SkinPen

SkinPen is a microneedling device that creates micro-injuries within the skin to trigger an influx of new collagen, elastin, and various growth factors. With the mechanical application of 14 fine needles, SkinPen allows patients to achieve brighter, revitalized skin by reducing the prevalence of blemishes, acne scars, stretch marks, and wrinkles. 

Applying the needles at a customized depth between 0.5 to 3 mm stimulates the revitalization process in areas of both thin and thicker skin. After a microneedling session with SkinPen, recovery is easy, and over time, new connective fibers will give your skin a naturally radiant glow you can feel more confident in. 

To find out more about how SkinPen can transform your complexion and skin texture, call Skin Perfect Medical Aesthetics. With 7 locations throughout Southern California, we have been in business for 20 years and are proud to offer only the highest quality, FDA-approved services to our patients. Skin Perfect has received many awards and recognitions, further solidifying our reputation as one of the most trusted medspa practices in the region. 

To learn more about microneedling treatment with SkinPen, call the office closest to you, or request a consultation with a skincare specialist using our contact form. 

What is Microneedling? 

Microneedling’s effectiveness is reliant on the skin’s natural regenerative abilities. Microneedling devices like SkinPen cause controlled damage, enough to provoke a cascade of connective fibers that are the foundation of strong, youthful skin, but not enough to cause scarring. These minute injuries specifically signal an increase in fibroblast cells, the cells responsible for forming these connective fibers. They are the most abundant type of cell in the skin’s dermis, the second layer that provides it with the most structure. Increased collagen will improve your skin’s rigidity, while elastin will provide it with proper stretch and recoil qualities. 

In addition to its stimulatory effects, the physical effect of microneedles also re-organizes these fibers, promoting optimal re-structuring of collagen within the dermis. This process effectively breaks down parallel formations of collagen found in scar tissue and triggers the skin to regenerate perpendicular arrangements found in healthy skin. 

Microneedling procedures signal an increase in growth factors- various molecules that transfer signals for tissue repair and its related functions. ⁽¹⁾  All of the above-mentioned processes typically only result in minor redness and swelling for the patient as their skin works to recover from within. 

After microneedling sessions, the skin will respond to these small injuries, causing significant changes in both the quality and aesthetics of the skin over time. SkinPen can reduce: 

Why Choose SkinPen? 

SkinPen was the first microneedling device to be FDA-approved in the U.S., paving the way for other technologies and setting the standard for treatment. The handheld device is equipped with a high-tech safety mechanism that prevents clinicians from reusing the disposable cartridge on other patients. Your skincare specialist will use the FDA-approved SkinPen BioSheath to further improve sterility. Unlike other microneedling devices, SkinPen procedures require clinicians to apply a topical gel called Lift HG, a wound dressing solution that effectively protects the skin from unwanted abrasion and friction, cutting down on patient downtime and side effects. This, in addition to a topical numbing cream, makes these treatments highly tolerable for patients. The device also functions without the use of thermal energy, making it an entirely safe procedure for patients of all skin types and tones. The needle depth placement is customizable to treat blemishes at various depths within the skin. 

Candidates for SkinPen

SkinPen treatments can accommodate a wide variety of patient needs in one of the least invasive ways possible. It is indicated for those over the age of 22 without active acne, a cold sore, psoriasis, or eczema within the treatment area. Please let your clinician know if you have been taking medication for any of these conditions; they will advise you to stop taking them for a certain amount of time before your first microneedling session. 

Personal Consultation

When you schedule an appointment at Skin Perfect, you will get nothing less than the most attentive care from our professionals. During your consultation at one of our practices, a skincare specialist will evaluate the cosmetic issues you would like to treat, your history with them, and your desired results. They will evaluate whether or not SkinPen is right for you, and recommend an effective alternative treatment if they feel you could benefit from it more. They will outline how to best prepare for your sessions, estimate how many sessions you will need, and provide aftercare directions to facilitate a speedy recovery. 

To inquire more about SkinPen or to find out about other services mentioned on our blog, please reach out to one of our offices or fill out our online form. A Skin Perfect staff member will respond to you promptly. 

Preparation

To promote quality results and minimize side effects, you will need to stay hydrated and keep your skin moisturized in the days leading up to your appointment. This will include refraining from harsh exfoliants that can dry out your skin. You should make a habit of applying daily sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to prevent any amount of sun damage. Maintaining relaxed and irritant-free skin is essential for getting the most out of your treatments. Your specialist may recommend using a topical steroid or retinoid to further prepare your skin. They will also review your current prescriptions and any supplements you take and advise you to stop taking blood thinners for some time to prevent any bleeding risk.

Treatment Steps 

Your skincare specialist will cleanse your skin and apply the Lift HG gel alongside a numbing cream before using the SkinPen. Once the numbing cream takes effect, they will apply the device’s cartridge window to your skin and gently move the SkinPen along the surface in long, strategic strokes. The 14 microneedles will rapidly penetrate and retract from the dermis, creating thousands of microchannels per minute. For thinner skin, your specialist may only set the device to apply micro-injuries less than one millimeter in depth, whereas thicker skin can require a setting up to 3 mm. As the SkinPen makes its passes, your skin will appear reddened, and you may experience tiny amounts of pinpoint bleeding. Within 24 hours of your microneedling session, all sensitivity will subside. Your skin will appear to have a sunburn-like appearance for some time, but your specialist will prescribe a calming serum to mitigate these effects. 

Recovery and Results

Though you will be able to return to your routine right away, you will have to wait before wearing makeup and working out for a couple of days- both sweat and makeup can irritate the skin. You may experience minor scabbing, swelling, redness, and feelings of tightness around the treatment area. Until these side effects subside, you should be extra careful to avoid sun exposure. Your specialist will provide you with an ointment to help prevent bacteria infection and one that will serve to moisturize and heal. After about 3 days, you will be able to resume outdoor activities so long as you apply sunscreen before your outing. 

Usually, it takes patients around 3 to 5 SkinPen sessions to see signs of rejuvenation and clearer skin, but your specialist will design a treatment plan that suits you best. Research has found that high-quality microneedling devices like SkinPen are capable of boosting collagen and elastin by over 400% within the 6 months following one session. ⁽²⁾ 

Cost of Microneedling in Rancho Cucamonga 

The cost of your SkinPen dermal treatments will depend on your unique treatment plan, the extent of the procedure, topical treatments, and any follow-up appointments. At the time of your consultation, your Skin Perfect provider will give you a cost estimate and discuss financing options with CareCredit. 

Whether you are looking for simple rejuvenation or a comprehensive solution to deeper issues like acne scars, SkinPen can help. Call us at one of our Southern California offices, or use our contact form to reach a skincare specialist. 

FAQ

References

1. Liebl, Horst, and Luther C. Kloth. “Skin Cell Proliferation Stimulated by Microneedles.” Journal of the American College of Clinical Wound Specialists, vol. 4, no. 1, 1 Mar. 2012, pp. 2–6, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2213510312000723, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jccw.2012.11.001. 
2. Pająk J, Szepietowski JC, Nowicka D. Prevention of Ageing—The Role of Micro-Needling in Neck and Cleavage Rejuvenation: A Narrative Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022;19(15):9055. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159055