Tag Archives: microneedling

All you need to know about microneedling

Following on from our previous blog about the benefits of hyaluronic acid and the ways in which it can be implemented into the skin, we thought we would divulge into what one of these techniques actually is, who can benefit from it, and what the process is.

Whether you are someone interested in reaping the benefits of it as a treatment, or for practitioners who are interested in potentially training and qualifying in this treatment.- here are some of the must-know facts!

So, what actually is microneedling?

Microneedling also known as skin needling, is the penetration of the skin through the use of very small medical grade needles at a high frequency. needling can be done through various techniques including a stamp type tool with a long handle, an electric pen or even a roller. The treatment is minimally invasive, but the results of skin rejuvenation, improvement of fine lines, wrinkles and scarring are all substantial.

Micro needling has been used by dermatologists to fade scars and wrinkles since the 1990s.In 1997, Dr Andre Camirand started using this treatment experimentally, and after two years reported that scars on the faces of his patients were significantly improved in both texture and colour- making this a ground-breaking skin treatment for the cosmetics industry- Thanks Doc!

The most popular form of skin needling to date is the microneedling technique which uses the electronic frequency penetration of needles which can be used at a different depth and gauge on the skin depending on the condition which you are trying to treat.

When the needle passes over the skin, the epidermis layer of skin is penetrated creating tiny channels in the surface of the skin allowing a route for the chosen skin products or serums to be absorbed. Once these products have been absorbed, the channels in the skin that have been created then heal rapidly, restoring the skins natural barrier.

A bit more about what microneedling can benefit

Scars- Micro needling has been proven to hugely reduce the appearance of scars. Microneedling can help with both raised scars – also known as ‘hypertrophic’, and sunken scar tissue- also known as ‘atrophic’. The needles penetrate the skin and help to break down the over formed areas of collagen in the skin which have created the scarring in the first place. However, it is worth noting that keloid scarring is a strict contraindication for microneedling as scaring can often worsen. in fact, people with a history of keloid scarring are usually exempt from most cosmetic treatments.

Cellulite– Cellulite is caused by fat cells becoming swollen and pushing through collagen. Scientifically it is still not entirely proven as to why microneedling is actually responsible for improving this condition. However, it is believed that it is due to the controlled trauma caused in the skin, allowing new, stronger collagen to develop- which can therefore better control the swollen fat cells.

Stretch marks– stretch marks are caused when there is an exaggerated expansion of skin, resulting in collagen stretching out of alignment which can often result in the surface appearance of the skin looking silver, red or pink. When left to naturally heal, stretch marks can take a considerable amount of time to improve and often never fully repair themselves. however, microneedling results on stretch marks are noticeably impressive and more often than not can help to completely repair. it is usually encouraged to use a more aggressive needling technique around areas of stretch mark to stimulate collagen and elastin rebuild through the areas of controlled trauma.

Age spots and hyperpigmentation- both conditions can also be vastly improved when treated with microneedling and the relevant serums combined. Pigmentation occurs in the skin usually through excessive sun exposure. Did you know that when we suntan our skin, the colour change is actually our body enduring an allergic reaction?! (Crazy right! all of a sudden, those sunbeds don’t sound so appealing!!) This reaction occurs through the melanin cells expanding at an abnormal rate and lifting to the surface of the skin. Through microneedling, we can breakdown the pockets of melanin and reprogram the skin to disperse these cells with a more even differentiation.

Enlarged pores– the size of pores differs from person to person, but also varies in size throughout different areas of the skin. We find that enlarged pores are more commonly found around the nose and cheek area of the face. By microneedling these areas, the improvement in texture of the skin can be vast through the induction of collagen to the area of larger pores which results in the reduction of size and appearance of enlarged pores.

A few of the benefits of microneedling worth also mentioning can be the improvement in hair loss, several different skin conditions such as acne and in some cases rosacea.

However, with these slightly more complex skin conditions – safeguarding is a must in order to protect these conditions from worsening.

If you are someone who could benefit from Microneedling, or your even just curious- then look no further. We offer the microneedling treatment complimentary through our model application programme with the Eclipse!

If you are interested in trying out the microneedling treatment, please see the “contact us” section on our home page and fill out a model request form to be contacted by a member of our team.

Hyaluronic acid what it does and why it is so good for a skin

In the world of beauty, cosmetics, aesthetics and skin care, hyaluronic acid is the name of a product commonly used and highly recommended for many reasons.

Hyaluronic acid is a ‘Humectant’, which means that it is a substance that draws in and binds moisture. The best fact to note when it comes to hyaluronic acid is that it can hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water. For example, a product with concentration of 1% hyaluronic acid can bind 99% water to the skin! -(impressive, we know!)

Given that the main function of hyaluronic acid is to bind moisture, it makes sense that it has gained itself the nickname “moisture magnet”. Our bodies are actually responsible for naturally producing our own hyaluronic acid, so when additional concentrates of (HA)are added to the skin- the body can retain water within the tissue.

The areas in the body in which the highest quantities of hyaluronic acid reside are the skin, the connective tissue and the eyes.

Given the fact that our body naturally produces H A- it only makes sense that when additional forms are added in the form of skin care products, the improvements to our skins texture, hydration levels and appearance are substantial.

Between the dermis and epidermis layer of our skin, we have an extra cellular level which is made-up of the body’s natural hyaluronic acid. This barrier like formation helps to keep our skin hydrated resulting in the help of cell turnover, communication between the cells functioning optimally but also protecting our skin against inflammation. Because our body Is responsible for naturally producing hyaluronic acid, it’s very rare that external forms of hyaluronic acid will react negatively with any skin type, giving it the title of being “non- comedogenic”.

Although our bodies naturally produced hyaluronic acid, that doesn’t mean to say that our skin maintains a permanent optimal level of it. Our normal and natural cell turn over is usually broken down every 24 hours, which subsequently means that we lose approximately 50% of our natural production of HA. That’s why it’s so vital to maintain our HA levels by using a thorough and consistent skin care routine. Many different factors such as Sun damage, ageing, stress, poor diet and inflammation in the skin will lead to the breakdown of hydronic acid ata faster rate. When we lack hyaluronic acid levels in our skin, our skin loses the ability to hold onto the moisture required to keep the youthful and healthy glow.

 

So, what can we do and what can we use to ensure a beneficial and sufficient level of hydronic acid through our skin care routine?

Well, in short; we have two options. Firstly, our simple day-to-day at home skin care regime. Secondly, we have the options of several facial treatments that implement hyaluronic acid into a deeper level of the skin.

Let’s start with our own skin care routine…

It is very rare that we will find either moisturisers, skin creams or serums that do not contain hyaluronic acid. Whether it is your more affordable High Street brand of skin care, or your high-end designer face creams- 9 times out of 10 they will all contain hyaluronic acid.

However, it is important to pay attention to the order in which we apply these products to the skin to ensure maximum efficiency from the benefits of our products, but also to know how they should be applied.

We don’t always need to use multiple products at the same time, but when we do it is always important to apply the products in layers.

Starting with a serum is best, as a serum will penetrate through to a deeper layer of the skin. Because it is thinner in consistency, the product will be absorbed quicker, and therefore allowing a suitable surface on the outer layer of skin for skin cream to then be applied.

Depending on your personal dehydration levels in your skin, different consistencies of face cream are available. For slightly oilier skin types, a thin gel-based cream is available, which would be highly recommended as to not clog pores in the skin. For drier and a more dehydrated skin type, a thicker cream or balm like moisturiser is alternatively available.

Then we move on to the option of facial treatments that are recommended for all different skin types, and although more of a long-term investment financially- they are substantially more beneficial when used alongside a regular skin care routine.

Facials such as dermaplaning or microneedling are highly recommended in order to get the best long-term benefits from hyaluronic acid products.

Dermaplaning is a facial treatment that involves a small medical grade blade being scraped across the surface of the skin removing excess dead skin cells and dead layers of skin which then expose new and fresh surface layers of skin for which hyaluronic acid can penetrate and begin binding moisture levels in the skin immediately.

With microneedling, tiny micro needles are gently puncturing the skin at a high frequency which in turn causes controlled trauma to deeper layers of the skin. This treatment is done by gliding the needles over the surface of the skin whilst pushing a Hyaluronic acid serum into the required area. This then stimulates collagen and elastin repair within the skin, allowing an increase in hydration, firmness, plumpness and a smoother more youthful appearance and function all over.

Both of these treatments can be done as a one-off for that perfect pre-party glow or recommended monthly for longer term skin repair benefits.