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, the appearance of acne scars, pigment spots and 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 – I get it from almost every client the first time! 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. But they set something wonderful in motion: your body recognizes the micro-injuries as tissue loss and starts its natural repair mechanism. It produces more collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid – that magical trio that keeps your skin firm, elastic and plump. This is why microneedling is also called collagen induction therapy.
Because even the best cream only penetrates the uppermost layers of the skin. Microneedling opens thousands of micro-channels in the skin, through which active ingredients can be absorbed noticeably better than with normal application. That means: when I apply hyaluronic acid, vitamin C or peptides after the needling, they penetrate deeper and can work more intensively.
Microneedling gives your skin the impulse to repair itself – with what it does best: building new collagen. – Isabel
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 can help with a whole range of skin concerns:
How does a microneedling session work?
A microneedling session with me takes 60 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 – anti-aging, scars, pigmentation – I select the right needle depth and the right active ingredients.
The skin is cleansed and disinfected thoroughly. Then I apply a numbing cream that takes about 20 minutes to take effect. After that, you barely feel anything from the treatment.
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. At most, you feel a slight tingling.
Right after the needling, the skin is extremely receptive. I use this moment to channel highly effective serums – hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, peptides or growth factors – deep into the skin.
To finish, I calm the skin with a cooling mask and apply a high-quality sun protection. The skin is slightly reddened – like after a mild sunburn – but this fades quickly.
Is microneedling right for me?
The wonderful thing about microneedling: it is suitable for nearly all skin types and age groups. In my studio I particularly recommend it for:
- Wrinkles and fine lines – on the forehead, around the eyes, mouth and neck
- The appearance of acne scars and indented scars
- 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
- In combination with radiofrequency (RF microneedling) for even more intensive results Thanks to the numbing cream, you feel hardly anything during the treatment. Most clients describe it as a slight tingling or vibration. Afterwards, the skin can feel like a mild sunburn – warm and reddened. But this usually fades completely within 12 to 48 hours. The next day you can generally wear makeup as normal.
How many sessions do I need?
Even after the first session, most clients notice fresher, smoother skin – the so-called “glow effect.” But the real magic happens in the weeks that follow, as the body builds new collagen.
For optimal results I recommend:
Anti-aging & skin renewal: 3–5 sessions, 4–6 weeks apart.
The appearance of acne scars & deeper scars: 4–6 sessions, 4–6 weeks apart. This takes more patience; results are individual and cannot be guaranteed.
Pigment spots: 2–4 sessions, 3–4 weeks apart.
Anti-aging results often last 2 to 3 years. With the appearance of scars, the improvements can last a long time – exactly how long varies from person to person. A refresh once a year helps keep the effect at its best.
Patience is the key with microneedling. The skin needs time to build new collagen. But when you look in the mirror after a few weeks and think – wow, my skin looks fantastic – then the patience has paid off. – Isabel
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
- No blood-thinning medication (after consulting your doctor)
- No retinol, fruit acid or peeling for 1 week
- Not freshly tanned — no sun 1–2 weeks 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 12–24 hours
- Sun protection SPF 50+ daily — for at least 2 weeks
- No sauna, no sport, no swimming pool for 24–48 hours
- No peelings, retinol or fruit acid for 1 week
- A vitamin C serum and hyaluronic acid support regeneration
- Drink plenty of water — supports collagen formation from within 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. What makes microneedling unique: it is gentle, versatile and suitable for all skin types – including darker skin, where lasers can be problematic.
In my studio I particularly like to combine microneedling with radiofrequency (RF microneedling) – this can boost collagen formation even further. Or with a HydraFacial as preparation, to cleanse the skin optimally. 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, the appearance of scars, pigment spots or simply the wish for a clearer complexion – microneedling can do a lot here, entirely individually. And the result looks natural, because it is natural. That is exactly what my clients here in Munich and the surrounding area love.
A thousand tiny pricks – one wonderful result. Microneedling is proof that your body is the best anti-aging artist. We just have to give it the right impulse. – Isabel
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.