Collagen Induction Therapy, also known as microneedling is a clinical treatment that involves causing tiny controlled micro-injuries to the outer layer of skin. These temporary surface-level punctures stimulate the body’s natural collagen healing response. The formation of new collagen can help to improve skin texture and elasticity leaving the complexion looking plump and youthful.
Microneedling can be used to treat a variety of concerns including acne scarring, congestion, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, uneven tone and texture, and fine lines. While it may sound painful, microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment and only works on the skin’s outermost layer, so any damage caused is superficial and the discomfort levels are generally very tolerable.
Professional microneedling treatments, carried out by your dermatologist or esthetician, are the most effective form of CIT and will invariably be much more intense than those undertaken at home. However much like LED therapy, the technology is now available in a more lightweight version for consumer use. At-home microneedling treatments are, understandably, much gentler than those you’ll experience in-clinic as they don’t penetrate the skin as deeply. In saying that, not all at-home CIT devices are the same: some cheaper or inferior products can blunt after a few uses causing more harm than good, leaving your skin with uneven texture and damage.
Microneedling isn’t for everyone so it’s incredibly important to speak with your clinician before purchasing an at-home device. If you do incorporate a CIT device into your regime, it’s vital that you clean and sterilise your device thoroughly before and after using it to ensure you aren’t introducing or spreading any bacteria into the skin.
To best use an at-home CIT device, first, cleanse your face then introduce your device. Apply a soft pressure to carefully glide the device over your face, following its contours and rolling a few times over the entire surface of the skin. It’s normal for the skin to be slightly red, sensitive and itchy after treatment.
Microneedling can really help with product absorption and efficacy, so follow by applying an active serum; I love using hyaluronic acid to really quench the skin. Be careful not to overdo it with this sort of at-home device, I find once a month to be sufficient for most people, with the expectation of seeing results after six months of continued usage.
