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The Art & Science of Skin Needling
If you look at a blemish, you will see that it is very different from surrounding skin. No matter what is the origin of the mark or what type of a scar it is—it will not have normal skin layers and will always be formed by rough, disorganized bundles of collagen.
All of this makes it very difficult to deliver active ingredients into this area. First, exfoliation removes the upper layer of dead skin cells, so that active ingredients can be absorbed much more easily. However, if you have thick damage, or if you simply want to ensure that copper peptides are delivered exactly where you want them, you may consider combining copper peptide products with a technique called at-home microneedling.
Medical needling has been used for many years by dermatologists to help trigger skin rejuvenation. Even though it is very effective, this type of skin needling must be performed in a clinical setting, requires anesthesia, and may lead to irritation and sometimes hyperpigmentation.
In contrast, microneedling is a gentler and much safer version of medical needling. It is a minimally invasive technique that uses very tiny needles to essentially create temporary pores. Microneedling devices are safe, very inexpensive, and can be used at home.
A recent scientific study confirmed microneedling to be a safe and effective way to deliver copper peptides into skin. The rate and depth of penetration of copper peptides increased with the force of application. So, if you have just started using copper peptides with a needling device, it is always best to be very gentle at first. Always listen to your skin, and when in doubt—start slowly and proceed with caution.
Microneedling in combination with using a client’s own platelet-rich plasma (which naturally contains GHK-Cu) was shown to be very effective in the treatment of atrophic marks. Others have reported success in treatment of stretch marks using microneedling. Forty women with stretch marks were divided to two groups—one was treated with microneedling and another with a combination of microdermabrasion and sonophoresis. The microneedling group showed much greater improvement compared to the second group. If in the “microdermabrasion plus sonophoresis” group, there was a 50% increase of collagen synthesis; in the “microneedling” group, there was a 90% increase!
Thinking about trying at-home microneedling? Let's review some important tips:
Skin Needling Plus Copper Peptides
First, always cleanse the area thoroughly with a gentle, neutral pH cleanser. Of course, your hands should be completely clean as well. If your skin is red, irritated, experiencing an active breakout (or if you have any skin condition), please use copper peptides and biological oils to soothe the skin until any irritation is reduced, and wait on actual skin needling.
Depending on their skincare goals, many have successfully used skin rollers in various ways. Here is the best technique that works well for the majority:
1. Gently roll on thoroughly cleansed skin, letting the device do the work for you. Avoid pressing too hard or rolling too swiftly. Always start with minimal pressure, then increase when you are sure it is well tolerated.
2. After rolling, apply a light amount of a copper peptide product. Many choose copper peptide serums as they can easily be diluted with water before applying to the area.
3. If needed, soothe skin after rolling with a moisturizing biological oil (such as emu oil or squalane).
Skin microneedling can be safely performed on all skin colors and types. Those new to skin rolling should always start with a shorter length needle (0.5 mm is perfect for general facial use).
Finally, it is very important to give your skin a good rest between needling sessions. Usually once a week, or once every two weeks, achieves excellent results with no side effects. Regular use of copper peptide serums and oil moisturizers between sessions will help restore smoothness and suppleness to your skin.
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Email Dr. Loren Pickart: drlorenpickart@gmail.com
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