Fall into Winter: Microneedling, PRP, and Peels
Sweater season is upon us. Certain aesthetic treatments are better than others this time of year and this week I highlight my three favorites.
Microneedling:
Collagen and elastin are essential protein fibers in the skin that give support and elasticity. As we mature, these fibers break down and can cause wrinkles. Regenerating the skin’s collagen and elastin helps give you a more youthful appearance. Collagen also plays a role in scaring, like happens from acne. Skin remodeling can have an important role in the improved appearance of scarring.
I use the SkinPen, an FDA approved medical device. It works by creating millions of controlled microchannels in the skin. This activates your body’s natural wound healing to increase collagen and elastin, giving your skin a firmer and radiant appearance.
Following your treatment, your skin may appear slightly pink to red, similar to a mild sunburn. Results may appear after just one treatment, but will continue to improve three to six months following your last treatment.
In reviewing the literature for microneedling, there is a unanimous conclusion to its effectiveness, especially in treating scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks (1,2).
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP):
This is the first aesthetic service I ever offered! Here we take your blood, spin it down, then inject it back into your skin. I’ve treated the scalp, face, neck, chest, and hands with PRP.
Your blood product that comes out of the medifuge is rich in platelets, allowing for greater release of growth factors and active proteins, and stimulates collagen growth and new blood vessels (3). PRP works synergistically with microneedling to enhance collagen and elastin production (4).
Many clients lately are seeking PRP for the under eye. As we mature, the under eye skin can become lax and with increased wrinkles. Contributing is loss of elastin, which keeps the skin taught. PRP has shown to give visible results with high patient satisfaction and no serious side effects (5).
When used in conjunction with microneedling, downtime is similar to microneedling. Using injection technique is also minimal downtime; I recommend taking the day off from social engagements.
Series of Glycolic Acid Peels
Glycolic acid is derived from sugarcane and is the most common alpha-hydroxy acid peel. It treats: acne, acne scars, melasma, and fine lines/wrinkles (6). The higher the concentration, the more intense the peel. I use 40% and 70% concentration and always begin with 40% and gradually increase. Best results occur with a series of treatments.
Pre-peel priming of the skin is important. 3-4 weeks before your peel: prepare your skin by using glycolic acid and/retinol resurfacing products. Avoid 1 week prior: waxing, laser hair removal, facial services, microdermabrasion, and sun exposure. Discontinue retinol products 1 to 3 days before.
These treatments offer skin rejuvenation from a series of multiple peels with minimal to no visible peeling; though not common, redness can occur 1-2 days after the peel.
Thanks for reading and you can link to schedule direct online or connect with any questions.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28796657/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28690124/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31280855/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28492598/