After a summer soaking up the sun, your skin may need a little extra TLC. Even if you’ve been diligent about sun protection this summer, years of exposure can take a toll on your skin.
Harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your dermal cells and weaken the collagen and elastin fibers that give your skin strength and resilience. That can lead to uneven texture, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, a rough texture, and a dull complexion.
If you’re bothered by the signs of sun-damaged skin, consider microneedling at RefineU Med Spa in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Take a moment as our aesthetic experts share how microneedling can revitalize your skin and restore your youthful glow.
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment that uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries on the surface of your skin.
During treatment, your RefineU Med Spa provider applies a topical numbing cream to your face. Next, they pass a specialized hand-held device over your skin to create tiny punctures. The needles are short and don’t penetrate too deep.
Even though the needles are fine, they still create micro-injuries — just enough to stimulate your body’s natural healing processes.
Part of that healing process includes collagen and elastic production. Collagen and elastin are proteins responsible for keeping your skin firm, smooth, and vibrant. As your skin heals, it becomes more even-toned, plump, and healthy-looking.
Sun damage often manifests as hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and a rough texture because it dramatically affects collagen and elastin levels.
Collagen is the “glue” that keeps your skin firm, but by your early 20s, collagen production declines 1%-1.5% per year. Elastin keeps your skin taut and supple and also decreases as you age. UV exposure speeds up the decline of both of these proteins.
That’s where microneedling comes in. It helps with sun damage because it promotes new collagen and elastin production.
Microneedling helps in another way. The tiny channels the needles create allow for better absorption of topical serums and skin care products. Microneedling boosts the effectiveness of products that target hyperpigmentation and other forms of sun damage.
After microneedling, your skin may be slightly red and sensitive. Many people compare it to the sensation of a mild sunburn, but it should only last a day or two.
You might notice some flaking or dryness as your skin heals. Within a few days, you start to see an improvement in your skin’s texture and tone, with more dramatic results developing over the following weeks as collagen and elastin production continues.
After your microneedling sessions, you can take steps to continue nourishing your skin and protecting it against signs of aging. These include:
Sun damage can leave your skin looking tired and aged. Microneedling offers a way to turn back the clock and restore your complexion — especially when paired with healthy lifestyle choices.
To learn more, contact our office by phone or online today.