Scary Good Skin: Get bloody gorgeous with microneedling, PRP and chemical peels
Brittney Danberry, PA-C performs microneedling at SDG’s Penthouse location in Midtown Manhattan.
What is all the fuss about the microneedling treatment? It seems like everyone from celebrities to your co-worker are getting them—or at least talking about them–but are they really worth all the fuss? The answer is YES!
What is microneedling with PRP?
This treatment is a combination of microneedling with plasma rich protein (aka PRP). Microneedling is a device with multiple tiny sterile needles that are pushed in and out of the skin causing tiny punctures. Your body then repairs these tiny punctures by producing new collagen.
There are two main types of microneedling devices: Bellus Skinpen and Fractora. Bellus Skinpen is microneedling and Fractora is microneedling with radiofrequency energy (laser) to help with additional collagen building.
In this rejuvenation treatment, your own blood is drawn and then centrifuged to retrieve plasma rich protein which is used during microneedling. The PRP or what I like to call my liquid gold since it is a light-yellow color, is rich in growth factors which in turn increase the effectiveness of the microneedling and the collagen building. PRP is very versatile by being able to be applied topically and also injected into the skin to enhance results even more.
Instead of PRP, concentrated stem cells including human growth factors can be used during microneedling treatments. One product commonly used is FactorFive Regenerative Serum applied during and after microneedling to provide enhanced results. Whatever you choose PRP or stem cell with microneedling you will love the results and your skin will thank you!
What are the benefits of microneedling?
Microneedling (Skinpen and Fractora) helps to build new collagen which in turn help with fine lines/wrinkles, acne scars, pore size and overall rejuvenation. Fractora with radiofrequency provides all the benefits of microneedling with the added benefit of inducing more collagen building and lifting/tightening the skin to help with overall rejuvenation. The PRP facial helps to enhance all the benefits of microneedling while also decreasing the amount of downtime. Microneedling is a natural way of helping your skin look and feel younger!
What else should I know about microneedling?
Microneedling is safe in all skin types but caution should be used in darker skin types to prevent any abnormal pigmentation. One of the best things about microneedling is getting amazing results with little to no pain or downtime. The procedure has very minimal discomfort and the use of numbing cream before the procedure helps to reduce any discomfort even more. After the procedure your skin will be red which can last 24-48 hours. For the first 24 hours it is important to refrain from any exercise or make up. A few days after the procedure your skin may feel more dry so it is important to use moisturizer frequently and always remember sunscreen with a moisturizer during the day. Microneedling can be done once a month with a recommended series of 4 sessions to start.
For scary good skin try chemical peels
Chemical peels are a great option for improving the tone and texture of your skin. Chemical peels are a solution containing glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, trichloroacetic acid or a combination of these products that are applied topically to the skin. Peels help to exfoliate and remove the outermost layer of the skin revealing regenerated skin that is smoother in texture and tone. Chemical peels can be done in the office monthly and have little to no downtime. Whatever peel type is chosen it should be tailored to your skin type and what conditions you are trying to improve.
Some Common Peels Used
Glycolic acid also known as alpha hydroxy acid is used to treat acne, fine lines, minor skin discoloration, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and stimulate collagen production. The downtime is usually less than one day.
Salicylic acid also known as beta hydroxy acid is used to treat acne including reducing oil on the skin and clean the pores. The down time is usually 1-2 days.
Jessner’s peels are a combination of salicylic acid, lactic acid and resorcinol that is used to treat hyperpigmentation, smoothes and rejuvenates the skin, acne, discoloration, moderate wrinkles and sun damage. The downtime is usually 2-3 days.
VI peel is a combination of TCA, retinoic acid, salicylic acid, and phenol. This is a deeper peel that is used to treat acne, sun damage, acne scars, wrinkles, discoloration and smooths rough skin. The downtime is usually 5-6 days.
For more information or questions please check out my instagram profile or email me at bdanberry@schweigerderm.com. Book an appointment today for a complete consultation. Your skin will thank you!