins improve skin youthfulness.
SkinPen has been approved for use in Australia in the treatment of:
-Acne scars
-Enlarged pores
-Fine lines and wrinkles
-Hyperpigmented lesions/patches
-Pigmentation conditions
-Stretch marks
-Surgical scars
-Hypopigmentation patches
Here’s what you can expect from a SkinPen treatment:
• A comfortable procedure. At Glow Aesthetics Perth we apply a topical numbing agent to the treatment area
• A short procedure time. The treatment will likely take about 30 minutes
• A mild sensation. Most patients report feeling only the slight vibration of SkinPen during the procedure
• Minimal post-procedure effects. The skin will appear slightly pink to red immediately post-procedure, similar to a mild to moderate sunburn. Additionally, the most common treatment responses experienced are dryness, rough skin, tightness, redness, itching, peeling, discomfort, tenderness, and burning. These conditions resolve over time without any further complications
• Soothing aftercare. We will provide Skinfuse® LIFT, a clean, non-cytotoxic hydrogel to be used to prevent the skin from drying out post-treatment. You will also be provided with Skinfuse® RESCUE Calming Complex for use for 48hrs after your treatment. This soothes post-microneedled skin with colloidal oatmeal, aloe, niacinamide, and borago officinalis seed oil.
How to prepare for skin needling:
- avoid any hair removal, injectables, exfoliating products or sun exposure on the face for at least a week before the procedure
- consult with a qualified practitioner who can assess your skin type and goals and recommend the best products and aftercare for you. Certain skin types may require a few weeks of preparation to avoid any adverse results such as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
How to care for your skin after skin needling:
-avoid any sun exposure, strenuous exercise, sauna use (or any other activity that will increase heat in the area that has been treated)
-use gentle cleansers, moisturizers and sunscreens to protect and hydrate your skin. Avoid the use of any products with “active” ingredients in it (e.g. retinol, AHA, BHA).
A course of 4-6 skin needling sessions, 4 weeks apart, is recommended for optimal results. Ideally a skin assessment and consultation should be undertaken first to ensure that this is the best treatment option for you, and whether any skin preparation is required prior to the treatment to avoid any adverse outcomes.
