Why SkinPen is the Best Microneedling Device
How Microneedling Can Help You Acheive Great Skin – and Why SkinPen is Our Favourite Approach
When it comes to treating a variety of skin concerns, microneedling is all the rage. The process eliminates skin issues by pricking the skin with tiny needles, which then stimulates your skin's natural healing process and generates new collagen, leaving behind a more youthful, refreshed complexion.
One microneedling treatment in particular is yielding incredible results. We’re talking about SkinPen, of course. Read below to learn more about the SkinPen treatment. We’ll explain the benefits of this approach compared to other microneedling treatments, and we’ll answer your top questions.
What Is SkinPen?
The SkinPen is a device that is used on your skin during a microneedling treatment. This high-tech device uses a modern approach to a well-known skincare therapy method. It leaves your skin looking fresh and healthy by stimulating your skin’s ability to produce collagen and elastin.
What it Treats and What Results To Expect
SkinPen microneedling can treat a ton of skin issues and conditions, which include:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scarring
- Sun damage and spots
- Tired or aged skin
- Surgical scars
The specific results will depend on individual factors, but most patients usually experience results they never expected would be possible.
How Does It Work?
SkinPen uses very small needles, but trust us: it’s not scary or painful like it sounds.
The technology creates small temporary ‘micro-channels’ in your skin. Through these, the SkinPen can work to encourage new collagen and elastic fibres in your skin. You already have some of these in your skin, though they often lose their effectiveness over time. These are important to protect your skin’s health and appearance.
What are the Benefits Compared to Similar Treatments?
There are a few microneedling treatments on the market, but SkinPen is the best of the best. SkinPen is the most versatile and comfortable option, showing powerful results on all skin types. Plus, SkinPen is a leader among microneedling treatments – it was the first of its kind to be cleared by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
Treatment usually takes between 45 minutes and an hour per session. The SkinPen isn't particularly painful, though patients with sensitivities may choose to use a numbing cream.
After your session, your skin might appear red or puffy for a day or so – this is normal. Your skin may also feel dry for a few days as it adjusts to the treatment. After about a week, you will notice your skin's health and appearance improve dramatically.
How Many Treatments are Needed
The number of sessions you choose to participate in may depend on a few factors. For minor issues, one or two sessions should be enough. For deeper scarring from burns or acne, you may need four to six sessions.
[*] Curious about other skin treatment methods? Read about Dermalinfusion.
When to Expect Results and How Long Results Last
Collagen repair can take weeks, so no matter how many sessions you have, you will need to be patient to see results. However, you may notice some changes within a few days after your treatment.
Usually, results are visible for three to five months. That's why most avid SkinPen users schedule two or three sessions across the year.
How to Prepare For Treatment
We recommend avoiding harsh skin care products for the days that precede your treatment. These include retinol and exfoliators. We also recommend staying out of the sun as much as possible.
Come to your appointment with no makeup or moisturizer on. That way, your natural skin can be treated more effectively.
Recovery and Aftercare
We recommend avoiding the following for the 24 hours after your appointment:
- Makeup
- Strong skincare products
- Sun
- Swimming
Start by rinsing with water, and gradually move up to a soft cleanser. Make sure your hands are clean when you touch your skin.
During treatment, your skin care professional will give you more instructions.
Are There Any Risks Or Side Effects?
SkinPen is a safe treatment with very low risk when performed by a trained professional. The only common side effects are peeling or redness following treatment.
If you experience more severe side effects, such as bruising, bleeding, or symptoms of infection, contact your doctor immediately.
Am I a Good Candidate For SkinPen Microneedling?
Most people can benefit from microneedling. No matter what skin condition or symptom you're trying to treat, there's a good chance that you'll achieve great results through microneedling. Still, some patients should take extra precautions before moving forward.
Patients who are pregnant, diabetic, taking blood thinners or other strong medication should ask their doctor if microneedling is right for them.
The Takeaway
Microneedling is one of the best skin treatments around for treating signs of aging, scarring, and so many more conditions. It's convenient, easy, and painless – plus, it produces amazing results!
Learn more about SkinPen Microneedling by booking a consultation with one of our estheticians.
Microneedling
Do you have minor scars from acne, surgery or everyday life accidents? Are fine lines and wrinkles showing up on your skin? Do you have skin tone issues such as uneven skin tone, melasma, oversized pores, stretch marks, or skin issues caused by sun damage? Do you find yourself hiding parts of your body due to stretch marks, loose skin or cellulite? If you are suffering from any of these issues, microneedling could be the ideal treatment to help treat your noticeable skin issues.
What Exactly is Microneedling and How Does it Work?
SkinPen Microneedling is a non-invasive aesthetic treatment that treats imperfections and skin issues to keep your skin looking and feeling gorgeous, youthful and free of those pesky flaws that have been bothering you.
The SkinPen contains a series of extremely fine needles that roll over the affected area, penetrating the skin’s top layers around 0.75-2mm and breaking down scar tissue to prompt new skin cell generation. This generation promotes the creation of collagen and elastin while also dramatically improving the skin’s blood flow. The result is the reduction of the appearance of minor scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and increased skin elasticity. Microneedling’s self-repair functionality can also reverse years of sun damage and lessen the appearance of sunspots that have developed over time. While traditional acne treatment and the treatment of acne scars strips skin of moisture, microneedling treats scars and leaves skin smooth, supple and producing more collagen.
Also called collagen induction therapy (CIT) due to the triggering of new collagen fibers it promotes, the process is safe for anyone 22 years of age or older. The process has now become an exceptionally mainstream aesthetic procedure and acne treatment. When you sign up for your microneedling consultation, your aesthetician will review the process of SkinPen Microneedling with you in granular detail as it applies to the specific skin issues you would like to address.
SkinPen Microneedling will give you back the confidence to show off the gorgeous skin you knew you had all along!
What is the SkinPen?
The SkinPen is a leading product from Bellus Medical, and it was the first FDA-approved microneedling device in the world. It is clinically proven to effectively and safely treat a wide variety of skin issues and imperfections.
Bellus Medical is a leading aesthetic medical device innovator. Bellus innovates and designs products that are designed to provide superior skin rejuvenation, flaw removal, and restoration. The SkinPen, one of the company’s top products, has been featured on big-name programs such as “Good Morning America”, “ABC News”, “USA Today”, “The View”, “LIVE with Kelly and Ryan”, and many more. The SkinPen by Bellus Medical was also the winner of the 2018 Aesthetic Everything Award.
What Conditions and Issues Does Microneedling Treat?
The microneedling process treats a wide variety of skin issues, contributing to its popularity and rapid transition to becoming a mainstream cosmetic procedure. Here are a few of the most common issues that the process targets:
- Acne Scarring and Acne Treatment
- Surgical Scars
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles
- Melasma (brown skin discoloration patches on the face that occurs commonly in women between the ages of 20-55, often triggered by pregnancy, birth control pills, sun exposure, or stress)
- Stretch Marks
- Loss of Skin Elasticity
- Enlarged Facial Pores
- General Uneven Skin Tone
Will it Hurt?
No, the process does not hurt due to the numbing solution that is applied before the treatment begins. However, you may feel some minor discomfort during the collagen induction therapy (microneedling) process. You will be able to feel the vibrations of the SkinPen as it moves across your skin, and you will be able to feel minor prickling but should not be in pain.
Post-treatment will leave your skin slightly sensitive. Your skin may also experience redness and a feeling of tightness. You should not wear makeup for about 24-48 hours after the procedure, depending on your skin’s response. Your aesthetician will provide you with specific instructions.
How Soon Do You See Results?
After the first microneedling treatment, you will see some results almost immediately, with the full effects visible four to six weeks after your microneedling procedure(s). For best results, it is often recommended to repeat the microneedling treatment every 30 days for three weeks.
Take the Next Step to Get the Youthful Skin You Deserve! Book Your Consult Today!
Treat yourself to microneedling and get the gorgeous, flawless skin you deserve. After all, you’re worth it! Trust your skin in the hands of the best. Book your consultation today to find out about all the incredible microneedling packages we offer. We’ll show you exactly what microneedling can do to take your skin back in time for that incredibly flaw-free, youthful look!
Reduce Sun Damage and Wrinkles
Many people have scars, pockmarks from acne, wrinkles, large pores, and other minor skin imperfections, and they would love to have a simple, non-invasive procedure to lessen the appearance of these minor skin blemishes. Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is an option for some of these types of skin concerns. In this process, small pins on a pen-like instrument puncture your skin. Topical products are also put on your skin, and they absorb through the holes on the surface of your skin. Through this process, collagen and elastin production increase as your body tries to heal the tiny puncture holes. Within a few treatments, you'll likely see your skin blemishes fade.
Skin Blemishes That Microneedling Treats
As we age, we often begin to notice that our skin looks duller and our pores appear larger. Many people also see their skin begin to look droopy, and sun spots from too many summers outside without sunscreen begin to become more noticeable. People who suffered from acne also get scars, and stretch marks are common in anyone who has gained weight quickly from pregnancy, puberty, or simply putting on extra pounds quickly. Melasma, which is a darkening of skin on certain parts of the face, often occurs in women who are pregnant or are on birth control. Microneedling therapy in a skincare clinic can lessen the appearance of many of these types of blemishes.
Benefits of Microneedling Over Other Skincare Treatments
There are many serums, masks, and creams that you can find on the market and apply topically. There are also plenty of procedures that you can get at a doctor's clinic. The exact treatment that will be most beneficial to you will depend on which types of skin conditions that you have and your overall health. Collagen induction therapy can be a more effective treatment than many skin creams and other types of topical treatments. The treatment is also considered to be non-invasive, so you might not have long or severe downtime as you would if you had cosmetic surgery for sagging skin or wrinkles, although redness should still be expected in the first 24 hours.
The Difference Between Microneedling and Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is different from microneedling in several ways. The most notable difference is the process. Whereas with microneedling small needles are inserted within the skin, microdermabrasion relies on abrasive materials that are rubbed on skin to clear away dead skin cells. This process can help with many of the same skin troubles that are helped with microneedling, but the results don't typically last very long, because the treatment is only on the surface of the skin. It's also less likely that microdermabrasion will soften the appearance of deep scars, stretch marks, and deep wrinkles.
What to Do Before and After Microneedling Treatments
There are a couple of things that you can do before a microneedling treatment to ensure that you know you're having the right procedure and to ensure that your body is optimally ready for the process. The first thing that you must do is talk to a licensed skin care professional to ensure that this is the best treatment option for you. Once you've decided on your exact course of treatment, you should prepare your skin a few days before with antioxidants like Vitamin C serum and an exfoliating agent to get rid of dead skin. Also, you should drink enough water ( before and after) to ensure hydration and to aid in the proper healing of your skin. The use of a physical sunscreen with SPF 30 is mandatory after microneedling, along with a hyaluronic base moisturizer. All active skincare ingredients can be resumed 48 hours after the treatment.
Length of Time and Number of Treatments Before Visible Results
The number of treatments that you'll need and the length of time before you begin to see the kinds of results that you're interested in can vary depending on the person's age and the severity of the skin blemishes. Generally three treatments are required for optimal results, spaced four weeks apart to allow the skin to heal each time. Most people also receive four to six treatments for improvement of severe acne scars or surgical scars. You may notice results within one week after the first treatment. Usually it takes four to six months to see the final results of microneedling, as it takes this long for the complete collagen remodelling to take place.
If you're interested in improving the overall appearance of your skin through microneedling in Ottawa, you should look for a skincare clinic that's up to date on the latest technology in the industry. Let us show you our knowledge and expertise with microneedling and other beauty treatments when you book an appointment with MC Laser Clinic and Hair Salon today. We're happy to answer any questions that you have and suggest to you the best course of treatment for your goals.
How to Take Care of Your Skin This Summer with iS Clinical Skincare
Get the fresh summer skin you’re craving with the medical grade skincare products from iS Clinical. You’re probably looking forward to some fun in the sun this summer. Knowing that prolonged outdoor exposure, especially high temperatures and humidity; can all wreak havoc on your skin. Luckily, iS Clinical offers a series of clinically-proven skincare products to help your skin become as healthy and radiant as possible this summer. By assembling some of the world’s leading skincare specialists, including pharmacologists, geneticists, biologists and physicians, iS Clinical has created a line of products that are at the forefront of healthy skincare and anti-aging. Here is some more information about how iS Clinical can keep your skin looking and feeling its best this summer.
iS Clinical’s Four Step System
The innovative system from iS Clinical proceeds in four steps:
- Cleanse— iS Clinical has a number of cleansing products; Such as Cleansing Complex, Cream Cleanser and Warming Honey Cleanser. They are designed to remove excess oils from the skin without causing dryness. Therefore they are ideal cleansers for the summer, when sweat and makeup can make skin especially greasy.
- Treat—The second step of iS Clinical’s system focuses on targeting specific skin conditions such as acne, rosacea and hyper-pigmentation.
- Hydrate— Hydration is important in the summer! When the harsh rays of the sun can leave skin feeling dry, iS Clinical’s hydrating skincare products, like their Reparative Moisture Emulsion can improve skin’s resiliency without clogging pores. Also, the Hydracool Serum is an intensive penetrating hydrator that is light weight and refreshing; Perfect hydrator to be included in your summer skincare routine.
- Protect— It is important to keep it protected against the sunburn and free radicals. iS Clinical’s UAV/UVB sunscreens are designed to keep skin glowing and healthy even in the hottest temperatures.
Find the iS Clinical Skincare Products You Need at MC Laser Clinic & Hair Salon
At MC Laser Clinic, we recognize how difficult the severe conditions of summer can be for your skin. High temperatures, increased humidity and prolonged exposure to the sun can cause serious damage to your skin. That’s why we offer a number of iS Clinical summer skincare products, so that you can get the clinically-approved full skincare treatment you need this summer. For more information about the iS products we carry and all of the various skin and haircare products and services we offer, contact us today at MC Laser Clinic & Hair Salon.
The Weekend Fashionista's
iS Clinical Skin Routine
Prior to trying the iS Clinical line of products I had next to no skincare routine. After having a few bad experiences in the past with various skincare products I was a little apprehensive when Cherine first recommended I try out iS Clinical but I am so glad I did. I started using the products religiously on January 1, 2019 and they have worked wonders for my skin. After 3 months my skin is smoother and brighter. I’ve gotten so many compliments from friends and family who say my skin is just glowing.
I use the Cleansing Complex as part of my AM and PM routine. Post cleansing I combine 5 drops of the Super Serum Advance + with 3 drops of the Hydracool Serum and apply it to my face. This is a great way to start off my day as it gives my face a boost of hydration and protection. In the evening I combine 5 drops of the Active Serum with 3 drops of the Hydracool Serum to keep my face hydrated and blemish free.
In addition to this daily skincare routine I also recommend trying the Fire & Ice Facial. It’s a great way to resurface and rejuvenate your skin with no down time. This treatment combines two therapeutic masks, the first is the Intensive Resurfacing Mask ( also known as the Fire part) made with botanical acids, niacin, retinol, along with powerful antioxidants and kaolin clay, to instantly resurface, brighten and smooth the skin.
The second is the Rejuvenating Mask (the Ice part), rich in aloe vera extract, olive leaves extract, green tea extract and hyaluronic acid. This mask hydrates, heals and soothes irritated skin.
I have sensitive skin and I came out of the facial with clear and glowing skin. I’ve been really pleased with the results and will continue to use this line of products.
Thank you Cherine and iS Clinical!
Praveeni
The Weekend Fashionista
This Ottawa Salon Offers The Facial Celebrities Don't Want You to Know They Get
I’ve always wondered how celebrities get their skin to be so beautiful when they’re not wearing makeup. Considering the fact that they’re normally dressed in full glam, including a face full of cosmetics, I thought it was a miracle that they had soft, smooth and blemish-free skin without it. Of course, as I grew up, I realized this was evidently not the case; many payed thousands to see top-notch dermatologists and plastic surgeons.
But for those who wanted to go the natural route and who looked to avoid placing chemicals on their skin, the Fire and Ice facial, or as Hollywood calls it, the Red Carpet Facial, was created. Now, although the name is quite intimidating, this facial is actually a luxurious and restoring treatment performed by licensed medical aestheticians worldwide. Due to the intensity of the facial, aestheticians willing to perform this facial must undergo the proper training and must attain the proper certificates. The treatment is designed to exfoliate and resurface the skin both quickly and safely. It reduces fine lines, wrinkles and cleans deep blocked pores making it the perfect way to get glowing skin naturally and instantly.
The reason why it’s so popular amongst celebrities, including Halle Barry and Gwyneth Paltrow, is because it’s suitable for people of all ages and genders. It also gives you the same benefits that a chemical peel does except without the downtime, without the chemicals and without the side effects.
Recently, I was invited to try it out at MC Laser Clinic and Hair Salon in order to provide a review for my readers. For this reason, I figured I’d break down each aspect of the facial, including the salon, the aesthetician, the treatment itself, and the results.
The Salon:
MC Laser Clinic and Hair Salon was beautiful. From the moment I walked in, it felt extremely up to par and had a professional sense to it. Although I was mostly in a dark room getting the facial, I did take note of the rest of the salon, particularly the waiting area. Big, comfy, black couches with a huge assortment of magazines to flip through while you waited for your appointment. The only issue I could find with the salon was the location because I know most of my readers are students and this is a little far to get to. For those of you based in Ottawa, it’s located on Prince of Wales Dr., which is just one bus from Billings Bridge but quite far if you’re coming from Orleans, Barrhaven or the downtown area. It is located right by a couple bus stops though and if you’re driving, getting there shouldn’t be that big of an issue.
The Aesthetician:
Cherine was amazing and she made me feel extremely comfortable. She was very, very kind and she even gave me some samples to take home. Although the facial was uncomfortable at times, due to the nature of its’ properties, Cherine essentially made me forget about the discomfort. Cherine is a licensed medical aesthetician so if chemical/ clinical peels aren’t your thing, she does offer a wide range of other facials that more suitable for people with sensitive skin.
The Facial Itself:
I loved the facial. It was relaxing and left my skin glowing, no exaggeration. Cherine started off by washing my face and neck area, which felt like a mini-massage; this was followed by the fire mask. The formulation of the fire mask includes 18% un-buffered glycolic acid, citric acid, retinol, lactic acid, potent antioxidants like green tea extracts and Vitamin B3. Although there was a prominent tingling sensation, I have a high pain tolerance so this wasn’t too bad, I’d probably say around a 5-6/10. Furthermore, the sensation from the Fire portion only lasts around 20 seconds and then the aesthetician neutralizes your face with the Ice mask. This is a cool skin rejuvenating mask and it contains aloe vera gel, hyaluronic acid, grape seed extracts, Japanese green tea extracts, rosemary extracts and liquorice extracts. Asides from the relaxation and comfort provided by the aesthetician, the scents and aromas from the whole facial are super satisfying.
The results:
As I previously mentioned, my face was glowing. My skin was so, so smooth and I felt like I had a new layer of skin on. Cherine gave me some samples of night-time and day-time serums to apply for a week after the facial which kept my skin feeling fresh and brand new. She also gave me a cleanser that ensured results stayed for as long as possible.
All in all, the facial was great and I’d recommend it to anyone looking to really cleanse their face by ensuring that their pores are thoroughly penetrated. I wouldn’t recommend the Fire and Ice facial to people with rosacea or with sensitive skin, but Cherine has different facials for everyone! Taking care of your skin is super important and getting facials is a great way to treat yourself. Additionally, for the best results and desired clinical effect, just 6 facials are sufficient, each spaced out at about a month.
Furthermore, as a broke, university student, I know school is very expensive so Cherine offered me some of the best deals.
Switch Your Skincare Routine for Summer
Now that summer is officially in full swing, you may want to consider switching up your skincare routine. Summer weather can expose your skin to different hazards than in the winter, which means you’ll have to alter your skincare routine to better protect yourself against the specific conditions of summer. Here are some tips and tricks for switching your skincare routine for the summer from the skincare professionals at MC Laser Clinic & Hair Salon.
Stop Dehydration
Extreme temperatures and sun exposure leads to sweating, which can quickly dehydrate the skin. That’s why hydrating moisturizers become especially important this time of year. Rather than using a heavy-duty moisturizer during the summer, switch to something more lightweight that will keep your skin hydrated, healthy and protected.
Exfoliate
High summer temperatures can lead to a buildup of dead skin cells, which can wreak havoc on the tone and texture of your skin. An excess of dead skin cells can also prevent other skincare products form properly penetrating the skin and even lead to acne breakouts. Use a high quality AHA and BHA exfoliator to gently buffer away these dead skin cells, leaving your skin looking and feeling smooth, polished and bright.
Use a Physical Sunscreen
Extended sun exposure in the summer can lead to sun burns and other serious forms of sun damage, including sunspots, wrinkles, fine lines, and an increased chance of developing skin cancer. For the most optimal protection, choose one of the sunscreen skincare products from iS Clinical, including the Eclipse SPF 50. The sunscreens from iS Clinical are loaded with antioxidants, Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide to provide UVA and UVB protection while preventing redness and reversing the effects of aging and sun exposure on the skin.
This summer, prevent sun damage and maintain the beautiful, radiant look and feel of your skin with skincare products from MC Laser Clinic & Hair Salon. We have some of the latest and most innovative skincare products on the market today to keep your skin looking fresh and flawless all summer long. For more information about our skincare products and services, contact us today at MC Laser Clinic & Hair Salon.
TIZO Mineral Sunscreens: Complete Anti-Aging Sun Protection
TIZO Mineral Sunscreens aren’t just effective sun blockers. They are also part of your daily skincare regimen. Formulated to go on smooth, it won’t leave a white or chalky residue on your skin, and its matte finish is the perfect primer for makeup.
TIZO Mineral Sunscreen is free of parabens, dyes, perfumes and chemical sunscreens. After all, what’s the point of using sun protection if you’re going to apply harsh chemicals to your skin.
These days, it’s common to see SPF 100 in stores. Unless the sun is physically blocked by zinc or titanium oxide (TIZO uses both), its rays will eventually penetrate and damage your skin. TIZO sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays, will not break down like chemical sunscreens and is water resistant for up to 40 minutes. Plus, it offers broad spectrum protection also is perfect for both adults and children.
The sun’s harsh rays are responsible for premature aging. Wrinkles, spots and blemishes can make the skin appear old, withered and uneven. TIZO Mineral Sunscreen offers anti-aging protection by keeping the skin moisturized and by blocking out radiation. Use the sunscreen every day for complete protection and to shield your skin from damage.
- TIZO3 Facial Mineral Sunscreen
Tinted mineral sunscreen that provides a silky-smooth matte finish and glides on perfectly over skin.
Contains the two best physical sun blocks: zinc and titanium oxide that help prevent premature skin aging caused by the skins harmful UVA and UVB rays - TIZO2 Facial Mineral Sunscreen
Non-tinted formula designed for lighter skin tones.
Perfect for everyday use. It’s silky smooth matte finish won’t leave a greasy residue and blends perfectly with makeup.
Contains the two best physical sun blocks: zinc and titanium oxide that help prevent premature skin aging caused by the skins harmful UVA and UVB rays. - TIZO Ultra Zinc Body and Face Sunscreen
Designed specifically for sensitive skin.
Contains zinc oxide, the best sunblock for your skin.
Won’t break down in sunlight.
Tinted or non-tinted. - TIZO SheerFoam Sunscreen SPF 30
The lightest and gentlest mineral sun protection that provides a non-greasy, weightless finish.
Perfect for everyday use.
Why Do We Recommend TIZO Mineral Sunscreen?
The sun is a major contributor to premature aging and skin damage which can lead to more serious conditions, such as melanoma. For anyone wanting total sun protection without sacrificing their daily skincare regimen, we recommend TIZO Mineral Sunscreen, which moisturizes as it protects. It combines gentle ingredients and the world’s best UVA and UVB radiation blockers and leaves your skin feeling smooth, silky and protected. For a skincare formula that rejuvenates as it protects from sun damage, our clients always stock up on TIZO Mineral Sunscreen for their sunny getaways.
Visit MC Laser Clinic & Hair Salon to try a sample of TIZO Mineral Sunscreen products.