Collagen induction therapy
A thousand tiny pricks for wonderful skin: Isabel explains collagen induction therapy.
Microneedling in Munich and the surrounding area, the cosmetic collagen induction method for a finer skin appearance with fine lines, pigment spots and the appearance of stretch marks. Isabel, founder of Isabels Beauty Club and an experienced esthetician for 25 years, explains everything about this popular anti-aging treatment.
What is microneedling?
(laughs) I understand the reaction! But don’t worry: microneedling is much gentler than it sounds. It is a minimally invasive treatment in which I use a so-called Dermapen, a pen-shaped device with the finest sterile needles, to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin.
These tiny pricks are so small that you can hardly see them. They provide a targeted stimulus in the top layer of the skin. How visible this becomes in your skin’s appearance varies from person to person. The method is also known as collagen induction therapy.
Microneedling opens thousands of micro-channels in the skin.
What can microneedling do?
This is exactly what has fascinated me about this method in 25 years of skincare: its versatility. Microneedling is no one-trick pony, it is used for a wide range of different skin concerns.
How does a microneedling session work?
A microneedling session with me takes, depending on the zone, 45 to 90 minutes, including preparation and aftercare. Here is the exact process:
We talk through your skin concerns and I analyze the condition of your skin. Depending on the goal, for example anti-aging or pigmentation, I select the right active ingredients. I work on healthy skin with a needle depth of at most 0.5 millimeters.
The skin is cleansed and disinfected thoroughly.
With the sterile Dermapen, I work systematically across the skin, vertically, horizontally and diagonally. The fine needles create thousands of micro-channels at the desired depth. How much you feel varies from person to person; please tell me at any time if it becomes uncomfortable.
For the variants with an active ingredient, I work in the chosen serum directly after the needling: Lachs-DNA (PDRN serum), Skin Booster or vitamin C.
To finish, I calm the skin with a cooling mask and apply a high-quality sun protection. Afterwards the skin may be slightly reddened, similar to a mild sunburn.
Is microneedling right for me?
Whether microneedling suits your skin type is something we clarify in the consultation beforehand. In my studio I particularly recommend it for:
- Wrinkles and fine lines, on the forehead, around the eyes, mouth and neck
- Pigment spots, age spots and sun damage
- Enlarged pores and uneven skin texture
- The appearance of stretch marks and pregnancy marks
- Dull, tired-looking skin without radiance
- First loss of elasticity and preventive anti-aging from your mid-twenties
- Possible in combination with radiofrequency (RF microneedling)
How it feels is different for everyone; please tell us at any time if it becomes uncomfortable. Afterwards the skin may feel warm and reddened. How quickly this fades varies from person to person. We will tell you at your appointment when you can wear makeup again.
How many sessions do I need?
After the first session, the skin looks fresher for many clients. The actual change builds up over the following weeks; please do not expect a transformation from a single session.
For the best results we usually work over four to six sessions, about four to six weeks apart; how many make sense for your goal is something we discuss in the consultation beforehand. A specific result cannot be guaranteed.
How long the results last varies from person to person; a specific timeframe cannot be guaranteed. Whether and when a refresh session makes sense is something we discuss based on your skin.
My tips before and after the treatment
Aftercare is especially important with microneedling, because the micro-channels make the skin temporarily more sensitive. Here are my recommendations:
Before the treatment
- If you take medication, for example blood thinners, please speak to us about it beforehand. Do not change your medication on your own.
- Avoid retinol, fruit acids and peels before the treatment; we discuss how long in the consultation beforehand
- Do not come freshly tanned and avoid intense sun beforehand; we discuss how long in the consultation beforehand
- With active acne, herpes or a skin infection: postpone the treatment
- Best to come without makeup
After the treatment
- No makeup and no harsh cleansing for a while after the treatment
- Use sun protection SPF 50+ daily
- Avoid sauna, sport and swimming pools for a while
- Continue to avoid peels, retinol and fruit acids for the time being
- Use a mild, soothing skincare product
- Drink plenty of water
We will tell you at your appointment how long these points apply.
My extra tip: the ideal time of year for microneedling is autumn and winter, when UV exposure is lower. That way the skin can regenerate optimally without being stressed by sun exposure. But a treatment is also possible in summer, as long as you wear sun protection consistently.
Microneedling vs. other anti-aging methods
Every method has its place. Microneedling is gentle and versatile; whether it suits your skin type, including darker skin where lasers can be problematic, is something we clarify beforehand.
In my studio I particularly like to combine microneedling with radiofrequency (RF microneedling), which can additionally support the texture and firmness of the skin’s appearance. Or with an Aquafacial as preparation, to cleanse the skin thoroughly. The combination makes the difference.
Isabel’s conclusion, your body is the best anti-aging artist
Because it follows the principle I have always believed in over 25 years: the most beautiful results come about when you help your body to help itself. Microneedling doesn’t add anything foreign, it doesn’t inject anything under the skin, it doesn’t paralyze any muscles. It simply gives your skin the impulse to do what it does best: renew itself.
Whether fine lines, pigment spots or simply the wish for a clearer complexion, microneedling can do a lot here, entirely individually. That is exactly what my clients here in Munich and the surrounding area love.
Would you like to know whether microneedling is right for your skin? Isabel is happy to advise you personally and create an individual treatment plan. Book your appointment at Isabels Beauty Club now.