Spa Life E-Magazine Issue 3 Vol. 16 Fall Great Escapes 2016 | Page 22

A new holistic approach to an age-old practice means that there are now safe alternatives to ablative (means altering the surface skin layers) treatments and lasers for the treatment of acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles and other skin concerns.

Medical Skin Needling is a non-invasive, non-injectable skin rejuvenation treatment that targets a wide range of skin concerns and can be performed on most body parts.

This treatment boasts some exciting advantages:

• It's safe for all skin types, both lighter and darker.

• There is no damage to the skin.

• It can be used on thin skin.

• The process is not painful.

• Downtime is minimal.

• It can be used on any area (face, neck and body) except the pink of the lips and eyelids.

• It can be used at home.

With a history dating back to ancient acupuncture techniques and mesotherapy, this procedure uses a roller with microscopic needles between 0.25mm (homecare roller) to 2.0 mm (clinical roller) long. As the needles are rolled over the skin, tiny punctures are created within the epidermis and dermis that encourage the skin’s own natural healing response, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin and the release of growth factors resulting in thicker, firmer, healthier skin. Despite the mental image of the process, the use of a numbing cream by the practitioner minimizes discomfort. The healing period is short compared to other procedures, only 24-28 hours, because needling leaves the epidermis (your outermost layer of skin) intact. This procedure is less expensive, less risky, and just as effective, if not more, than laser treatments and other ablative skin treatments.

What are the key benefits?

• Production of collagen is stimulated, tightening the skin.

• Crows’ feet and lip lines are eliminated or reduced.

• Forehead lines and frown lines are eliminated or reduced.

• Absorption of cosmetic products is enhanced.

• Appearance of wrinkles, pigmentation and sun damage is reduced.

• Acne scars and chicken pock scars are treated.

• Scarring and stretch marks are less noticeable.

• Appearance of enlarged pores is reduced.

• Helps with rosacea.

• Helps with hair restoration.

How does it work?

What makes skin needling such an effective treatment option is a result of what is happening to the skin over the three-plus months after it is needled. Skin will appear to be visibly healed after 24-48 hours, but the healing process is continues beneath the surface for several months. This natural healing process is what makes the treatment so effective.

Medical Skin Needling:

Today’s Modern version of

an Age-Old Skin Treatment

This Issue’s Treatment of the month

Submitted by Lori Burke