What You Need To Know About Microneedling
“DERMAL NEEDLING IS THE ONLY TREATMENT THAT RESPECTS ALL THREE MAIN TARGET CELL TYPES”
What are the benefits of Microneedling? Is Microneedling, The Miracle Treatment or a Skin Fad?
Skin rejuvenation in the new millennium includes a broad range of options, and it is often overwhelming to know where to start. In order to make the right choices, it’s important to understand how the skin functions and what its needs are on a cellular level. In my 30 years in the skincare/wellness industry, I educate and work with parameters that are outside the mainstream and medical textbooks. I combine scientific research, and common sense experience that’s intuitively driven with a holistic mindset to get you information; to deliver results that will endure the long term. I also look at the risk/reward benefits in my skincare and healthcare wellness choices. I hope these ideas make sense to you too!
The demands and expectations are high and the pressure on cosmetic providers is immense to deliver results. Many aestheticians and doctors respond to this by pushing the envelope with more aggressive cookie-cutter treatments that have a damaging net effect on skin health and result in the inevitable misadventure. The health of the skin and the net effect from treatments is often overlooked, and it is abused shamelessly.
As the skin ages, the skin thins from the lack of collagen and elasticity, among other factors. Using modalities that create a microinjury that leads to collagen synthesis is one of the ways we build up the skin again. This comes through with microneedling, peels, and or lasers. However, treatments like microdermabrasion, extreme chemical peels, lasers, Fraxel, etc. don’t embrace the key principles and regenerative healing aspects and responses that the process of microneedling stimulates. They can help stimulate collagen, improve crepey skin, pores, and textural issues, and create some change when done properly and not overused and abused, but it’s usually minimal. It also depends on the skin's health and the patient/client’s overall health.
What about RF Microneedling?
Radiofrequency (RF) is a skin tightening treatment that is an energy heat-based technology that works deep in the sub-dermal layers of the skin. It delivers heat to the dermis and the subcutaneous fat–the adipose-rich tissue beneath the dermis, devices have different penetration depths depending on the number of electrodes e.g. monopolar, bipolar, or unipolar. Currently, Monopolar Capacitive Radiofrequency represents the “gold standard “of treatments designed to “tighten” skin, allegedly in a noninvasive fashion. In an effort to sell you “tighter” or “face-lift” type results, doctors, aestheticians, or technicians go deep into the subcutaneous fat, over 3mm, 4mm, and even 8mm depth, which is absolute insanity. The tissue gets damaged. The fat will collapse and you lose the softness and suppleness of that skin infrastructure.
When using RF alone or within a microneedling device we need the energy to be kept within the thickness of the skin. If the RF component is greater to the skin depth we lose valuable fat. Popular treatments like Vivace, Potenza, EndyMed, and the over-hyped Morpheus8, which promises “face-lift” type results, are all specific microneedling professional machines/devices that use Radio Frequency energy in conjunction with microneedling capabilities. Each device will boast key marketing phrases like “unmatched versatility”, “the only of its kind” and “robust” or “unique”—Ultimately, they are all the same.
I don’t recommend this technology for “tightening” the skin. It has the potential to stimulate collagen and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and it does this because that is what microneedling does, it works, however, while there are some potential benefits if performed correctly, these RF Machines are not comparable to having a face-lift. It doesn’t address more significant signs of aging such as laxity and jowling. That promise of a “snatched” jawline is not true. Sometimes the results can be more harmful than helpful by eliminating good facial fat and volume. Results are variable and often patients do not see the stated benefits. Furthermore, the treatment is not free from side effects or possible adverse reactions. Proceed lightly and with caution.
“Anytime you introduce an energy source into the face/body, whether it is RadioFrequency, Lasers, or even CoolSculpting—which is specifically designed to injure fat cells—the cells that are damaged release what’s called DAMPs (DAMAGED ASSOCIATED MOLECULAR PATTERN MOLECULES, aka, DANGER ASSOCIATED MOLECULAR PATTERN MOLECULES) and those DAMPs signal other cells. If the signals are severe enough, or a particular kind, the DAMPs can trigger a process called apoptosis (cell death) “
Microneedling is a truly holistic and minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that can change the entire structure and look of your skin. I’m referring to the first-generation medical pens that yield incredible power. This workhorse treatment works bottom line—but not only works long-term but you can start to see results in as little as 1-2 treatments, given that the skin is in general good health! From treating scars, wrinkles and to improving skin tone it has a host of benefits for your skin radiance and skin health. In combination with a holistic lifestyle, and a cohesive skin routine combining fascial massage and lymphatic drainage modalities, I’ve been able to work wonders on my clients’ skin. Read on to learn more about the science of microneedling.
When we look at the key goals of skin rejuvenation, ideally it should:
Optimize cell function-
Preserve the integrity of the epidermis
Strengthen dermal/epidermal junction (DEJ)
Preserve dermal papillae
Break down Scar Tissue
Release epidermal growth factors (EGF)
Increase natural collagen: transforming growth factors
Induce Regenerative healing
Restore the first three lines of skin barrier defense: ACID MANTLE, LIPID BILAYERS, CORNEOCYTE
What should healthy skin look like?
Smooth
Plump
Firm
Evenly Pigmented
Healthy skin is accomplished by balancing cell function. In essence, to accomplish the goal of healthy skin, the ideal skin rejuvenation treatment program needs to target the THREE KEY CELLS and regulate their functions. Dermal needling is the only treatment that respects all three main target cell types.
Keratinocytes- are the skin cells responsible for protecting from microbial invasion, shielding UV exposure, and maintaining adequate skin hydration by secreting keratin, a protein that is a primary component of the stratum corneum—the outermost layer of skin.
Melanocytes- These are a highly differentiated cell that produces pigment melanin inside melanosomes. This cell is dark and dendritic in shape. Melanin production is the basic function of melanocytes. Melanocytes are an essential cell type found in the skin and hair. These cells provide pigmentation and photoprotection from ultraviolet radiation.
Fibroblasts- This is the type of cell that contributes to the formation of connective tissue, a fibrous cellular material that supports and connects other tissues or organs in the body. Fibroblasts secrete collagen proteins that help maintain the structural framework of tissues.
“ The key to needling is the healing response that this microinjury process stimulates.”
Five Immediate Benefits of Microneedling
Improves skin texture. Your skin is noticeably softer and has a smoother texture following treatment.
Reduces Blackheads and Enlarged pores. The pores should be visibly smaller, especially around your nose.
Diminishes the appearance of scarring—reduces acne scars in the same way that they improve the overall texture of your skin. When scarring occurs, your body undergoes fibrosis, which pulls the skin down, creating unsightly irregularities on the surface.
Makes skin brighter. Microneedling remedies any changes in the color of your skin that can make it appear blotchy. It eliminates the risk of melanocyte (pigment-producing cells) heat injury and optimizes its cell function, making it an ideal treatment for all skin types and colors.
The skin is firmer. Microneedling turns back the hands of time by targeting fine lines and wrinkles. When the microneedling device breaks into the dermis, it triggers growth factors, which allow your skin to repair itself rapidly. Your body stimulates the natural production of collagen, ultimately tightening skin and reducing wrinkles.
Consider adding microneedling treatments to your regular skincare and age management routine. Microneedling is highly effective in stopping early signs of aging or preventing new wrinkles from forming. Combining regular microneedling sessions with powerful antioxidant serums, Exosomes, and gentle effective products allows your skin to successfully stay luminous and youthful-looking for longer. The proof is in the pudding as they say. Check out this Instagram post and this one and my before/afters and testimonials.
Minor Side effects of micro-needling for 24-48 hrs.
You can lower your risk of minor side effects by taking a few precautions. Drink plenty of water before the treatment and don’t wear makeup to your appointment. After treatment, don’t exfoliate or use skin products containing alcohol. Avoid excessive sun exposure and limit strenuous physical activity.
See the FAQs page for more info.
Here are minor discomforts to expect:
Swelling
Skin irritation
Redness
Dryness/Tightness
If you’re wondering how microneedling can help you reach your skincare goals, call my office today for a virtual consultation or book now for an appointment.
If there’s a wo(man) in your life who might find this information valuable, please forward this email to them. I can’t tell you how many clients thought their aging face and skin concerns were hopeless and have walked away after a virtual consultation or my treatments, using my product recommendations excited, hopeful, smiling, and full of life again.
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xo
Claudia