Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT)
Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), also known as Dermarolling or Microneedling, is a non painful, sterile technique that builds up the connective tissue in the lower dermal skin layers, while keeping intact the protective, epidermal layers of the skin. Tiny needles attached to a Dermaroller penetrate into the skin to break up old collagen strands and stimulate the production of elastin fibers oriented from the deep layers of the dermis to the surface. Results include smoother, thicker, tighter, more even toned skin. Stretch marks, wrinkles, scars and uneven skin are all the result of collagen disorder. CIT triggers your body to repair and replace collagen and elastin, therefore filling/smoothing the desired areas.
The problem with lasers and aggressive chemical peels is that the dermis is an extremely complex, highly specialized organ. It may only be 0.2 mm thick but it is our only protection from the environment. We should never damage the epidermis unnecessarily and try to ensure that the basic architecture of the skin is not altered. For rejuvenated and young looking skin, we need an intact epidermis with natural dermal papillae, good hydration, normal color and normal resilience. When we have aggressive laser treatments and chemicals peels, over time we thin our skin and often end up with inflamed, dry and even more wrinkled skin.
The tiny, sterile Dermaroller needles will penetrate through the epidermis, but does not remove it. Since the epidermis is only gently punctured, it will heal rapidly. The needles vary in length from 0.5mm to 1.5mm+ depending on the depth of the skin condition needing remediation. There is only mild redness after treatment which subsides after 24-72 hours (depending on the length of the needles). The dermis develops multiple micro-bruises that initiate the complex cascade of growth factors that eventually result in collagen production. New collagen production can be further increased by the use of Body Architecture Organics highly nourishing and calming serums. A series of 3-6+ treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart (depending on needle length and area being treated) is usually recommended to achieve maximum results and as the results rely on kick-starting your body’s own collagen production, it can take 4-8 weeks to start fully seeing benefits, but some people see results within a week or two. Some resistant scaring may need a greater number of treatments. CIT is often paired with Red LED therapy to increase cellular regeneration. Some people are sensitive to needles, but most people would place the pain level of CIT at 1-3 out of 10, with the discomfort only being temporary. A lidocaine gel is available for clients who are sensitive. Redness usually subsiding 2-4hrs after treatment, but there may be minor residual redness for up to 48hrs for more sensitive skin types.
POST TREATMENT
For the first 48 hours:
- do not use glycolic acid, retinol or acidic skin care
- do not touch or rub the face (especially for the first 2 hrs after treatment)
- do not use spray tan products
- avoid makeup (mineral makeup may be permitted, but only after the initial 2hr post treatment skin rest period)
- also, avoid sun exposure for 12-24hrs (and wear high spf mineral sunscreen afterward to help improve results)
CIT is the only skin rejuvenation treatment to target and regulate 3 key skin cells (keratinocyte, melanocyte and fibroblast) without compromising the integrity of the epidermis. The growth factors released through CIT results in regenerative healing (collagen forms from the base upwards) and is type III collagen or healthy collagen as opposed to the growth factors released when when the epidermis is damaged by ablative or heat methods which in contrast produce cicatricial healing (collagen forms from the top down) and is type I collagen or scar collagen.
The phases of Collagen Induction Therapy are:
The problem with lasers and aggressive chemical peels is that the dermis is an extremely complex, highly specialized organ. It may only be 0.2 mm thick but it is our only protection from the environment. We should never damage the epidermis unnecessarily and try to ensure that the basic architecture of the skin is not altered. For rejuvenated and young looking skin, we need an intact epidermis with natural dermal papillae, good hydration, normal color and normal resilience. When we have aggressive laser treatments and chemicals peels, over time we thin our skin and often end up with inflamed, dry and even more wrinkled skin.
The tiny, sterile Dermaroller needles will penetrate through the epidermis, but does not remove it. Since the epidermis is only gently punctured, it will heal rapidly. The needles vary in length from 0.5mm to 1.5mm+ depending on the depth of the skin condition needing remediation. There is only mild redness after treatment which subsides after 24-72 hours (depending on the length of the needles). The dermis develops multiple micro-bruises that initiate the complex cascade of growth factors that eventually result in collagen production. New collagen production can be further increased by the use of Body Architecture Organics highly nourishing and calming serums. A series of 3-6+ treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart (depending on needle length and area being treated) is usually recommended to achieve maximum results and as the results rely on kick-starting your body’s own collagen production, it can take 4-8 weeks to start fully seeing benefits, but some people see results within a week or two. Some resistant scaring may need a greater number of treatments. CIT is often paired with Red LED therapy to increase cellular regeneration. Some people are sensitive to needles, but most people would place the pain level of CIT at 1-3 out of 10, with the discomfort only being temporary. A lidocaine gel is available for clients who are sensitive. Redness usually subsiding 2-4hrs after treatment, but there may be minor residual redness for up to 48hrs for more sensitive skin types.
POST TREATMENT
For the first 48 hours:
- do not use glycolic acid, retinol or acidic skin care
- do not touch or rub the face (especially for the first 2 hrs after treatment)
- do not use spray tan products
- avoid makeup (mineral makeup may be permitted, but only after the initial 2hr post treatment skin rest period)
- also, avoid sun exposure for 12-24hrs (and wear high spf mineral sunscreen afterward to help improve results)
CIT is the only skin rejuvenation treatment to target and regulate 3 key skin cells (keratinocyte, melanocyte and fibroblast) without compromising the integrity of the epidermis. The growth factors released through CIT results in regenerative healing (collagen forms from the base upwards) and is type III collagen or healthy collagen as opposed to the growth factors released when when the epidermis is damaged by ablative or heat methods which in contrast produce cicatricial healing (collagen forms from the top down) and is type I collagen or scar collagen.
The phases of Collagen Induction Therapy are:
- Inflammation - Begins as soon as the desired area is micro-needled
- Inflammatory Response - Tissue proliferation and growth factors stimulate healthy tissue formation
- Tissue Formation - Actual remodeling of skin tissue continues for up to 1-year (collagen is not formed overnight, visible results can take upward of 2-3 months)
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