The skin has an exceptional ability of healing itself by producing proteins, collagen fibers and elastin, that work coefficiently together to keep the skin firm, strong, supple and healthy. The bad news is, as we age naturally this ability slows down over time, and we begin to see the signs of aging with wrinkles and sagging skin. When we’re young, the skin takes anywhere between 27 to 28 days to completely turn over and renew itself, and as we get older it takes closer to 37 to 38 days for this process. That is why it is more difficult to correct older skin - because of it’s prolonged exposure to oxidative stress, it is and therefore appears older, dryer, more pigmentation spots, fine lines and deep wrinkles, scarring, and loss of firmness. Therefore we look less luminous, and young. To aid with the correction or slowing down of this process, we use various techniques to help the skin shed off old layers faster, and build up those new collagen and elastin fibers. This is where we introduce microneedling - to the aging rescue!
HOW IT WORKS
Microneedling, or Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that is actually derived from the ancient practice of Acupuncture! This treatment uses tiny micro-needles to create controlled channels deep within the epidermis and dermis layers of the skin, without causing open wounds or topically ablative damage. These micro-wounds stimulate fibroblasts which stimulate the body to release platelets and growth factors, triggering the body's very own natural healing process. The puncturing channels close after a short time, and the body responds to the controlled damages by producing more collagen and elastin to these areas, which generates new skin cells, thus improving overall integrity! The epidermis becomes thicker and more supple each time a treatment is performed, resulting in stronger, thicker, softer, plumper and firmer skin.
BY STIMULATING YOUR SKIN’S NATURAL ABILITY TO HEAL ITSELF THIS PROCEDURE IS HIGHLY EFFECTIVE FOR:
Skin rejuvenation
Thickening the dermis and epidermis
Scar reduction
Acne scarring
Fine lines and wrinkles
Hair loss therapy
Pore size reduction
Stretch marks
Hyperpigmentation
Skin tightening
Improve skin tone
Decrease the appearance of cellulite
The micro-needles penetrate anywhere between 0.25mm – 1.5 mm, the depth and speed of the device is adjusted and customized by a skin professional to suit each individual client's needs in order to ensure maximum safety and results.
NUMBING - If you thought this procedure would be super painful, we have numbing creams for that! We will provide and apply a medi-grade numbing cream to the treatment area to make the procedure more comfortable. Most clients find this treatment to be quite tolerable for the results you get.
NEEDLING - The actual stamping portion of the treatment only takes about 15 to 20 minutes for full face and décolleté.
SERUMS - We use a cocktail of high-quality peptide and hyaluronic acid serums which penetrate more effectively into the skin and increase the healing and rejuvenation efforts. The serums we choose are customized to address your specific skin concerns at the time of each facial.
The entire treatment from preparation, to finishing products, to out the door, can take roughly 1 hour.
WHAT IS THE DOWNTIME?
Immediately after the treatment you may notice a bright redness to the skin that will subside within a few hours. For the rest of the day you will have a healthy pink glow that may FEEL comparable to a sunburn. The total healing time depends on the depth of needles used and the number of passes and overlapping that your skincare professional performs. Usually within two or three days the skin will start flaking and peeling. If you’re planning on having micro-needling done prior to a big event, give yourself 1-2 weeks for the skin to turnover and heal. In a week's time your skin should be looking more fresh and glowing, firmer, and scarring should be reduced. Feel free to discuss your healing time with your treatment provider to get a better idea at the time.
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER TREATMENT TO PROTECT MY SKIN?
UV PROTECTION IS IMPORTANT HERE. After your treatment at the spa, we will apply an SPF sunscreen before you leave for UV protection against your new FRESH skin, but you will be responsible for proper home-care after that. The night after your treatment you’ll want to wash your face with a gentle cleanser and treat skin with a gentle moisturizer, or one that has been prescribed to you by your trained provider. To continually optimize the effects of your treatment, we recommend adding products into your homecare that contain peptides and Hyaluronic Acid or other hydrating properties to help support the growth of your healthy new skin.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
Some clients may only require a single treatment once per year to achieve results, along with regular skin maintenance. However, it is recommended for most patients to receive a series of 2-3 sessions spaced about 4-6 weeks apart for the year in our chosen renewal season - Fall and Winter. For clients with deeper-set wrinkles, advanced photo-aging, stretch marks, or acne scars, it is recommended to receive 6-8 sessions at 4-6 week intervals.
WHEN WILL I SEE THE RESULTS?
Clients are likely to notice an immediate glow and firmness to their skin within the next day or two. Visible changes to the skin may develop over the course of several days and weeks. Results may continue to improve for several weeks after the treatment, as your collagen production increases over time.
HOW DOES THIS TREATMENT DIFFER FROM LASER TREATMENTS?
NEEDLING
Uses the body's own natural healing response by stimulating our fibroblasts.
Essentially aerates the skin with tiny channels that are quick and easy to heal, to help increase the thickness of the skin and repair damage.
There is little to no downtime with microneedling which is a bonus, and the recovery time is quick, 24-72 hours.
Can be performed year-round - we prefer fall and winter due to less sun exposure, but if you’re diligent with your SPF protection can be performed anytime really.
Is safe for all skin colours and skin types. Some advanced treatments can cause pigmentation damage to darker skin tones when performed incorrectly - the opposite of what you want your session to do!
LASERS
Certain lasers used repeatedly over time can damage the fibroblast cells and lead to a thinner epidermis.
Downtime for laser treatments especially ablative ones, can take between 2 and 4 weeks for the skin to grow back and heal.
Not safe for all skin types or skin colours! Lasers can cause hyper-pigmentation damage due to the accumulation of heat in the skin.
Well, there you have it - an inside look at what Micro-needling therapy is, what it does, who it’s good for, and some safety reassurances! Book your Micro-Needling Session at The Natural Art of Skin Care and allow us to Rejuvenate your skin to reveal a fresher you.
Written by Rachel Lamont, Holistic Medical Esthetician & Spa Owner