Micro-needling stimulates the body’s own collagen and elastin production

Medical micro-needling, also referred to as collagen induction therapy (CIT), is a relatively new concept aimed at stimulating the body’s own collagen and elastin production to tighten, lift and rejuvenate the skin. The benefits of this treatment include the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, minimized pores, and the disappearance of stretch marks, crepey skin, and scarring such as surgical and acne scars.

Micro-needling devices are a vibrating stamp-like motion of a disposable needle tip. Modern techniques control the levels of dermal penetrations through precise depth adjustments set on the application hand piece. Each of the thousands of micro-passages within the dermis activates and stimulates the cascade of normal positive wound healing by releasing growth factors for eventual collagen and elastin production and maturation. These growth factors have deteriorated with age and by asking the skin to heal, they are called into action.

Another advantage of micro-needling is the creation of thousands of micro-channels for the delivery of beneficial bioactive peptides and cosmeceuticals (cosmetic products with biologically active ingredients), as well as active growth factors and anti-acne agents for advanced skin care and acne scar treatment.

Researchers are also investigating the potential benefits of combining your own platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with micro-needling to further rejuvenate your skin, stimulate hair growth, and improve scars, stretch marks, and crepey skin in the face, décolletage, abdomen, and inner arms.

Micro-needling treatments take 30-45 minutes and are virtually painless because of the action of a topical anesthetic gel. Following the treatment, your face feels like a moderate to severe sunburn, which subsides after 1-2 hours. You may see slight redness after 24 hours, and it is important not to be in direct sunlight for 24-48 hours.

The procedure, which can be used for almost all skin types, is repeated every 4-6 weeks with 3-6 treatments for maximum benefit. Results are standardly visible in six weeks’ time with maximum collagen induction for skin tightening and rejuvenation usually observed in three to six months.

Medical micro-needling has a high safety record and is performed by medical skin care specialists.

Deidre Braun is a licensed acupuncturist and founder of Revive the Skin in Rancho Mirage. She can be reached at (760) 485.2870.