5 tenets of natural anti-aging: #1 microneedling

Microneedling is an in office, medical grade procedure that can help improve the appearance of large pores, fine lines, wrinkles, old and new acnes scars, stretch marks, and sagging skin.

THE SCIENCE

Microneedling is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation procedure where a mechanical device makes thousands of painless needle puncture on your skin at a controlled depth. This induces collagen and elastin production leading to glowing, youthful skin. Collagen is the main protein in your dermis (the layer beneath your skin) and serves to strengthen this foundational layer of skin. Elastin is a protein that provides elasticity, or the “snap back” of skin. With age, UV radiation, and various environmental toxins, the collage and elastin degrade and the skin loses support and elasticity, leading to wrinkles and “sag”.

THE PROCESS

First I cleanse your skin, apply a numbing cream to make you comfortable and relaxed, and then apply a peptide serum before rolling the microneedling pen over your face. The microneedling pen creates tiny “wounds” by puncturing the skin with little needles so small you do not feel them. These wounds are temporary and close within an hour, so the risk for infection is very small. The tiny wounds trigger your skin’s healing process and stimulates new collagen and elastin formation, which is the key to tighter, smoother skin.

THE AFTER CARE

You may be pink immediately after (as if you got a sunburn) but this fades in a couple hours and after 48 hours your skin returns to normal. Wait 24 hours before applying makeup or sunscreen. For the next two weeks wear a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with a minimum spf of 30 for two weeks.

For at least 3 days post treatment, do not use any active skin care (Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Beta Hydroxy Acids, Retinol, or Vitamin C). Avoid intentional and direct sunlight including tanning beds for 48 hours. Avoid exercise or strenuous activity for 24 hours, avoid swimming for 24 hours, and avoid sweating for the first 3 days.

THE RISK

Low Risk: You will have pin pricks by the device that close within an hour so risk of infection is small. You may see some redness within 24 hours, then minimally in certain spots on your face. You may have some swelling which typically lasts less than 24 hours.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Micro-needling is not for: anyone pregnant or breastfeeding, any open wounds in the treatment area, anyone who had radiation in the treatment area within 12 months, anyone with a current skin infection or herpes simplex, or those with a history of poor healing

WHEN WILL YOU SEE RESULTS?

You will see results after one treatment, and can repeat the treatment every 4-6 weeks