Cosmetic vs Medical Skin Needling - what's the difference?

COSMETIC VERSES MEDICAL SKIN NEEDLING- what’s the difference?

Cosmetic skin needling - uses mechanics such as derma rolling and micro pens, causing micro injuries to the epidermis (the upper most layer of the skin) to a maximum depth of 0.2mm, increasing the absorption of serums and active ingredients into the Epidermal layer of the skin, this layer consists of keratinised cells packed with Protein, Basal and Melanocyte cells (pigmentation).

This type of needling stimulates Keratinocyte cells to proliferate whilst inducing desquamation (deep exfoliation) of these outer most cells. With the added use of specific serums for maximum absorption into the epidermis, a fresh new appearance becomes visible around day 2-5, with the skin feeling softer and smoother and a light diffusion of pigmentation, in the surface level of the skin.

Medical Skin Needling - also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, is a treatment performed by a trained Therapist using a medical grade skin needling pen or similar.  Medical skin needling can create micro injuries to depths of 0.5mm to 2mm. The medical grade skin needling pen is a controlled mechanised “pen” that works at a rapid rate for maximum efficiency whilst providing minimal pain and discomfort for the client. The depth of the micro injuries is influenced by the area being needled, the thickness of the client’s skin and the treatment required. The thickest depth of human skin (usually treated by therapists) is about 1.5mm deep, with the needle depth up to 2mm used for scaring.  

The micro injuries produced by the medical skin needling pen, penetrates the skin beyond the Epidermis, into the Dermal layer, where collagen and Elastin is formed and also where blood, Lymph and oil glands lie. These micro injuries induce a natural healing response by the body, stimulating Keratinocytes and Fibroblasts (responsible for making Collagen), whilst upgrading TGF-B3 (the transformation of growth factor in wound healing) and increasing the proliferation of new cell turnover.  Medical Skin Needling treatments also increases the stimulation of GAGS – (water binding molecules), these molecules hold moisture in the cells providing volume and plumping. This with an improved stronger weblike matrix from the stimulation of collagen and elastin, further smooths out lines and wrinkles by supporting them from the inside up from underlying layers.