Knowing how to effectively utilize advanced modalities in the treatment room has become an essential part of the aesthetic practice. Demand for pro-youth treatments like laser, light therapy and other non-invasive procedures is on the rise – expected to increase 15 percent by 2019 according to a recent report.

As such, this was a key focus at our recent RA Symposium. One of the courses, “Micro-needling and Modalities,” specifically addressed the latest modality trends including LED, dermaplaning, micro-needling, and high frequency radio wave devices. The session touched on the science behind these treatments, optimal skin types to receive them, achievable outcomes, and how to incorporate them into your aesthetic practice.

Here’s a glance at micro-needling, what types of skin it benefits, how to integrate it into the treatment room, and how to maximize its results.

What Exactly Is Micro-Needling?

The process of micro-needling involves using tiny needles to create micro-perforation into the dermo-epidermal junction. This precise stimulation creates very controlled wounding. This process then stimulates collagen and elastin production as the skin repairs itself. As new, healthy tissue surrounds the “wounded” area, re-youth benefits are realized. Another tremendous benefit of micro-needling is its ability to allow other skin-building ingredients to more efficiently penetrate the skin, where they can affect cells at deeper levels and go to work.

Integrating Micro-Needling into the Treatment Room

Micro-needling is becoming more popular as clients look to more cost-effective alternatives to skin resurfacing that don’t require much downtime. But, as with any resurfacing procedure, proper training and precautions must be taken before introducing the treatment to clients.

With micro-needling, it important to remember, the goal is controlled wounding. You want to be careful not to bring the skin to the point of bleeding, rather keep the stimulation at the superficial level. To begin, you will want to prepare the skin with a lactic acid (L) or salicylic acid-based cleanser, such as the Beta Green Tea Cleanser or Maui Cleanser, to remove surface build up and bacteria. A second cleanse with a very gentle scrub or liquefying enzyme, like the Derma Peel, may also be performed to ensure a clean surface to work from.

During the treatment, a handheld micro-needling device will be gently rolled over the skin. Therapy E Serum and Hyaluronic Serum may also be applied during the procedure to deliver hydration to the tissue, and reduce inflammation created from the needling.

Talk to clients prior to their micro-needling treatment to manage expectations, educate them on proper pre- and post-care, and outline a treatment plan. As a rule of thumb, clients will avoid waxing or resurfacing treatments a couple of weeks leading up to the procedure. These are also avoided until the skin has fully healed from the micro-needling.

As micro-needling and other advanced resurfacing modalities continue to grow in popularity, it will become increasingly important to understand how to work with them, and even combine them with one another and specific ingredients. This knowledge will enable you to enhance the results and recovery time, not to mention set your practice a part.

Question: If you attended the RA Symposium, what is one new thing you plan to implement in your practice?