YOUR GUIDE TO MICRO-NEEDLING TREATMENTS
The skin has an exceptional ability of healing itself by producing proteins, collagen fibers and elastin, that work coefficiently together to keep the skin firm, strong, supple and healthy. The bad news is, as we age naturally this ability slows down over time, and we begin to see the signs of aging with wrinkles and sagging skin. When we’re young, the skin takes anywhere between 27 to 28 days to completely turn over and renew itself, and as we get older it takes closer to 37 to 38 days for this process. That is why it is more difficult to correct older skin - because of it’s prolonged exposure to oxidative stress, it is and therefore appears older, dryer, more pigmentation spots, fine lines and deep wrinkles, scarring, and loss of firmness. Therefore we look less luminous, and young. To aid with the correction or slowing down of this process, we use various techniques to help the skin shed off old layers faster, and build up those new collagen and elastin fibers. This is where we introduce microneedling - to the aging rescue!
The skin has an exceptional ability of healing itself by producing proteins, collagen fibers and elastin, that work coefficiently together to keep the skin firm, strong, supple and healthy. The bad news is, as we age naturally this ability slows down over time, and we begin to see the signs of aging with wrinkles and sagging skin. When we’re young, the skin takes anywhere between 27 to 28 days to completely turn over and renew itself, and as we get older it takes closer to 37 to 38 days for this process. That is why it is more difficult to correct older skin - because of it’s prolonged exposure to oxidative stress, it is and therefore appears older, dryer, more pigmentation spots, fine lines and deep wrinkles, scarring, and loss of firmness. Therefore we look less luminous, and young. To aid with the correction or slowing down of this process, we use various techniques to help the skin shed off old layers faster, and build up those new collagen and elastin fibers. This is where we introduce microneedling - to the aging rescue!
HOW IT WORKS
Microneedling, or Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that is actually derived from the ancient practice of Acupuncture! This treatment uses tiny micro-needles to create controlled channels deep within the epidermis and dermis layers of the skin, without causing open wounds or topically ablative damage. These micro-wounds stimulate fibroblasts which stimulate the body to release platelets and growth factors, triggering the body's very own natural healing process. The puncturing channels close after a short time, and the body responds to the controlled damages by producing more collagen and elastin to these areas, which generates new skin cells, thus improving overall integrity! The epidermis becomes thicker and more supple each time a treatment is performed, resulting in stronger, thicker, softer, plumper and firmer skin.
BY STIMULATING YOUR SKIN’S NATURAL ABILITY TO HEAL ITSELF THIS PROCEDURE IS HIGHLY EFFECTIVE FOR:
Skin rejuvenation
Thickening the dermis and epidermis
Scar reduction
Acne scarring
Fine lines and wrinkles
Hair loss therapy
Pore size reduction
Stretch marks
Hyperpigmentation
Skin tightening
Improve skin tone
Decrease the appearance of cellulite
The micro-needles penetrate anywhere between 0.25mm – 1.5 mm, the depth and speed of the device is adjusted and customized by a skin professional to suit each individual client's needs in order to ensure maximum safety and results.
NUMBING - If you thought this procedure would be super painful, we have numbing creams for that! We will provide and apply a medi-grade numbing cream to the treatment area to make the procedure more comfortable. Most clients find this treatment to be quite tolerable for the results you get.
NEEDLING - The actual stamping portion of the treatment only takes about 15 to 20 minutes for full face and décolleté.
SERUMS - We use a cocktail of high-quality peptide and hyaluronic acid serums which penetrate more effectively into the skin and increase the healing and rejuvenation efforts. The serums we choose are customized to address your specific skin concerns at the time of each facial.
The entire treatment from preparation, to finishing products, to out the door, can take roughly 1 hour.
WHAT IS THE DOWNTIME?
Immediately after the treatment you may notice a bright redness to the skin that will subside within a few hours. For the rest of the day you will have a healthy pink glow that may FEEL comparable to a sunburn. The total healing time depends on the depth of needles used and the number of passes and overlapping that your skincare professional performs. Usually within two or three days the skin will start flaking and peeling. If you’re planning on having micro-needling done prior to a big event, give yourself 1-2 weeks for the skin to turnover and heal. In a week's time your skin should be looking more fresh and glowing, firmer, and scarring should be reduced. Feel free to discuss your healing time with your treatment provider to get a better idea at the time.
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER TREATMENT TO PROTECT MY SKIN?
UV PROTECTION IS IMPORTANT HERE. After your treatment at the spa, we will apply an SPF sunscreen before you leave for UV protection against your new FRESH skin, but you will be responsible for proper home-care after that. The night after your treatment you’ll want to wash your face with a gentle cleanser and treat skin with a gentle moisturizer, or one that has been prescribed to you by your trained provider. To continually optimize the effects of your treatment, we recommend adding products into your homecare that contain peptides and Hyaluronic Acid or other hydrating properties to help support the growth of your healthy new skin.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
Some clients may only require a single treatment once per year to achieve results, along with regular skin maintenance. However, it is recommended for most patients to receive a series of 2-3 sessions spaced about 4-6 weeks apart for the year in our chosen renewal season - Fall and Winter. For clients with deeper-set wrinkles, advanced photo-aging, stretch marks, or acne scars, it is recommended to receive 6-8 sessions at 4-6 week intervals.
WHEN WILL I SEE THE RESULTS?
Clients are likely to notice an immediate glow and firmness to their skin within the next day or two. Visible changes to the skin may develop over the course of several days and weeks. Results may continue to improve for several weeks after the treatment, as your collagen production increases over time.
HOW DOES THIS TREATMENT DIFFER FROM LASER TREATMENTS?
NEEDLING
Uses the body's own natural healing response by stimulating our fibroblasts.
Essentially aerates the skin with tiny channels that are quick and easy to heal, to help increase the thickness of the skin and repair damage.
There is little to no downtime with microneedling which is a bonus, and the recovery time is quick, 24-72 hours.
Can be performed year-round - we prefer fall and winter due to less sun exposure, but if you’re diligent with your SPF protection can be performed anytime really.
Is safe for all skin colours and skin types. Some advanced treatments can cause pigmentation damage to darker skin tones when performed incorrectly - the opposite of what you want your session to do!
LASERS
Certain lasers used repeatedly over time can damage the fibroblast cells and lead to a thinner epidermis.
Downtime for laser treatments especially ablative ones, can take between 2 and 4 weeks for the skin to grow back and heal.
Not safe for all skin types or skin colours! Lasers can cause hyper-pigmentation damage due to the accumulation of heat in the skin.
Well, there you have it - an inside look at what Micro-needling therapy is, what it does, who it’s good for, and some safety reassurances! Book your Micro-Needling Session at The Natural Art of Skin Care and allow us to Rejuvenate your skin to reveal a fresher you.
Written by Rachel Lamont, Holistic Medical Esthetician & Spa Owner
Beauty Rolling & The Lymphatic System
Facial rollers have recently become very mainstream around the world in the beauty industry, plus you can find them in a multitude of beautiful semi-precious stones. But why are people reaching for this ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technique in modern times? What does this beautiful tool and technique actually do for our skin? In order to answer these questions, it is first important to understand a little about how TCM explains beautiful and healthy skin, as well some knowledge about the Lymphatic System.
In TCM, we use face-reading as part of the diagnostic process. We can tell a lot about the internal environment of the body just by looking at a persons’ face. The face looks beautiful when the body is healthy. We want to see clear, sparkling eyes, smooth and hydrated skin, and a glow that appears to come from within. We want the skin to have volume, and bounce-back, and we also want the facial muscles free of tension. The muscles and skin on the face will begin to sag and droop when the qi (vital life energy) becomes too weak to nourish and lift the tissue. When we are under too much stress, the muscles of the face hold tension, which over time causes fine lines and deep wrinkles in the skin. When the body is struggling regulating the internal temperature, or too many hot things such as alcohol or spicy food, are being ingested, we can see red inflamed acne or eczema patches start to form, or worsen. If there are issues with certain organs in the body, we can see a change to the colour of the face, for example, kidney issues can cause the skin to look dark and sooty, commonly beginning under the eyes. Acupuncture and herbal medicine work wonders at correcting organ imbalances, but there are other techniques you can use at home on a daily basis!
Facial rollers have recently become very mainstream around the world in the beauty industry, plus you can find them in a multitude of beautiful semi-precious stones. But why are people reaching for this ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technique in modern times? What does this beautiful tool and technique actually do for our skin? In order to answer these questions, it is first important to understand a little about how TCM explains beautiful and healthy skin, as well some knowledge about the Lymphatic System.
In TCM, we use face-reading as part of the diagnostic process. We can tell a lot about the internal environment of the body just by looking at a persons’ face. The face looks beautiful when the body is healthy. We want to see clear, sparkling eyes, smooth and hydrated skin, and a glow that appears to come from within. We want the skin to have volume, and bounce-back, and we also want the facial muscles free of tension. The muscles and skin on the face will begin to sag and droop when the qi (vital life energy) becomes too weak to nourish and lift the tissue. When we are under too much stress, the muscles of the face hold tension, which over time causes fine lines and deep wrinkles in the skin. When the body is struggling regulating the internal temperature, or too many hot things such as alcohol or spicy food, are being ingested, we can see red inflamed acne or eczema patches start to form, or worsen. If there are issues with certain organs in the body, we can see a change to the colour of the face, for example, kidney issues can cause the skin to look dark and sooty, commonly beginning under the eyes. Acupuncture and herbal medicine work wonders at correcting organ imbalances, but there are other techniques you can use at home on a daily basis!
So before we get in to how to improve the health of our face and neck area, let’s talk about why the lymph system is important when it comes to how we look.
The lymph system is made up of a network of vessels, lymph organs, and lymphatic tissues, and is related closely to both the immune and the circulatory systems. A clear fluid called lymph, circulates through the vessels to the heart, which contains many waste products, cellular debris, and bacteria. These toxins are travelling through the vessels to nodes, which contain high levels of lymphocytes. These lymphocytes act as a filter system, collecting and cleaning up the toxic material that has been released from body tissues. The lymph is moved through the vessels by muscle contraction, and relies on exercise and/or massage to keep moving! If we don't keep the lymph system stimulated, the nodes can become swollen, just like they do when we have an infection. When the nodes are swollen and full, the fluid becomes stuck. Below is an image of the vessels and nodes that flow in the face and neck.
When the fluid becomes trapped in the vessels of the face, we may look dull, puffy, and devitalized. It is also possible to feel tender in areas over the lymph nodes. You can imagine if the toxins aren't being removed from the facial tissues, we can have reactions in the skin - this is why I always encourage my acne and eczema clients to work on draining the face every single day.
So how can we drain the lymph system, relax tension in the face, and stimulate the flow of qi upwards to the face?! This is where our facial roller comes in handy! The facial roller is an excellent tool to drain stagnant lymph fluid from the face, and stimulate the lymph vessels. IT IS IMPORTANT to move the tool in the direction that the lymph system flows, which is from the middle line of the face, out towards the ears, down the side of the neck, over the collar bone, and towards the heart. I like to use my roller when I am masking, which will help the mask penetrate into the skin better, but you can use your tool at any point in your regime, as long as the skin is CLEAN.
I start under the chin at the mid-line of the face and work under the jaw bone to the ear, then down the side of the neck towards the heart - I do at least 10 passes per section. Once I have drained the neck, I begin on the jawline, towards the ears, then down the side of the neck. You can section the cheeks off to 2 or 3 levels, still working in the same direction. My favorite area of the face to work on is the eyes. I use the small end of my roller and gently roll on the orbital bone that surrounds the eyeball, working from the nose to the outer eye, again at least 10 passes - more if you're puffy or have dark circles. I do the same on the upper orbital bone, over the eyebrow towards the temple. Lastly, I roll from the centre of the forehead, towards the temple and down the neck to finish the process. You will notice that this is a very relaxing process, moving in one direction, massaging the face will actually calm the central nervous system, which is why this process can also relax and release tension in the face.
After I have drained the lymph system, I will return to any area of the face that felt tight, or tender, and I will roll my tool back and forth over that area, until the tension releases. To finish my rolling session, I will roll upwards, starting from the collar bone, up the neck and towards the forehead, to lift the qi up to the face. You don't need to worry about backing up the lymph system by changing directions, as this doesn't happen! I like to do about 10 passes over each vertical section, paying close attention to areas that you feel need more of a lift. The roller is made of stone, which will naturally absorb heat from the skin, reducing inflammation, but a fun tip for people with heat signs in the skin, rosacea, acne and eczema - soak your beauty tool in cool water before using! This gives a wonderful cooling sensation to the face and feels amazing. All facial massage is going to benefit the skin, so don't worry if you think you are doing something wrong. When we roll the skin and it turns nice and pink, we know we have flushed out toxins by stimulating fresh blood flow to the small capillaries of the face. That flush brings THE GLOW!
Please check out our YouTube channel, @thenaturalartofskincare, in the coming weeks for an in-depth tutorial on beauty rolling! Rolling is used as a treatment in my Rejuvenating Acupuncture Facial if you’re looking to try it out, but they can also be purchased at The Natural Art of Skin Care Spa Boutique. Book a TCM Facial Treatment at the spa and I’ll teach you how to get the most out of this beautiful skin care tool and technique.
See you at the spa!
Dr. Amy Nykoluk, Registered Acupuncturist, and Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine
at The Natural Art of Skin Care