Microneedling was initially discovered at the turn of the last century as a fantastic collagen-induction therapy to treat severe trauma. Now a revered cosmetic treatment, it’s one of the most requested procedures at Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care and pairs well with virtually any other treatment. Microneedling works by creating thousands of micro-channels or micro-injuries in the skin, which tells the body to start producing more collagen at the site. Results are not immediate, but rather keep improving over time (for a certain time period). Many clients opt for monthly sessions to keep improving and sustaining their results.
Now, microneedling is being considered as a “new” way to administer drugs. A recent report in Nanowerk News details how microneedle patches might be a fantastic emerging alternative to hypodermic needles or taking very large pills. Dubbed revolutionary, for the past two decades researchers have been considering microneedles as a minimally invasive means of transdermal drug delivery. The needles used in cosmetic microneedling are typically un-filled, but needles can be loaded with a variety of chemicals or drugs. When this happens, these needles can be used to slowly release the drug or chemical into the bloodstream while wearing a microneedle patch.
The New Face of Pharmaceuticals
According to researchers, microneedles feature a myriad of advantages over existing forms of drug delivery. They are pain-free and leave virtually no skin damage (and none that is visible to the naked eye). Plus, these patches can be administered at home and they are easy and safe to dispose of compared to needles. However, it’s important to stress the difference between medical microneedling patches and microneedling for collagen induction.
In recent months, there has been a social media trend of DIY at-home microneedling. Users either have medical-grade microneedling devices that they are not trained to operate or purchase “knockoff” devices that might be useless at best and very dangerous at worse. When it comes to microneedling to minimize fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and improve skin texture and tone, only a reputable provider should administer the treatment. At Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care, Zuzana Likar personally trains every provider to the highest of standards so you can rest easy knowing your treatment—including microneedling—is safe, effective, and will yield the best results.
The Future of Microneedling
When it comes to microneedling patches, some challenges still lie ahead. There is, of course, the cost of fabrication which currently calls for costly molds, machinery, and materials. There is also the issue of degradation of proteins when pre-loading these needles with a medicine that uses proteins. Such molecules are very sensitive to environmental conditions like temperature. Scientists are currently working on these issues, most notably in Thailand, and the future is looking bright for those looking for an easier, more comfortable way to self-administer some prescribed drugs at home.
Such barriers are not the case for those considering in-office microneedling for cosmetic purposes. However, it does highlight another benefit of aesthetic microneedling: When you create micro-channels in the skin, it preps the skin to best receive topicals. This is why microneedling pairs especially well with an in-office facial. Once skin is cleansed and exfoliated, along with any pore extractions if necessary, microneedling can take your treatment one step further. The skin is readied for medical-grade topicals, and microneedling ensures these products can reach deeper into the skin than any facial can achieve alone.
Microneedling Can Maximize Results
If you take prescribed medications, it’s worthwhile to keep an eye on the development of microneedling patches in the news. But if you want skin that is healthier, more youthful, and revitalized from the inside out using your body’s inherent healing powers, there’s no need to wait. Learn more about microneedling and how it can improve your skin regardless of your tone or skin conditions (some skin conditions, such as open wounds, will require you to wait before having a microneedling treatment).
Complimentary consultations are available for all treatments offered at Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care, including microneedling. It’s often best used alongside other treatments, such as laser skin rejuvenation or a facial. Learn more and get started on your customized skin care regimen today by contacting Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care via phone or the online contact form.