What is Microneedling (CIT)?
The objective of collagen induction therapy (CIT) is to build up the connective tissue in the lower skin layers (dermal layers) while keeping intact the protective layers of the skin (epidermal layers). Small needle clusters of either a dermaroller or a hand held device penetrate into the skin and break up old collagen strands and stimulate the production of elastin fibers oriented from the deep layers of the dermis to the surface. The result is smoother, thicker, tighter, more even toned skin 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 unless the risk of leaving the epidermis intact is greater than the risk of removing it. Whatever we do, we should try to ensure that the basic architecture of the skin is not altered. To rejuvenate skin and look young, we need a perfect 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 epidermis and decrease our dermal papillae which results in inflamed, drier and more wrinkled skin.
During the collagen induction process, the dermaroller or hand held device will penetrate through the epidermis but does not remove it. Since the epidermis is only punctured, it will heal rapidly . CIT can penetrate the skin anywhere from 0.5 mm to 2mm depending on the depth of the skin condition needing remediation. The skin bleeds slightly but for only a short period (seconds). In the dermis the skin develops multiple microbruises 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 Osmosis Pur Medical Skin Care products, such as Catalyst, SkinFactor, Renew, Correct and/or Calm.
The phases of skin remodeling are:
- Inflammation - Begins after injury
- Inflammatory Response - Tissue proliferation and growth factors stimulate healthy tissue formation
- Tissue Formation - Actual remodeling of skin tissue continues up to 1-year
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.