Could a magic pen made of needles really give you a glowing complexion?
SOMETIMES you need a pen in your life. And I’m not just talking about a return to letter writing (although that’s a lovely idea too) — but when it comes to creating a glowing, clear complexion — it just so happens there’s a pen for that.
Let me introduce you to SkinPen — a Microneedling device that can help erase nasties such as hyperpigmentation, scarring, pore size and fine lines, and recreate plumper, ‘bouncier’ skin.
Despite being a regular user of Botox and a lover of innovative skin treatments, microneedling was the one thing I had yet to sample (even though it comes highly recommended by celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston). I was a little terrified of looking red and raw afterwards if the truth be told.
The good news is that skin technology is continually evolving and the SkinPen treatment has relatively little downtime, as I was to discover after my visit to skin therapist Kim Smyllie, who has recently opened a bespoke clinic in Greystones, Co Wicklow.
Kim, who has specialised in skin treatments for over 20 years, is a big advocate of the SkinPen for a few reasons. It’s the first FDAapproved micro needling treatment, as she explains — and importantly, it gives great results.
‘I like to call this a “collagen banking” treatment,’ she says. ‘It is one of my favourite treatments to perform as it is relying on the clients natural wound healing response and is not introducing anything ‘‘unnatural’’ into the skin.’
The purpose of microneedling is to cause thousands of micro channels in the skin in order to cause the afore-mentioned wound healing response which in turn, stimulates the production of the good stuff — collagen and elastin — which we naturally lose with age.
This means that this treatment is fantastic at addressing specific skin concerns.
‘The SkinPen is great for issues such acne scarring and stretch marks too (it can be used in other areas of the body) – I’d usually recommend a course of four treatments for optimal results, but you’ll benefit from even one.’
To start, Kim applied topical numbing cream to my face and neck. After 15 minutes or so, we were ready to start. The device is like a pen/needle hybrid and Kim began with the ‘bonier’ areas of the face, the forehead and nose which are typically the more uncomfortable. I’m glad to report that despite the tiniest pinching sensation, I didn’t mind this treatment one bit (I was actually very relaxed, cocooned in a blanket) and in fact, the majority of Kim’s clients feel the same.
‘This treatment is suitable for most people and you can have it any time of year,’ Kim explains, as she finished off my treatment, applying hyaluronic acid moisturiser and an LED mask afterwards which can help to take heat out of the skin and further boost collagen.
As expected, my skin was red and warm (this is called erythema, and it’s the desired reaction) for the rest of the day. Kim gave me a hyaluronic acid serum which I put in the fridge and applied whenever my skin felt uncomfortable (a bit like you’ve had too much sun), and by the next morning the redness had dissipated. I put make up on about midday and went about my day, and was able to go to the sauna the following day.
Kim told me not to use retinol products for four weeks, and at that time I’d see the true results of the treatment, although it’s possible to see the benefits even two days afterwards.
Initially I had a little dryness but not even two weeks later, my skin feels tighter and looks — dare I say it — younger. People are commenting on my fresh appearance and I feel adding SkinPen to my youth-boosting ammunition has certainly helped. I’d definitely recommend it — you’ve nothing to lose, and only collagen-aplenty to gain.
‘SkinPen treatment has little downtime ’
Skin Pen costs from €200, consultations are complimentary, see ksskintherapist.com. Course prices are available on website or by request.