People are increasingly looking for alternative ways to rejuvenate ageing skin and as more natural methods like skin needling come to the fore, they’re preferable to going under the knife.
Many aestheticians believe laser resurfacing is the most successful way to renew the skin. Laser, like peeling, destroys the epidermis (the outermost layers of the skin) to induce normal post-traumatic inflammatory reaction. This eventually leads to dense production of collagen with subsequent skin tightening; elastin isn’t produced.
Although the epidermis is only 0.2mm thick, it’s our only protection against the environment. Should we be destroying this protective layer in the pursuit of a smooth, wrinkle-free skin? Through our treatments at Euphoric we strive to preserve, protect and enhance the epidermis (look out for my blog “A fascination with exfoliation!”).
Clinical studies have shown needling can be more effective than treatments like laser resurfacing, dermabrasion and chemical peels to stimulate collagen and elastin production. The main advantage is that needling never destroys the epidermis, making it the ideal skin rejuvenation treatment.
Treatments can also be repeated to achieve the desired effect, as the epidermis isn’t compromised, and can be carried out on those who’ve had laser resurfacing or have very thin skin. 
Another advantage of needling over treatments like peels and laser resurfacing is the short healing time. It can take 10 days or more for the skin to heal following laser resurfacing and two to six months for the redness to fade completely.
Sun sensitivity is also a major concern following laser treatment. Needling doesn’t result in sun sensitivity (although sunlight should be avoided for 10 days after treatment to prevent exposure to free radicals). It’s also not as expensive as laser resurfacing, which can cost £450- £600 for one small area of the face (eg forehead, cheek or neck) and up to £950 for a full face.
Needling stimulates normal collagen production rather than fibrosis (scar formation) which is often the risk with other skin rejuvenation treatments. This is due to the stimulation of one growth factor in particular which promotes scar-less healing due to the way collagen fibres are laid down.
Results are longer lasting than other treatments available like Botox and fillers, which only give temporary results but cost around the same.
Skin is prepared with maximum levels of Vitamin A and C, and treatments are supported with skin nutrients (look out for my blog on beauty food). This will maximise DNA activity and increase cellular regeneration, maximising results. Needling will also increase penetration of any creams applied to the skin following treatment. The majority of other needling treatments on the market aren’t supported by applying active ingredients afterwards.
My concern is that if products are allowed to penetrate deep into the layers of the skin, surely the practitioner should know exactly what the ingredients are?
Research at the Hanover Medical School by Prof Matthius Aust has demonstrated a 658% increase in thickness of the epidermis after four needling treatments combined with Vitamin A and C skincare, compared with a 205% increase following the same number of treatments with no skincare, showing the importance of vitamin skincare in the rejuvenation process.
Skin must be prepared for three months before CST treatment. The higher the levels of Vitamin A used in home care, the better the results.
Needling can be carried out on both the face and body. Successful results have been achieved on stretch marks, burns scars and loose, lax skin. Needling can also be carried out on new wounds as soon as they’ve closed up, to prevent scarring. I’m sure this will be invaluable and a source of great peace of mind to those who’ve had accidents, been hurt or burnt.
Results can be achieved after just one treatment, although we recommend a course of six to get the best, long-lasting results. It can take several months to see the full results and the best will be seen six months to a year following treatment as the collagen and elastin factories continue to do their job.
So to sum up, the main benefits of CST are:
It’s extremely important to me that I experience all the treatments we offer. This time I was able to have a treatment, which was great as I can now advise clients what to expect through first-hand experience.
Follow my 7-day diary on my own needling experience!
Day 1: 30th July 2012
My skin is already feeling quite tight and still looks red.
The treatment wasn’t actually painful; it’s hard to describe the sensation. I was quite tense as I didn’t know what to expect but it actually got easier the more the therapist did.
I’ve just applied AVST Body Oil before bed and my arms are stinging like mad!! The skin’s already starting to feel dry to touch.
I have to teach an aerobics class in the morning so I’m hoping it’ll feel better by the time I wake up!
Night all x
They were fine in my morning class but I taught another two classes in the evening so they were slightly sorer than they would have been after a lot of friction caused by all the punching in Body Combat! I felt I had to explain to my participants why my arms were red in case anyone noticed so I started the class late after a massive discussion with everyone about body needling!!
I can’t wait to do my next treatment now J
