Skincare Awareness Month Product of the Day: Snail Mucin
Skincare Awareness Month Product of the Day: Snail Mucin COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence https://bestbeautyhacks.com/snailmucin It took me a long time to just get past what this is, break down and buy this product. I have to say, it definitely measures up to the hype. There was actually a noticeable improvement with one use. When I use this product, my skin looks fresh, healthy, plump and glowing. This Korean skincare product repairs and rejuvenates skin from dehydration and signs of aging. And It’s light weight, absorbs quickly and layers well with your other products. It’s also good for all skin types. There have actually been countless non-biased clinical studies done on the effectiveness of snail mucin, including computer analysis to objectively measure the effectiveness of snail mucin. Are you wondering if snail mucin is right for you? Snail mucin targets the following skin concerns: Dehydration Acne prone Dark spots Fine lines Wrinkles Photoaging Anti-Aging And if it’s high concentration (over 40%), it speeds up wound healing so it is great to use post procedure for microneedling and laser treatments. Not only is this a surprisingly effective product, it has a very reasonable price point. Highly recommend. Have you tried snail mucin? What are your thoughts? Was this article helpful? *Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided is for information purposes only Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or skin related diagnosis or treatment options. The statements made about specific products throughout this blog are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. It is important that you check labels to determine if a product is right for you. Before starting any treatment at home consult a health care or skin care professional to determine if it’s right for you. *Disclosure: some links may be affiliate links where I may get a small commission at no additional cost to you
Skincare Awareness Month: 5 Best Acne Products
Skincare Awareness Month: 5 Best Acne Products In honor of Skincare Awareness Month, here are my top 5 acne products. Acne is something I’ve needed to manage my entire adult life, even post menopause. Needless to say, I’ve tried a lot of products and these are tried and true. I have combination skin, with a lot of pore congestion. Epionce Lytic Cleanser https://bestbeautyhacks.com/epionce I have a few cleansers that I trust and switch up regularly, but this is my all time favorite. My skin feels extra clean and blemish free without being stripped. The Ordinary Charcoal Mask https://bestbeautyhacks.com/theordinarymask I have used masks several times a week for over 30 years. I’ve been using this one for the last few years and it’s my go-to because it’s quick, easy and works at managing blemishes and congestion. The two main actives are charcoal and salicylic acid which are great for clearing the pore lining. ORG Peel Off Face Cleanser https://bestbeautyhacks.com/ORGmineralpeel This is my favorite enzyme peel, I have used it for years. It does such a nice job clearing away the dull layer of skin. You do need to be careful not to use it too often, as it’s strong enough to compromise your skin barrier. One-two times a week should be sufficient to do the trick. Drmtlgy Tingl exfoliating pads https://bestbeautyhacks.com/tingl While I do like Paula’s Choice and still use it regularly, this is a bit more aggressive when you need something extra for stubborn or chronic pore congestion. I use this after the ORG peel once a week in the evening and then layer on a nice moisturizer. The combination creates a noticeably smooth, clear canvas the next morning. Jan Marini Skin Research Bioglycolic Resurfacing Body Scrub https://bestbeautyhacks.com/Janmarinibodyscrub I don’t know about you, but I’m so focused on my face that I sometimes neglect the rest of my body. This is an excellent exfoliation for the body that uses glycolic acid combined with exfoliating beads and moisturizing extracts that leaves your skin silky smooth while clearing up body acne. What are your favorite acne products? Let us know if you’re curious about an acne product, we may have researched and tested it and can provide non-biased feedback. Was this article helpful? *Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided is for information purposes only Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or skin related diagnosis or treatment options. The statements made about specific products throughout this blog are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. It is important that you check labels to determine if a product is right for you. Before starting any treatment at home consult a health care or skin care professional to determine if it’s right for you. *Disclosure: some links may be affiliate links where I may get a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Clinical Grade DIY Products from Qure Skincare
Clinical Grade DIY Products from Qure In honor of Skincare Awareness Month, I would like to share Qure Skincare with you. Qure is a clinical grade skincare that can be done in the comfort of your own home. This means that you get the same results at home as you would in a clinic by this science backed, dermatologist approved product line. Saving you time and (a lot) of money. They have a really innovative and effective product line, with complete DIY skin therapy solutions backed by clinical evidence. Their products and technologies are designed to deliver the same results as professional treatments, but in the comfort of your own home. Light Therapy Mask Yes, there are a lot of light therapy masks out there to choose from. But this is one of the few that is FDA- approved, has all 5 beneficial light therapies and the only mask that comes with an app to customize your treatment. Light therapies treat sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, skin tone, acne and inflammation. All in One Serum This product is packed with so many great ingredients that for many are separate steps in their skincare routine. This not only simplifies your routine, but saves you money on all the individual products. Includes Argireline, Retinol, peptides, niacinamide, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid. Micro Infusion System The Micro Infusion System is similar to a micrneedling treatment, except the stamp uses hollow needles so the serum goes directly into the skin. By creating a controlled trauma to the skin with the needle stamp, it sends a signal for your body to increase collagen production. And the hollow needles allow the serum to infuse into the skin, increasing penetration by 300%. They have a special offer going on for the month of September, in honor of Skincare Awareness Month. Micro Infusion System For more information on Qure, please check out their site: Qure Skincare I hope you agree, this is a really exciting skincare line! Please let me know if you’ve tried Qure and what your thoughts are! Was this article helpful? *Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided is for information purposes only Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or skin related diagnosis or treatment options. The statements made about specific products throughout this blog are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. It is important that you check labels to determine if a product is right for you. Before starting any treatment at home consult a health care or skin care professional to determine if it’s right for you. *Disclosure: some links may be affiliate links where I may get a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Top 6 Anti Aging Drmtlgy Products
Top 6 Anti Aging Drmtlgy Products In honor of Skincare Awareness Month, I want to highlight the Drmtlgy product line. If you haven’t tried these products yet, let me help you consider. I’m so impressed with this science backed, medical grade product line for the quality ingredients, effectiveness and price point. They have an advisory board of dermatologists, and a quiz to help you find the best product options based on your skin type. The price points are very reasonable, especially given the medical grade. And even better with their bundle program that gets you 20% off any 2 products purchased, or 25% off 3 or more products purchased. All products below have 5 star reviews, and right now, you can get 20% off sitewide with code LOVE https://www.drmtlgy.com Luminous Eye Corrector SPF 41 This is their newest and very exciting product! Not only does it have sun protection and color coverage, this corrector – not concealer – was formulated with ultra-hydrating, anti-aging ingredients, like peptides, ceramides, and botanical antioxidants. HPR eye cream This product is a super charged eye cream with retinoids and peptides but still hydrating and gentle enough to use for the eye area nightly. Needle-less serum This is their flagship product. Lightweight blend of peptides and ceramides. You can target fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, eyes and forehead. I use it on my whole face for anti-aging because it improves skin barrier, skin fullness and pore appearance as well. Brightening eye masks I love these! The active ingredients (caffeine, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide) feel amazing and improve your eye area long term the more you use them. Universal tinted moisturizer SPF 46 This is another superstar product. All in one sunscreen and foundation that’s super blendable with a healthy glow finish. Protects against UVA, UVB, Infrared and even blue light! Lightweight and oil free. Peptide night cream This is a great, lightweight night cream, packed with peptides and ceramides. It improves hydration, texture and firmness. Even though it says it’s for night, it’s light enough to use for day as well. Bonus product: Cleansing oil I love this as a first cleanse. I massage it in, wait a few minutes, and massage some more before I rinse and continue with my next cleanse and the rest of my routine. It even gets mascara off and doesn’t strip my skin. I hope this information is useful for you on your skincare journey! Was this article helpful? *Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided is for information purposes only Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or skin related diagnosis or treatment options. The statements made about specific products throughout this blog are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. It is important that you check labels to determine if a product is right for you. Before starting any treatment at home consult a health care or skin care professional to determine if it’s right for you. *Disclosure: some links may be affiliate links where I may get a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Best Sunscreens of 2023
Best Sunscreens of 2023 Here comes the sun! As temperatures start to warm up, layers start to peel off, exposing more skin. Everyone should be thinking about adding a layer of sunscreen if you don’t already. It’s also a good idea to get fresh, new sunscreen each year. Shelf life of sunscreen averages 3 years, but ingredients in the sunscreen formula can break down when exposed to warmer temperatures. Signs of product/ingredient breakdown include change in color or appearance, consistency or odor. Remember to try to limit your sun exposure between 10am and 4pm, year round. Trees, umbrellas and hats help but are not full protection. Water and sand are strong reflectors of the sun’s rays so take extra precautions. Best sunscreens for face What I have found with sunscreens for your face, is you have to apply by dabbing to blend on because any sweeping/smearing/rubbing/blending will cause pilling of the products layered under the sunscreen. If you’ve come across a sunscreen that doesn’t pill, please let us know! These are listed in no particular order, and all are tinted sunscreens because I’m all about saving a step if possible and prefer the no-makeup look. Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 36 – https://amzn.to/41OGhXf All mineral, lightweight formula UVA/UVB sun protection SPF 36 Universal tint for lightweight coverage Environmental pollution protection EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Sunscreen SPF 44 – https://amzn.to/40I7k5K Lightweight, oil free formula UVA/UVB protection with SPF 44 Transparent zinc oxide and titanium oxide Fragrance free DRMTLGY Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 46 – https://amzn.to/3nc6KPY Universal tint sunscreen and foundation Lightweight, non greasy formula Broad spectrum SPF 46 Clean formula made in USA, cruelty free Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 – https://amzn.to/43WkTBl · All mineral SPF 50 · protects against free radical formation and damage Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen Mineral Powder – https://amzn.to/3N1vmWd · This formula contains ingredients for sensitive or acne-prone skin · Contains broad spectrum SPF 50 · great for on the go touch up Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Fluid SPF 50 Tinted Sunscreen – https://amzn.to/3CDL0kj · Ultra-light liquid formula blends in easily for a flawless finish · Works on most skin tones · 100% mineral based · works with sensitive skin · reef safe Best sunscreens for body I’ve switched to reef safe products only. Reef safe SPF is usually formulated with zinc oxide, which is a gentle and safe ingredient that offers broad spectrum protection. I also don’t recommend any spray on sunscreen because the fine mist does get inhaled, no matter how long you hold your breath or try to walk away from it. I won’t risk it, especially with kids. COOLA Organic Sunscreen SPF 30 https://amzn.to/41vYPfn Vegan and gluten free Elta MD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF50 https://amzn.to/3mZNkOk For body, UVA/UVB protection designed for outdoor sports and athletes. EltaMD US Active SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen https://amzn.to/3LE2T7A For face and body, broad spectrum physical sunscreen for active lifestyle Thrive Natural Body Mineral Sunscreen SPF50 reef safe https://amzn.to/3N9AY0z Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen w/Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+, UVA/UVB protection https://amzn.to/3L2Xeqc Favorite go to for most scuba divers. Banana Boat Sport 100% Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, Broad Spectrum, SPF 50+ https://amzn.to/46fGs0U 100% Mineral sunscreen, high endurance vs. sweat, broad spectrum, light weight, free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens and phthalates. Babo Botanicals Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen https://amzn.to/46aLj3D Good for babies and sensitive skin, 100% zinc oxide, fragrance free, water resistant, reef safe Self tanners With all this sun protection, you may want a little bit of color or glow, so here are a few tried and true self tanning products to consider: Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Self Tanner with blending mitt – https://amzn.to/3oWgfU8 Isle of Paradise Self Tanning drops – https://amzn.to/44dvqYT Just add a few drops to moisturizer and blend! Was this article helpful? Do you have any favorite sunscreens you’d like us to review? *Disclosure: links may be affiliate links where I may get a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Best Professional Grade Microneedle Devices for at Home Use
Best Professional Grade Microneedle Devices for at Home Use Table of Contents What is microneedling? By now, you’ve likely heard of microneedling and possibly even had a professional microneedling treatment. Microneedling therapy is also known as collagen induction therapy, derma rolling or skin needling, and is generally safe for most people and all skin types. Collagen induction therapy is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses a hand held microneedle pen that is used to create micro-wounds in the skin to stimulate the body’s natural healing process through increased collagen and elastin production. For more information on the research and science behind microneedling and it’s effectiveness, click here: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/the-science-behind-microneedling/ Types of microneedling devices There are a few microneedling device types available for you to choose from. Microneedle roller or derma roller, microneedling stamp, and microneedling pen or sometimes called a derma pen. This article will focus on the microneedling pens, as they are the professional grade option. For more information on the differences between these device options and the pros and cons of each option click here: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/types-of-micrneedling/ How it works Microneedling devices come in a range of brands, prices, and features. However, this article will focus on the microneedling pen devices, and every pen has a few core similarities: Disposable cartridges for different needle counts Speed and depth settings Rechargeable power source The disposable cartridges hold tiny needles, and the quantity of needles per cartridge is usually 12, 24, or 36 count. While the needle cartridge may vary per device, these three are the standard count. Typically, the smaller needle count cartridges are used for the face and targeted areas to provide a sufficient amount of stimulation without causing too much damage to the skin in the process. The higher needle count is used for atrophic acne scars. These are acne scars that leave an indent or uneven skin texture, even after the inflammation heals. The larger needle count also works well for stretch marks. Some microneedling pens are also compatible with a “nano” cartridge. These do not include needles, but rather a very superficial “punch” that offers milder exfoliation. Nanos are best for more sensitive skin or those that need very little maintenance, as a nano punch can penetrate through the skin barrier and help with product absorption in the skin surface. Benefits of microneedling tools Generally, microneedling treatments fall into the categories below: Anti-aging Texture or scarring Pigmentation The skin benefits of this minimally invasive procedure address several skin concerns, with very little downtime. Below are a few of the many benefits of microneedling therapy: increase collagen and elastin production improve skin texture and skin tone reduce fine lines and wrinkles reverse some signs of aging skin treat acne scarring reduce surgical or raised scars improve the appearance of stretch marks reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, or dark spots reduce enlarged pores improve skin elasticity reduce hair loss This list is not exhaustive, and more benefits are being discovered all the time. For more information on the benefits of a microneedling treatment, click here: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/benefits-of-microneedling/ Microneedling vs. botox vs. fillers? Getting botox and/or fillers is a personal choice, but please consider this; while they may seem like a quick fix, they are both temporary and when they wear off, your skin will revert back to it’s original appearance or worse as your skin loses elasticity. These are both expensive with regular recurring upkeep, risk of infection (horrific personal experience on this one, left scars from a professional treatment that I’m still trying to remove). On the other hand, every time you have a microneedling treatment, your skin actually improves over time as your own natural growth factors increases to strengthen, smooth, improve uneven skin tone and add volume to your skin. The benefits of microneedling address more than just lines and wrinkles while being less invasive with fewer side effects. Professional vs. at home use While I am a huge fan of microneedling treatments, I am not a fan of how expensive the professional microneedling treatments are. The average cost per professional treatment is $300 and could be as expensive as $500 depending on where you live and the salon you go to. I do suggest you have a few professional microneedling treatments before you try it yourself at home, so you’re familiar with the protocol, pain tolerance, etc. Contraindications of microneedling Microneedling treatments are safe for almost everyone. Here are some common contraindications to be aware of before trying microneedling therapy: Accutane, even 6 months to a year off Skin cancer Suspicious blemishes Pregnant or breastfeeding Recent exfoliation (chemical peel, laser, etc.) Immune system issues such as lupus Acne Infection Open wounds or wound healing issues A typical session can result in the following side effects: Skin redness and swelling Sensitivity to products and sunlight Some discomfort, feels like a sunburn Some pinpoint bleeding Light shedding of dead skin cells Note: while it’s not necessarily a contraindication, microneedling does not work on keloid scars. FAQs Is microneedling safe? Microneedling is considered safe for almost everyone and all skin types. However, it is imperative to sterilize everything to avoid infection. Is microneedling painful? Depending on the depth of the needling, it can be painful if performed without a topical numbing cream. With numbing cream it is mildly uncomfortable in some areas where the skin is thinner (forehead). Will deeper microneedling give me a better treatment? Not necessarily. You could cause irreversible damage to the deeper layers of skin with aggressive treatments. A depth of 1.0mm should be the maximum depth performed by a non-professional. If you have deep scarring or other such concerns that aren’t improving after several treatments, it’s best to have a professional provide the microneedling treatment. How often can I have a microneedling treatment? Every week for a cosmetic microneedling treatment and 4-6
Microneedling 101: A step by step protocol
Microneedling treatment 101: A step by step protocol Are you ready to start your skin rejuvenation journey with microneedling, but not sure of the process? It’s always a good idea to do your research on any product or treatment so you feel comfortable and confident to move forward. I’ve outlined the process below from when I have professional treatments and what I’ve adapted for at home treatments. You’ll want to check out this article before you begin, to understand the types of microneedling treatments: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/types-of-micrneedling/ Before you begin What you will need: Microneedling device A sterile microneedle cartridge, compatible with the microneedling pen of choice Alcohol for sterilizing Cotton pads Numbing cream – 5% Lidocaine Serum for slip, hyaluronic acid is the safest Generally, hyaluronic acid is used for hydration, skin rejuvenation and slip during the microneedling treatment. It is the safest serum to use, considering your are needling it into your skin. There are some additional serum options that are being combined with microneedling, for additional benefits that can be customized depending on your skin care needs. Growth factors and peptides are chains of proteins, which are the building blocks of your skin to keep it strong and healthy. These are essential in wound healing and rebuilding textured skin. Stem cells can be found in plants, animals, and humans. While human stem cell treatments in the past were hotly debated, we can now safely harvest stem cells via plasma in the blood. Please just be very mindful and cautious of all ingredients, as they will penetrate beyond the skin barrier, and could cause irritation, a reaction or worse. General protocol ALWAYS sterilize EVERYTHING with isopropyl alcohol 91% before you start, including bottles, microneedling pen, etc. Double cleanse to ensure all makeup and oils are removed Apply numbing cream for medical microneedling. Numbing cream is not necessary for cosmetic microneedling Once numb (about 20-30 minutes), be sure to remove ALL the numbing cream – you don’t want to needle any of it into your skin! Cleanse again to remove any residue from numbing cream Wipe treatment area and hands with isopropyl alcohol to sterilize Attach disposable, sterile needle cartridge to pen Adjust depth of needle and speed for each area of the face. The forehead requires less depth since the skin is thinner, while the cheeks require a higher depth, etc. Each microneedling pen will have a manual to show the adjusted depths per treatment area. Apply serum for slip. Be extra careful with your choice of serum. Only use one that is intended for microneedling treatments. Hyaluronic acid is the safest. DO NOT use Vitamin C, retinol or other aggressive products that could cause a reaction. Turn the microneedle pen on, hold skin tight with one hand and glide with gentle pressure – the pen over your skin in small patches or grids using vertical, horizontal, and diagonal patterns. Keep applying serum as needed for slip. The goal is for each area of the face to have the same level of erythema, or redness. You can do small circles in areas that need extra attention. Post treatment It’s not necessary to wash your face, but if you are compelled to do so, be sure to use tepid water and apply hyaluronic acid to hydrate, sooth and calm the skin. Avoid exercise, sweating, swimming, makeup and sun exposure for the first 24 hours. It’s common to have redness, swelling, pinpoint bleeding. This usually subsides after 24-48 hours. Be especially gentle with your skin for the next week. Don’t use any harsh or abrasive products or tools. You may peel from the treatment, just be sure to allow your skin to heal on the surface. Be sure to avoid sun exposure for at least a week, wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water to help protect your skin barrier and hydrate your skin. After a week post treatment, I like to derma plane (the use of a medical scalpel to remove superficial vellus hair from the face) to get any leftover flakes off for extra smooth skin. You can return to your regular skin care routine after a week. Be sure to space out your microneedling treatments at least 4 weeks, ideally 6 weeks to allow your skin’s natural healing process to fully cycle. If you would like more in depth information on microneedling, this book is a great resource: The Concise Guide to Dermal Needling by Dr. Lance Setterfield: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/microneedlebook Was this article helpful? Do you have additional questions on microcurrent therapy? Please leave us a comment! *Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided is for information purposes only Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or skin related diagnosis or treatment options. The statements made about specific products throughout this blog are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. It is important that you check labels to determine if a product is right for you. Before starting any treatment at home consult a health care or skin care professional to determine if it’s right for you. *Disclosure: some links may be affiliate links where I may get a small commission at no additional cost to you.
The science behind microneedling
The science behind microneedling therapy Microneedling therapy is a current hot topic in the beauty community, and for good reason! A microneedling treatment is the more common name for collagen induction therapy or CIT, but it is also called dermarolling and skin needling. Collagen induction therapy is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation procedure, often cited for helping with acne scars, stretch marks, skin texture, uneven skin tones, and to help the body increase collagen and elastin production. As we age, it takes longer for our body to produce fresh, young skin cells because we produce less collagen and elastin to keep our skin full and youthful. Microneedling treatment stimulates production of your natural growth factors, improve skin elasticity with the production of collagen and elastin to encourage skin rejuvenation. The history The first uses of microneedling therapy was recorded in the early 1900s as cosmetic procedures to treat scars, stretch marks, birth marks and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation using a burr type tool. By the mid 90’s it was being used to treat wrinkles and scars, and gained more attention when a small needle stamp device was developed to induce collagen induction therapy. With continued research, it was discovered that microneedling therapy was successful in treating more than scars. Because a microneedling treatment induces collagen and elastin production, it helps eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, treats acne scars, improve skin texture and skin tone, increase collagen and elastin as well as treat pigment issues, and so much more. The science The science behind microneedling is to create micro-wounds by a microneedling device with very fine, sterile “micro” needles that puncture the skin to the dermal layer – below the epidermis, where collagen and elastin are produced. This in turn stimulates the body’s healing process. This process can also be called “percutaneous collagen induction therapy.” It is the body’s natural healing response when wound healing, and this controlled, alternative treatment stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the areas you want treated. Further research discovered additional types of treatments that may include platelet rich plasma or PRP in combination with collagen induction therapy. Also known as Vampire Facials, these cosmetic procedures use the patient’s own blood containing growth factors which is applied to the treatment area during and after collagen induction therapy to boost production of collagen and elastin even more. These are more involved cosmetic procedures as the platelet rich plasma has to be drawn from the patient and separated from the other blood cells. This procedure can cost an average of $1500 per treatment, and studies are still being done on the effectiveness of the combined treatment of platelet rich plasma containing growth factors and collagen induction therapy. Other treatments being combined with collagen induction therapy include led light therapy, radiofrequency and growth factors to name a few. In addition to microneedling treatments on your skin, people are getting positive results with microneedling treatments for hair loss. While the combined procedures are still being studied, collagen induction therapy results on it’s own are undeniable. For a comprehensive list of benefits from microneedling therapy, check out this link: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/benefits-of-microneedling Disclaimer Microneedling therapy is a cosmetic procedure. Microneedling devices and treatments are not meant to be used to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Was this article helpful? Do you have additional questions on microneedling therapy? Please leave us a comment!
Types of microneedling
Types of microneedling Did you know that there are different types of microneedling devices as well as different types of microneedling treatments? This article will explain the differences between them to help determine which options are right for you Microneedling devices There are mainly 3 different types of microneedling devices when considering microneedling treatments. I’ll outline them below, along with an explanation of each device. Derma rolling This is a microneedling device that is a manual tool with a handle and a cylinder on the end that has tiny needles around the cylinder. It functions by rolling the needled cylinder over your skin in different directions to puncture the skin. Derma rollers come with different needle lengths, depending on what area you are trying to treat and your pain tolerance. Things to keep in mind with derma rolling: When you roll the cylinder over your skin, you are causing a tear as the needle enters and exits the skin, so it’s not an even puncture. you should only get a derma roller that has needles made of titanium. Stainless needles can bend, which can cause larger wounds that may scar as it enters and exits the skin. Skin stamping This is a microneedling device that is a manual tool with a handle and flat end shaped in a square that has tiny needles. This functions by pressing or stamping the square end into your skin, lifting, moving and stamping again until you’ve covered the desired area. This is a good option as it doesn’t cause tearing as long as you are careful with the stamping method. It is also an inexpensive option if you haven’t tried microneedling previously, to give you an idea of how it works, what it feels like and if it’s something you want to add to your skin care routine on a regular basis. As with the derma rolling, the skin stamping comes in varying needle lengths depending on the area you want to treat. Microneedling pens These are powered devices that have sterile, disposable needle cartridges that you can adjust the depth of the needles and the speed and precision of the punctures. Because of this, these are the gold standard of microneedling devices. While microneedling pens are the more expensive option, they are on average half the price of one microneedling treatment and far outweigh the manual options with functionality. Microneedling treatments Cosmetic microneedling therapy Cosmetic microneedling treatments are considered cosmetic when the needle depth is around .25mm. The purpose and benefits of cosmetic needling are for better product penetration. The needle depth is just enough to get through the top layer of skin cells, allowing beneficial product ingredients through for better results. Some microneedling pens even have the ability to use nano needle cartridges specifically for cosmetic microneedling. Nano needles have a flat tip and push skin cells apart instead of puncturing through the skin. While this is a nice option, it’s not necessary as long as the needle depth is .25mm. You can do cosmetic needling once a week for an extra special facial treatment, since it doesn’t penetrate into the epidermis and affect the skin cycle. Medical microneedling therapy A medical microneedling treatment, or collagen induction therapy is considered medical when the needle depth is .5mm or deeper. This is the traditional microneedling treatment. I’ll be honest with you, at a minimum this treatment is uncomfortable. And on some areas like the forehead, it’s downright painful. A numbing cream makes it manageable though. Microneedling works because tiny punctures at a specific depth in the epidermis will stimulate more collagen production for skin rejuvenation from the skin’s healing process. A microneedling device in your skin rejuvenation journey is highly recommended if you’re looking to treat acne scars, skin tightening, stretch marks, scar tissue, reverse sun damage, treat hair loss, wrinkles, or just have younger looking skin. Combine any of the following with your traditional microneedling treatment to enhance results even more: growth factors, platelet rich plasma, led light therapy, or radiofrequency energy. Was this article helpful? Do you have additional questions on types microneedling therapy? Please leave us a comment!
Benefits of microneedling
Benefits of microneedling Overview of microneedle therapy Microneedling therapy is also known as collagen induction therapy, derma rolling or skin needling, and is generally safe for most people and skin types. Collagen induction therapy is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses a microneedling device with very tiny needles or “micro” needles to puncture the skin causing micro wounds to the epidermis layer where collagen production happens. This stimulates collagen production in the skin to initiate all the skin rejuvenation and anti-aging benefits of microneedling. Benefits of microneedling The skin benefits of this minimally invasive procedure address several skin concerns, with minimal downtime. This is not an exhaustive list, but lists the major benefits. increase collagen and elastin production improve skin texture and skin tone reduce fine lines and wrinkles reverse some signs of aging skin treat acne scars reduce surgical or raised scars improve the appearance of stretch marks reduce fine lines and wrinkles reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, or dark spots reduce enlarged pores improve skin elasticity improve uneven skin tone firmer skin achieve brighter skin increase hair growth* *Using microneedling treatment in combination with a hair growth serum has been shown to improve hair growth better than with a hair growth serum alone. The microneedling treatment on your scalp allows the hair serum to penetrate deeper. Side effects of microneedling therapy There are some side effects you may experience for a few days after a microneedling treatment. While microneedling has minimal downtime, you do need to be extra careful for a week to two weeks after a microneedling treatment as the surface skin heals. Use only gentle products and try to avoid sun exposure. possible pinpoint bleeding minor pain and skin irritation temporary inflammation peeling Consult a board-certified dermatologist, medical professional or healthcare provider prior to a microneedling procedure if you have any active infections, sensitive skin, skin conditions or skin concerns to see if microneedling therapy is right for you. Results You may see results with the first microneedling treatment but it usually takes multiple treatments to reach your desired results, and then a maintenance plan. Be careful to only microneedle once a month, as to not interrupt the skin’s healing process. It takes four to six weeks for skin’s collagen production to cycle through the dermal layers as the skin heals so to perform microneedling more often will cause inflammation and hyperpigmentation, and take longer to heal. If you are looking for a glowing complexion and a treatment that addresses many skin concerns, adding microneedling treatments to your skin care routine can be a total game change Disclaimer Microneedling therapy is a cosmetic procedure. Microneedling devices and treatments are not meant to be used to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Was this article helpful? Do you have additional questions on microneedling therapy? Please leave us a comment!