Microneedling has rapidly gained popularity in the past decade. As one of the most requested aesthetic treatments, this minimally-invasive service targets a variety of concerns including hyperpigmentation, lines, wrinkles and even visible pores. However, the device and products used in the service can influence the extent of results and minimise downtime further.
Microneedling stimulates collagen and elastin production by inflicting micro-injuries in the skin, leading to skin rejuvenation. The manner in which these perforations are made is vastly different between a manual roller versus a pen. Roller devices will leave a pyramid shape wound on the skin by nature of the action of the drum rolling over the surface. This is in contrast to a pen which will puncture straight down into the skin. This means using a pen device will result in more controlled trauma to the skin, while also influencing the efficacy of the treatment. Finer needles provide cleaner and more effective perforation. Cartridges that have fewer needles and larger spacing between each pin can also drastically reduce the Fakir Effect. This phenomenon results in the skin being pushed downwards as the needle plate makes contact with the skin, therefore reducing penetration of needles to the desired depth. This effect can also be influenced by devices with extremely high stitch speeds. The result is more scratching or tearing of the tissues instead of a clean puncture.
The products used to facilitate the movement of the pen over the skin can accelerate results and reduce downtime. One of the most recent advances is an innovative approach called pro-resolution using omega-3, delivered through the new Pro Pen device. This not only accelerates wound healing, but also resolves overexpression of inflammation, limiting potential downtime and amplifying tissue regeneration. The use of these ingredients at home by the patient can further improve skin recovery.
Meeting industry standards
Patient safety and clinical results are central to all aesthetic procedures. Quality training elevates skills and enables aesthetic practitioners to deliver high-standard services that deliver the desired outcomes. With increased patient demand for aesthetic treatments such as microneedling, finding the right training that builds confidence and expertise is essential.
When training focuses on protocol and procedure but is missing the underpinning and supporting knowledge, it can prevent effective treatment decision-making. Professionals can find it difficult to benchmark their practice and ascertain whether they meet the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for these services.
The NOS specify the knowledge, skills and behaviours an individual needs to be competent in an occupation. With no real industry regulation for non-surgical cosmetic procedures, the NOS provide a clear industry standard to which they should be performed. The NOS are not a qualification, however, regulated qualifications are developed in line with these standards.
Endorsed programmes and regulated qualifications
Since 2019 Dermalogica has been investing in upskilling their own skin therapist staff, and to date 52 of the professional team have achieved their CIBTAC Level 4 Diploma in microneedling and chemical peels. Dermalogica has also been carefully aligning training in advanced services including Pro Microneedling and Pro Power Peel, along with Pro Pen Manufacturer training to meet with these standards and training recommendations. Dermalogica has developed the Pro Pen Endorsed programme, which is directly mapped to NOS and the Level 4 Microneedling qualification specification. Dermalogica is proud to have the programme CIBTAC endorsed. With a renowned legacy in high-quality training, Dermalogica has been planning the introduction of a regulated qualification offering through the International Dermal Institute. In 2023, this programme will offer professional skin therapists the opportunity to complete CIBTAC Level 4 awards in microneedling and chemical peels, with the current Pro Pen Endorsed programme eligible for credits towards the award.
Aurelian Lis, CEO of Dermalogica, commented, “As the leaders in professional skincare education with nearly 40 years of expertise, we’re always innovating to help skin practitioners achieve new levels of success in their business. With changing consumer requirements and growing excitement around aesthetic services, we see this launch as a way to get a whole new generation into this industry, which is both good for the livelihoods of those who work in the industry, but also for skin health in general. There are other needling pens on the market, but what’s exciting to me is that because Dermalogica knows peels as well as needling, we can actually create procedures and treatments which combine the two and show fabulous results.”
