Fountain Of Youth

Collagen Induction Therapy, also known as Microneedling, is the ultimate skin rejuvenation treatment that’s hot right now. It doesn’t involve any synthetic substances being injected into our bodies and it works for all skin types – acneic too. The anti-aging results from each session are deeply noticeable and addictive as it sounds, the science behind it promises a future of ongoing youth and beauty.

To delve into the details of this too-good-to-be-true CIT treatment, there was no-one better to question than the most talked about facialist in New Zealand, Kate Michelmore of Skinography.

What is CIT and how does it work?

Collagen Induction Therapy works by creating ‘micro wounds/channels’ in the dermis of the skin. Over time, this encourages the body to naturally stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.

As we know, collagen and elastin are responsible for the skin’s elasticity, bounce and firmness. From the age of 18, our skin no longer replicates the fibroblasts – these are the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. We are left with the same fibroblasts for the rest of our lives.

However, when we have CIT, we trick the skin into thinking that there is a wound and it replicates these skin essential cells. The wound healing response equals new fibroblasts producing fresh collagen and elastin, which means a fresh and more even skin tone! It’s almost like we’ve found the fountain of youth.

What can we expect from the treatment?

Following your CIT treatment, you can expect some mild pinkness and slight swelling around the areas that have been treated – this may depend on your skin type and depth of the needles. The inflammatory reaction of the skin is extremely short and fades significantly within hours and lasts for 12-24 hours on average.
After around 3-5 days, you may notice that your skin becomes a little dry and flakey. This is when you would come back in for your post-CIT facial, so we can infuse the skin with hydration and vitamins to accelerate the healing.

What kind of machine do you use?

EXCEED has surgical-grade stainless steel single-use micro needles. We adjust these micro needles manually in depth from 0.1-2mm. We use different needle lengths to work on different skin concerns. For example, if you have both acne and acne scarring, the needle depth would be between 1.5-2mm. Or for skin rejuvenation treatments, the needle would be adjusted to a much shorter length. The entire treatment is tailor-made to your individual needs.

Unlike other ablative skin treatments like laser and peels that destroy the epidermis, our EXCEED Dermal Needling device does not destroy the epidermal barrier. In fact, the epidermis stays intact allowing it to heal rapidly after a microneedling treatment. This gives collagen induction therapy a huge advantage over other skin treatments, as it means less downtime, risk, and faster results.

How often should one do it?

As often as required. For collagen induction therapy, we recommend you start with four treatments at four-week intervals.

What other ways can you support anti-aging after the treatment?

We recommend a great vitamin A and C serum and regular facials to make sure we are addressing your skin’s ever-changing needs. Sunblock everyday!

Also, weekly Light Therapy sessions are one of the most powerful anti-ageing and skin rejuvenation tools. This medically proven, non-invasive treatment works at a sub-cellular, cellular and tissue level, boosting collagen and elastin production. Your skin is bathed in light that plumps the deepest skin layers for radiantly glowing skin. By stimulating your skin’s natural production of collagen, it ultimately reduces fine lines and wrinkles. LED light therapy is also shown to significantly calm sensitised skin, help alleviate acne symptoms and aid in the recovery of sun damage.

What are the benefits?

-Collagen Induction Therapy is a revolutionary treatment because it can help with a range of skin concerns.
-Skin rejuvenation for dull, uneven or tired looking skin to bring back your glow.
-Pigment reduction and dispersion.
-Acne Treatment – the treatment destroys the anaerobic bacteria by exposing them to oxygen and thus minimising acne and inflammation.
-Diminishes acne scarring and stretch marks.
-Strengthens the epidermal skin barrier.
-Improves cellular communication and therefore assists your skin to operate at optimal efficiency.
-Detoxifies the skin and brings balance by stimulating lymphatic drainage.
-Restores oxygen flow to dull skin.
-Reduces fine lines and sagginess.