The Latest Advances in Stretch Mark Removal
The latest research on stretch mark removal and the benefits of CaHa (Radiesse), Ultherapy, and microneedling.
11 Reasons to Maintain Your Skin With Vivace Every Year
THE SKIN IS AGING EVERYDAY Lack of medical-grade skin rejuvenation maintenance treatments year after year is one of the biggest pitfalls of patients who strive to prevent the aging process. All too often, we see patients who have over-estimated the effectiveness of drug-store or department store skincare products, or rely too heavily on superficial treatments like dermaplaning and facials. Underestimating the importance of aesthetic dermatology devices in one’s annual skincare plan can lead to undesirable outcomes such as negative body image, or early face-lifts accompanied by long periods of downtime and healing. Here are 11 science-based reasons to remember to re-treat your skin with Vivace every year: 1. Intrinsic aging. Our bodies are continuously undergoing intrinsic aging. Intrinsic aging is the aging caused by our internal biological clock. Age-related changes in our genetics and metabolism result in several changes in the skin, the most notable change being in the basal epidermis layer of the skin. The end result? Thin, dry skin, fine wrinkles, and gradual skin atrophy. A successful preventative aging regimen should include non-surgical rejuvenation on an annual basis to restore and maintain function of the basal epidermis. 2. Extrinsic aging. At the same time we’re undergoing intrinsic aging, our bodies also undergo extrinsic aging. In contrast with intrinsic aging which is unstoppable, extrinsic aging is caused by factors within our control such as lifestyle factors, individual behaviors, and our environment. Collectively, these factors can cause up to 80% of skin aging in the form of sagging, loss of elasticity, coarse wrinkles, and impaired blood flow. Radiofrequency therapies such as Vivace deliver heat at controlled depths to directly rebuild collagen, tighten skin, and rejuvenate blood and nutrient flow to the skin. 3. Air particulates. Soot, cooking fumes, motor vehicle traffic, and daily household chemicals cause daily chemical wear and tear on the skin that can result in skin aging, inflammation, irregular pigmentation, and inflammatory skin diseases. The Vivace technique combats these effects by using minimally invasive microneedles to achieve controlled dermal heat injury. The thermal injury results in destruction of old collagen bundles and initiates a wound healing response, essentially converting abnormal skin to normal skin. 4. UV radiation. Did you know UV light is classified as a complete carcinogen because it both mutates DNA and mutates it in a random fashion? In fact, UV light has properties of both a tumor initiator and a tumor promoter. Whether we spend a summer by the pool, or go on vacation, these UV effects can accumulate over time. This is why making non-surgical skin rejuvenation such as Vivace radiofrequency microneedling is an essential part of any annual skincare regimen. 5. Sugar intake. When we consume dessert, pastas, sweetened coffees and beverages, or pastries that result in a spike in blood sugar, glucose molecules attach themselves to collagen and elastin in the skin in a process called “glycation.” These toxic byproducts of sugar consumption cause clumping and stiffening of the skin fibers, decreased resistance to mechanical forces on the skin, impaired wound healing, and disturbances in the blood flow of the skin. Not to mention, accumulation of glycation in the body is also thought to contribute to neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gut disorders, eye conditions like cataracts, and cancer. Some expert dermatologists believe that the combination of spikes in blood sugar plus sun exposure is a leading contributor to fine lines around the mouth (such as “lipstick” lines.) Since the average modern diet includes a high amount of sweetened foods and beverages, it is important to continuously combat the effects of glycation by repetitive stimulation of new collagen growth. 6. Dermal remodeling window. Dermal remodeling from any aesthetic device has a limited time window of action. Dermal remodeling slows down 6-12 months after each Vivace treatment. This means the elevated metabolic activity that generates new skin tissue only sustains for 6-12 months, depending on the individual, their lifestyle choices, and their skincare regimens. After that period, a repeat treatment must be done in order to continue the same elevated level of new skin activity. Patients often notice dulling or less radiance in their skin after about 6 months without Vivace. This is a signal that new skin production has slowed and the body has returned to it’s baseline. To keep the biological clock “turned back” and retain the same youthful skin production, the treatment can be repeated. 7. Gravity. Gravitational forces manifest themselves in the form of lowered brows, tear trough length and depth, eye bags, and nasolabial folds. It is believed that heat application from radiofrequency can target both the dermis and the deeper fibrous network below it to achieve increased collagen density, increased organization of collagen fibers, and increased elastin fibers. These results help to counter the effect of gravity with 3-dimensional improvement in thickness, density, firmness and elasticity of the face. Microfocused ultrasound (Ultherapy) is also a powerful method of lifting against gravity. Because we use Botox primarily for its preventative abilities, the ideal patient can range in age from their 20s to 60s. By weakening muscles in the face, it is able to relax facial contractions so they cannot “bunch,” crease, or contort the skin. With continued use over time it can dramatically reduce the lines and wrinkles associated with aging. At this time in present history, there is no other substitute in the dermatology world that can prevent forehead lines, crows feet, bunny lines, or glabella lines as well as botulinum toxin. 8. Daily facial movements. Although Botox is the gold standard for relaxing facial movements that cause creasing and wrinkles over time, an anti-wrinkle regimen that is 100% dependent on Botox is usually not the most natural looking result. Vivace’s microneedle delivery mechanism inserts its pins directly into fine lines or coarse lines, where it can deposit heat that will re-align and reconstruct wrinkled or disorganized bundles of collagen. This allows patients to keep wrinkles at bay without completely removing normal facial movements. 9. “Inflamm-aging.” Inflammaging is a relatively new term coined to describe the aging
SkinPen Precision Gains FDA Approval for Neck Microneedling
I am thrilled to announce that our own SkinPen Precision device was approved by the FDA to treat neck wrinkles a few weeks ago on April 12, 2021. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? CONFIDENCE IN YOUR INVESTMENT Although microneedling has been performed on the neck for years, this means there is more clinical data than ever proving its results. This FDA approval signifies the culmination of years of research and thousands of patients who have received microneedling. Ultimately this means the consumer can rest easy knowing that their investment in neck microneedling using the SkinPen Precision is worth it. WHAT DID THE FDA APPROVE? SAFE FOR DEEP DEPTHS OF SKIN. The SkinPen Precision microneedling technology is safe for use with a depth of up to 2.5mm on the neck. This is the deepest setting of the SkinPen Precision which allows licensed clinicians to access the living layer of the skin. WHAT DO THE STUDIES SHOW? MOISTURIZE SKIN. WITHOUT MOISTURIZER. 94% of patients noticed an improvement in how their neck wrinkles looked 1 month post-procedure. This treatment can successfully be used to reduce neck crepiness and “tech neck” lines. Decreased epidermal water loss to the air. Skin was more hydrated and plump. Essentially, skin was more moisturized without using moisturizer. Facial dermal density increased 101.86% Facial epidermal density increased 19.28% Facial elasticity increased 28.2% after 3 months. Collagen type III and elastin gene expression was higher 3 months after a series of 4 treatments. Blood flow decreased 25.8% in the face and 42.3% in the neck. This demonstrates increased oxygen levels in the tissue. Total elastin remained unchanged, thus elastin-booting treatments like Neocutis Bio Serum Firm and Vivace are still needed to enhance elastin. (Subjects were 44-65 years old. Treatments were conducted 1 month apart. Biopsies were done before the first treatment, before the 4th treatment, and 3 months after the 4th treatment.) WHY IS MICRONEEDLING BETTER? PRESERVING THE EPIDERMIS IS KEY. Ablative techniques like laser and dermabrasions run a high risk of discoloration because they cause lots of damage to the epidermal layer of skin where the melanin-producing cells reside. Stripping the epidermis = high risk of scarring and irregular pigmentation. Microneedling is a minimally invasive alternative that triggers new skin formation while preserving the valuable epidermis. LESS DOWNTIME, REDUCED SIDE EFFECTS Removing the epidermis also leads to prolonged healing, downtime, and increased risk of infection. While ablative techniques have been used over the past 30 years, we now have a better solution with microneedling. SAFER FOR SUMMER MONTHS Skincare lovers know sun and dermatology treatments often don’t mix well. However, since microneedling preserves most of the epidermis, patients can still receive microneedling treatments safely during the hot, sunny summer months because of the mild side effect profile. Of course, SPF and hats will still be required for 30 days after the procedure while outdoors. WHAT SHOULD PATIENTS EXPECT? HIGH PATIENT SATISFACTION Over 90% of patients noticed an improvement in how their neck appearance 1 month post-procedure QUICK RESULTS 88% of patients were pleased with ther treatment 1 month post-procedure. FAST RECOVERY Ability to recover quickly, even during the summer months. Epidermis is left intact, Pro tip: Add-on Vivace sheet masks, Biopelle Tensage ampoules, and PRP to accelerate recovery further. TAP HERE TO RECEIVE A SPECIAL DISCOUNT ON MICRONEEDLING AT SLK TODAY.
How to Prevent Mascne (Mask-Acne)
Have you been noticing more breakouts since the arrival of coronavirus 2020? It’s entirely possible your new acne may be caused by increased mask usage. We like to refer to this particular type of acne as “mascne” (Mask-acne.) Folks who work in healthcare are very familiar with mascne but for those of us who aren’t accustomed to wearing a mask, this acne is likely an unwanted surprise. WHAT CAUSES MASCNE? Mascne is brought on by a combination of friction, dirt collection, and increased moisture retention. All of these factors contribute to debris and oil on the skin, which is basically heaven for Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria that cause comedones or pimples. 1. Wash daily… Wash your mask, that is. If you have a cloth mask wash it every day or buy several so you can change them out daily. Our bodies shed thousands of dead skin cells everyday, so your mask will accumulate more than enough pore-clogging debris after one day of use. Of course, cleansing your face at least once a day is still essential for acne-free skin. You can cleanse even more frequently by investing in some facial cleansing cloths. Colorescience hydrating cleansing cloths ($19) are perfect for removing oil and build-up on the go. 2. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate. You’re going to need to exfoliate about twice as often as you were before prior to wearing a mask. Frequent exfoliation allows the corneocytes (the dead cells that form the outermost layer of the skin) to shed more rapidly, giving them less of a chance to clog pores. Individuals with extremely oily skin may have to exfoliate as often as everyday. Pro tip: Opt for gentle chemical exfoliants such as glycolic or lactic acid that do the work for you. Avoid using physical scrubs that damage the skin barrier; these can actually exacerbate acne. We like Biologique Recherche Lotion P50. Colorescience hydrating cleansing cloths ($19) are perfect for removing oil and build-up on the go. 3. Use salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is your new best friend during this time. This is one of the most time tested anti-acne ingredients. Not only will it help shed that top layer of dead skin, but it’s also highly anti-inflammatory. You can find salicylic acid in various cleansers or toners. At our clinic, we recommend a triple therapy salicylic acid treatment kit ($68) for our acne patients. Reveskin’s Acne Purifying Treatment Kit penetrates deeper into the skin than over-the-counter salicylic acid formulations. Available for purchase online for $68. 4. Lather with benzoyl peroxide cleanser daily. Benzoyl peroxide is lethal to acne bacteria. A 60 second lather with this daily will help keep the acne population on your skin under control. 2% Salicylic acid toner, available for $29.50 at Paula’s Choice. 5. Get an anti-acne treatment. Radiofrequency microneedling Vivace treatments decrease sebum production for an extended period of time which will provide acne relief for up to 8 weeks. Skintox (microdroplets of Botox placed in the epidermis) also halts oil production for 2-3 months. Microneedling is yet another great way to put a damper on ongoing acne and will speed reduction of pre-existing acne scars and associated discoloration. Vivace, a cutting edge radiofrequency microneedling device that diminishes acne production. With these tips under your belt you should be able to recover your glowing skin in no time, yet still continue to stay safe while wearing your mask for hours per day! To book a consult for acne at SLK, please request an appointment here.
The Best Treatments For Acne
“I’m not a teenager anymore, why do I still have acne?” This is a common question we hear from our patients. The truth is, it is relatively common for acne to continue or even start in adulthood. Although acne is commonly thought of as a problem of adolescence, it can occur at any age. Here are some of the best treatment options to help treat stubborn active acne and also residual acne scars after the acne has cleared. 1. RADIOFREQUENCY MICRONEEDLING Radiofrequency microneedling has been shown to reduce active acne, redness and acne scars. The glands in our face, called sebaceous glands, are responsible for the oil production that leads to breakouts. These glands are easily impacted by heat. RF microneedling uses tiny needles to deliver heat energy directly into these glands, thus damaging them. Once gland activity is diminished, patients experience less acne as the pores experience less build-up. A single session of radiofrequency microneedling, can result in a reduction in oil secretion of 70-80%. 2 treatment sessions have been shown to result in a up to 50% reduction in acne blemishes, and three treatment sessions have been shown to result in up to a 76% reduction in blemishes. How long do these results last? Radiofrequency microneedling keeps acne at bay for up to 8 weeks, at which time another maintenance treatment should be performed. At SLK, we have developed a radiofrequency microneedling protocol especially for patients prone to acne. We also utilize a blue LED light during acne treatments. This wavelength of light is particularly effective at killing one of the main bacterial culprits of acne: Propionibacterium acnes. 2. CHEMICAL PEELS Some chemical peels address both acne and hyperpigmentation. Acne is inextricably tied to inflammation in the skin. Inflammation stimulates pigment production in the area causing noticeable increased areas of discoloration. Certain types of medical-grade skin peels contain prescription-doses of active ingredients that simultaneously lift pigment and clear acne. Usually only a medical professional is licensed to use these types of peel. A peel is the quickest way to remove years of acne and damage caused by acne. During the peel, the top layer of skin is exfoliated off targeting hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and acne. Results take about 1 week to see. At SLK we use a peel specifically formulated for acne patients called the Acne Purifying Peel. This peel combines the power of micronized silver and salicylic acid to banish acneic bacteria from the skin. 3. MICRONEEDLING Occasionally I recommend that individuals who battle hyperpigmentation, scarring, or rough texture caused by acne receive a combination of a peel with microneedling. Microneedling is used to treat scarring, smooth depressions, and improve the overall look and feel of your skin. The procedure will rebuild collagen, plus the microchannels can be used as an entryway for PRP which is especially effective at combatting acne and acne scars. At SLK, we use the newest version of SkinPen Precision -Series 4. SkinPen is FDA approved and is the only pen on the market that uses smart technology to detect skin resistance and intuitively increase the motor speed when working on denser tissue. SkinPen ensures the needles insert all the way into any tissue, no matter the density. This is especially important when treating tough tissue caused by acne damage. 4. HOME SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR ACNE We highly recommend consulting with a skincare professional who can design a proper skincare regimen for you (and weed out the products that aren’t helpful, or a waste of your money). Here are some of the key products often recommended for acne patients: 10% Benzyol Peroxide face wash: kills acne bacteria Salicylic acid pads: reduces buildup of dead skin – exfoliates and unclogs pores, reduces inflammation and redness. Vitamin C: helps lighten and brighten hyperpigmenation from acne scars. Retinol: increases cell turnover so pores do not clog, improves healing, lightens dark scars. Growth Factors: your ticket to scarless, accelerated healing if an outbreak does occur. They are also anti-inflammatory. At SLK, we are experts in designing customized skincare plans that incorporate both acne treatments and skincare products. To book your skincare consult, follow the link below: BOOK A FREE SKINCARE CONSULTATION
The Three Types Of Microneedling
Did you know that there are 3 types of microneedling that have almost nothing in common with each other? Before choosing to undergo microneedling (or spending a lot of money on it), do your research and know the differences. Results can vary widely depending on which technique you receive. 1. MECHANICAL Mechanical microneedling uses a motorized pen with tiny slender needles to create thousands of channels that are up to 2.5 millimeters deep. These channels disrupt photo-aged, wrinkled, or scarred tissue to allow for remodeling of new skin to occur. This type of microneedling creates the most channels per square inch of skin. Because of this, patients do experience a mild amount of bleeding and redness. This is the most popular type of microneedling because it is both relatively economical and it is an excellent maintenance treatment for delaying the aging process. Good candidates: Individuals desiring to correct wrinkles or scarring. Individuals looking to lighten brown pigmentation. People with crows feet, forehead lines, or lip lines, people with body scars or acne scars. Examples: SkinPen Precision, MDpen, Skin Stylus 2. FRACTIONAL RADIOFREQUENCY Fractional radiofrequency microneedling uses thicker needles to transmit heat deep into the skin. The basis of this therapy is thermal coagulation of tissue to stimulate collagen denaturation and renewal. Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling generates many less microchannels than mechanical needling, thus it should be thought of as a heat-based therapy. Unlike microneedling pens, this therapy involves no bleeding and no downtime. The main goal of RF is to lift the skin and thicken the collagen, whereas mechanical microneedling plays a greater role in resurfacing the upper layers of skin. Good candidates: Radiofrequency microneedling is desirable for people who want to tighten, lift or contour their skin. It is effective for scar reduction as well. The heat damages oil glands so RF microneedling is also effective for reducing acne and shrinking oil-producing pores. Examples: There are a handful of RF devices on the market. Endymed Intensif, Secret RF, Vivace, Virtue RF, Morpheus8 3. MESOTHERAPY Mesotherapy is the least invasive of all the needling options. This minimally invasive option only affects the very topmost layer of skin, about 600 micrometers deep which is very superficial. Mesotherapy increases the permeability of the stratum corneum, allowing skincare ingredients to penetrate a little bit deeper. Typical skincare products applied during mesotherapy include hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, or Botox. The results are akin to a facial Good candidates: People who are relatively happy with their skin who are looking for an extra boost or glow for a few days. People preparing their skin for a big event like a wedding or vacation. Examples: Aquagold, stamps, dermarollers
PRP: Why it is important during microneeding?
A tube of freshly centrifuged PRP. PRP FROM 2010-2020 Although microneedling with PRP (also known as the “vampire facial“) is a relatively new therapy, the utilization of PRP in other fields of medicine such as dentistry, orthopedics, and reconstructive surgery has been increasing dramatically over the past couple of decades. PRP’s regenerative properties are now widely accepted among researchers, doctors, and nurses. Providers can now even use it to produce new hair! So what can this powerful substance do for your skin? Over the past 10 years, dermatology researchers have discovered that PRP is quite promising in regenerating skin that has been damaged through scarring, age, or UV damage. WHAT IS PRP? For those who aren’t familiar, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) consists of a patient’s own blood plasma that has been enriched by concentrating the number of platelets so it exceeds normal blood levels. Concentrating the plasma is desirable because plasma contains various growth factors that are instrumental in repairing skin. These growth factors include platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor (TFG), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin‐like growth factor (IGF). PRP growth factors stimulate tissue remodeling and when they are concentrated, they are associated with enhanced healing, upregulation of collagen synthesis, and promotion of tissue regeneration. The growth factors contained in PRP and their respective roles in the body. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU COMBINE MICRONEEDLING WITH PRP? The increased growth factor activity associated with PRP is believed to multiply the effects of microneedling to promote aesthetically-superior tissue remodeling. In other words, PRP with microneedling makes the skin more young and beautiful than microneedling alone. The synergistic effects of microneedling with PRP offers unique results. Studies show that combining microneedling and PRP in the same appointment produces thicker epidermis and more developed rete ridges, compared to PRP alone or microneedling alone. PRP combined with microneedling also achieves greater patient satisfaction scores compared to microneedling alone. It is well documented that PRP combined with microneedling produces superior benefits for depressed acne scars than microneedling alone. Rete ridges in the upper layer of the skin. What are rete ridges, you ask? Rete ridges are crucial structures in the skin that promote epidermal proliferation and provide a natural, specialized environment for our skin’s stem cells. Damaged or scarred skin lacks rete ridges. INJECTING PRP WITH MICRONEEDLING INCREASES ELASTICITY We also know from clinical studies that when injected (also known as the “vampire facelift“, PRP can nearly double skin’s elasticity. Why is this important? In photoaged skin, the skin’s network of elastic fibers has become destroyed. Elastin becomes thickened, tangled, crooked, degraded, and dysfunctional, resulting in elastosis, which is characterized by deep wrinkles, laxity, yellowing, and tough skin. To build elasticity, 3 injections of PRP are needed spaced 1 month apart. Above: Signs of photoaging include lip lines, brown sun spots, and crows feet lines next to the eye. If you have these signs of photoaging, you likely are experiencing premature elastosis (loss of elasticity). PRP DECREASES DOWNTIME For those patients concerned with downtime, PRP also accelerates healing following microneedling. In particular, it reduces redness and edema (swelling) a couple days earlier, which is a true testament to the regenerative power of platelet-enriched plasma. Since the application of PRP in dermatology is so new, it is likely we do not know yet all the benefits of applying PRP during microneedling. WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PRP AND MICRONEEDLING? Although the concept of PRP sounds simple (people get their blood drawn all the time, right?), how PRP is prepared can determine how much of a result you can see. To learn more about how SLK believes is the best way to prepare and purify PRP, read more here.
Microneedling vs Hydrafacial: which is better?
Microneedling and Hydrafacial Hydrafacial and Microneedling are two of the most talked about aesthetic procedures available to patients. The providers at SLK Clinic are frequently asked by our Nashville patients to discuss, compare, and explain which treatment option is better. Below are some of the most common questions we receive: WHY ARE THESE TWO PROCEDURES SO WILDLY POPULAR? Hydrafacial Infusion The hydrafacial procedure is a non-invasive technique that utilizes a suction device to extract debris in clogged pores, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin all during the procedure. The infusion aspect of Hydrafacial means serums are administered during the procedure into the newly unclogged pores. The procedure in essence is an extremely effective facial compared to traditional facial methods. The newly highly hydrated skin has the temporary effect of smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. The Hydrafacial procedure is usually performed by a non-medically licensed provider such as an esthetician. Cleaning action of Hydrafacial using the suction device. Microneedling Microneedling is the process of causing controlled micro-injuries to the skin through the process of thousands of fine needle pokes. When there is an injury to the skin, the body begins to immediately repair itself through a process called the healing cascade. A vital component of the healing cascade is the addition of new collagen. Collagen production changes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by resurfacing the skin. Another very important aspect of microneedling is the needle depth as the procedure is performed. The needle depth determines what layer of skin is affected by the treatment. For new collagen to form, a needle must reach the dermis layer of skin. Only medically licensed providers can microneedle at an appropriate depth for collagen resurfacing. The healing cascade of microneedling. Growth Factor infusion during Microneedling Another positive aspect of microneedling is the addition of growth factors. Microneedling provides us a window of opportunity to infuse growth factors that normally wouldn’t be able to penetrate deep into the skin on their own. Growth factors significantly drive up collagen production because growth factors act as signalers. Growth factors summon stem cells which responsible for regeneration and new growth. When topical growth factors are combined with microneedling, growth factors are allowed to penetrate deeper into the skin than typically possible, thus increasing healing properties as well as collagen production. How does microneedling with growth factors stack up against Hydrafacial infusion? Both procedures have benefits and deciding between the two varies depending on what treatment goals are. If a patient is looking for short-term reduced appearance of pores for an event with no downtime, then Hydrafacial is the best procedure. If a patient is ok with a few days of redness and is looking for a permanent solution for fine lines, wrinkles, scars, enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone, then microneedling is the best option. What does SLK Clinic offer? SLK’s mission is to deliver medical-grade aesthetic procedures that provide long-term results. Microneedling fits this treatment philosophy but Hydrafacial does not which is why SLK offers microneedling with growth factors and not Hydrafacial infusions. VIEW BEFORE/AFTER PHOTOS OF MICRONEEDLING AT SLK
Combination Therapy For Dark Pigment Removal
COMBINING REVEPEEL AND MICRONEEDLING At SLK, we frequently hear complaints from our patients bothered by hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation, a sign of prolonged UV exposure and sun damage, consists of any darker brown pigment preventing an even skin tone. Hyperpigmentation can range anywhere from mild sun damage to melasma. To treat hyperpigmentation, we use a combination therapy including microneedling and chemical peels which work synergistically as a powerhouse duo in removing dark pigment and resulting in an even complexion and glow. So what is microneedling and chemical peels and how do they work? Microneedling Microneedling is the act of causing small controlled injuries to the skin using very small, acupuncture grade needles. These small injuries to the skin not only build collagen but also break apart melanin mechanically. Melanin is the substance responsible for pigment in the skin. The more concentrated melanin in an area, the darker the area will appear. When melanin is disrupted by microneedling, it is more easily able to be removed through the natural skin turnover process. We recommend starting with a microneedling session to break up the melanin then coming in for a chemical peel to speed up the cell turnover process and help lighten the areas of hyperpigmentation. Chemical Peels Chemical peels use ingredients that increase cell turnover causing shedding of dull, hyperpigmented skin. The bioactive ingredients work together to lighten, brighten and calm skin. The result after a chemical peel is fresh, less pigmented skin. Combination Therapy As previously mentioned, SLK believes that best results for an even complexion are obtained through combination therapy. Microneedling mechanically breaks up pigment in the skin. A chemical peel can then be performed after microneedling thereby accelerating and increasing the process of removing darker pigment. Combination therapy provides accelerated results to a glowing, even toned complexion. SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION AT SLK TO DISCUSS YOUR SKIN CARE GOALS. free consultation
RF Microneedling VS Microneedling
Microneedling is trending in aesthetic dermatology. The procedure is talked about everywhere from Instagram to beauty magazines as one of the newest, must have procedures. But what exactly is microneedling? 1.IPL IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. It is often referred to as a laser, which is a misnomer, since IPL uses bright flash lamps, rather than isolated beams of laser light. IPL is very effective at removing brown spots like freckles and sun spots, however it is not safe for anyone with tan skin because the device cannot differentiate between the melanin in a dark spot and the baseline melanin that makes up someone’s skin color. Due to this limitation, many offices have shied away from using IPL in recent years, or sold off their devices. 2. PEELS: Whereas topical therapies such as retinoid creams can be very slow-acting, chemical peels rapidly lift all types of hyperpigmentation in a matter of days, including freckles, sun spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne scars. Chemical peels can also be tailored to be safe on all skin colors, and they can be used all over the body- including the chest, arms, legs, and back. Unlike IPL which is better for “spot treatments” and cannot evenly treat large areas of skin, chemical peels can be spread evenly over large stretches of skin. It is important to recognize, however, that the results of peels completely depend on the frequency and quality of topical skincare (See our past posts for more on this) used before and after treatment. If your provider does not have a thorough discussion with you about pre-care and after-care, this is probably a red-flag that they do not have a deep knowledge of how the peeling process works. Peels also have the added benefit of inducing the repair mechanisms of the epidermis and dermis, resulting in brighter, thicker, more overall glowing skin. Our favorite Peel is Revepeel because it is the safest for all skin colors. ViPeel is another effective, commonly used peel. 3. MICRONEEDLING. Although chemical peels and IPL have been in use for decades, only recently has microneedling been studied as a way to remove pigmentation. About 6 clinical studies since 2011 have shown the benefits of microneedling, and that these benefits are augmented when used in conjunction with excellent pre-care and after-care, or when alternated with chemical peels. In particular, microneedling is a very safe technique for dark skin types, where risk of side effects is very high with techniques that are light or laser-based. Some of the most commonly used microneedling devices include: MDPen, Skin Stylus, and Skin Pen.
