Current concepts on how to optimise Skin Needling 2020: A personal experience: Part 2

This is a brief history of the beginnings of skin needling (collagen induction therapy) and Part 1 covers the original clinical work which was then validated by research primarily by Matthias Aust and team at Hanover Medical School, Germany. Skin needling became the very first medical procedure that induces regeneration instead of scar formation because it employs transforming growth factor‐β3 (TGF‐β3) and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10). We essay into methods to optimise the effects of skin needling. First by the depth of penetration into the skin which will depend on the condition treated. Wrinkles stretch marks, and so on only require 1.0 mm whereas burns scars acne scars, and so on require deeper penetration, that is, approximately 3.0 mm. In Part 2, we need to consider the use of topicals both before and after skin needling. Vitamins A and C are scientifically proven to almost quadruple the effects of needling. Selected peptides seem to further enhance results. Hyaluronic acid is best induced naturally but may be used topically for comfort. Finally, we examine the rationale of the intervals between needling. The best clinical results seem to come from treatments at 4 to 10 days intervals to take advantage of raised titres of TGF‐β3 and IL‐10. Other modalities such as red and infrared LED, platelet‐rich plasma and mild peeling are gaining appeal to give better results. Skin needling is the safest and most effective method to treat photoaging, lax skin, stretch marks, acne scars, and burn scars.