Needles are sharp and pointy, and they hurt when they pierce the skin. Given that a needle poke essentially causes trauma to the skin, you might wonder who discovered that repeatedly puncturing the skin with miniature fine needles encourages skin rejuvenation and can effectively treat numerous skin conditions.

Trauma as a treatment! What a novel concept and one avidly embraced as a top-notch skin conditioning treatment at Naples-based Tru Glō Medspa. As one of our most popular anti-aging skin treatments in Southwest Florida, you might be surprised to learn that microneedling only emerged as an effective skin rejuvenation tool in the past two decades. You might also be unaware of the many different skin conditions microneedling treats and be curious about how inducing trauma renews skin for a smoother, healthier, and younger-looking appearance. Well, read on, and we’ll tell you how it works and highlight the skin conditions it treats.

Microneedling—The Early Years

Also known as “needling” and “collagen induction therapy,” the first recognized microneedling treatment was conducted in the early 1900s by a German dermatologist who used controlled skin abrasion to treat acne scars, keratoses, and hyperpigmentation. This early work never gained traction in the dermatology field, but the skin health benefits of microneedling were independently discovered—and promoted—by several physicians in the mid-1990s.

Three physicians determined that needling breaks down scar tissue so that it revascularizes and reforms into more normal-looking skin. Meanwhile, dermatologist Dr. Des Fernandes confirmed that needling stimulates skin repair and collagen formation. Dr. Fernandes also invented the first needle stamping and rolling devices. Microneedling techniques that are internationally recognized today for their efficacy and safety.

Microneedling’s Mechanism of Action

Researchers continue to study the mechanism of action that explains how microneedling renews skin and helps repair skin imperfections. However, the current basic understanding is effectively detailed in a study, Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons. Microneedling “produces a controlled skin injury without actually damaging the epidermis.” These microinjuries “set up a wound healing cascade with the release of various growth factors such as platelet derived growth factor, transforming growth factor alpha and beta, connective tissue activating protein, connective tissue growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor.”

During the healing, the renewing skin forms a fibronectin matrix with skin-tightening collagen. As noted by the study, histological examination of skin treated with four microneedling sessions spaced one month apart identified a near “400% increase in collagen and elastin deposition” six months after treatment, with collagen fiber bundles displaying a normal lattice pattern.

This study further posits an additional hypothesis to explain the skin-renewing effectiveness of microneedling. According to this theory, “the inner electrical potential” of skin cells is stimulated by the proximity of the needles as they puncture the skin surface. “This triggers increased cell activity and the release of various proteins, potassium, and growth factors from the cells into the exterior, leading to the migration of fibroblasts to the site of injury, and hence, collagen induction.” In short, microneedling does not create real wounds but fools the cells into believing an injury has occurred.

Treat These Skin Conditions in Naples with Mirconeedling

Microneedling is an effective skin conditioning treatment that tightens and renews skin to make it appear younger and healthier. It was first identified as an effective treatment for reducing the appearance of scars. Microneedling has also proven effective for treating numerous other skin conditions, including:

• Wrinkles
• Fine lines
• Large pores
• Alopecia
• Rosacea
• Stretch marks
• Skin pigmentation issues
• Acne scarring
• Skin laxity

Along with renewing aging skin and treating existing conditions, many of our Southwest Florida-area patients rely on microneedling in Naples as a preventative anti-aging skincare treatment. By boosting the skin’s collagen, microneedling helps forestall the development of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, microneedling helps enhance the effectiveness of anti-aging skin rejuvenation serums and lotions by significantly improving the skin’s absorption rate.

Schedule Your Microneedling Session with Tru Glō Medspa

Whether to aesthetically renew your skin for a younger-looking appearance or to treat specific skin conditions, microneedling in Naples with Tru Glō Medspa can help you reach your skincare goals. To learn more about the age-defying and skin-repairing benefits of microneedling, contact Tru Glō Medspa today by calling 239-919-7009.