Skin Needling: No Pain No Gain- How far will you go for vanity?

Is this the new skin care trend or just another Hollywood high? Rolling small needles over my face pricking me over and over does not sound like a cup of tea to me! If skin needling and an acid peel are in the ring, who would duke it out a win?

What is skin needling anyway?
Skin Needling is a facial rejuvenation process that is used to increase collagen production and elastin regeneration. It was discovered by a South African plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Des Fernandes, M.D, in 1997. It is also referred to as Collagen Induction Therapy or Facial Mesotherapy. This process can be used to reduce the appearances of scars, stretch marks or wrinkles on the face or body and has been used on sun damaged skin as well.

How Does It Work? 
Collagen is a protein found all over our bodies supporting our tissue, muscles and bones. In this case, it fills in the fine lines and wrinkles in our faces keeping us looking young. Elastin is a protein also found in our skin visually similar to a spring coil maintaining the skin's elasticity. It is typically not produced after puberty. Skin needling uses a small hand held roller with multiple micro-needles. The skin is prepped with a topical anesthetic to reduce the pain and discomfort. The tool is rolled back and forth over the skin 6-10 times causing trauma to the skin by penetrating of the dermis and breaking blood vessels just below the skin. This stimulates the production of collagen and the healing process begins. It can take up to a week to completely heal. The skin is usually red and swollen for two to five days and applying makeup is not recommended until the skin is healed. 48 hours of recovery is typical.

Interesting process isn't it? I am afraid of it but intrigued at the same time. What are your thoughts on this treatment? Have you tried acid peels or laser treatments for acne scaring or sun damage? What were your results and would you do them again? Email me with your responses at sugarlipslifestyletips@gmail.com

Attention!!! ****DO NOT try this at home! This is ONLY to be done by professionals. By professionals, I mean DOCTORS (dermatologist or surgeons). **** 

Sources for this topic are sited below:
http://www.acnemythsetc.com/is_skin_needling_your_answer_to_acne_scars.html
http://www.elle.com/Beauty/Makeup-Skin-Care/Skin-Needling 
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-collagen.htm 
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=24541
http://www.carefair.com/Skincare/Treatments/What_is_Skin_Needling_6132.html 
http://dermatologytimes.modernmedicine.com

  
Picture taken by Steven Krause found on http://www.elle.com/Beauty/Makeup-Skin-Care/Skin-Needling