Treatment: Microneedling
According to Melville, NY dermatologist Kally Papantoniou, MD, Skinceuticals C E Ferulic ($166) is an important part of microneedling maintenance. “I use this every morning—it is gentle of the skin and powerful for brightening and tightening.”
“We recommend SkinBetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream ($125) for use seven to 10 days after treatment,” adds Newport Beach, CA plastic surgeon Sanjay Grover, MD. “It is a non-irritating yet powerful retinoid formula that reduces fine lines and photo-damage and will continue the improvement of texture and tone after your microneedling treatments. I also like ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum ($148). It’s a lightweight gel, has anti-inflammatory properties, restores the skin barrier, and uses plant-based growth factors to improve firmness and elasticity.”
“We are seeing great results when patients are following up their microneedling protocols with a product called AFA Gel Mild 11% ($88), says Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD. “This treatment gel contains vitamin C to further support the collagen production microneedling induces, but what makes this product special is a unique dermatologist-developed molecule called afaLUXE. It provides excellent exfoliation to further improve fine lines, acne and uneven tone and texture. Unlike other rejuvenating treatments, it works with the skin’s natural moisture barrier, resulting in virtually no irritation or added dryness.”
“SecretRF [by Cutera] is a fractional radiofrequency microneedling system that can be customized to each patient. It adds radiofrequency to a microneedling treatment. The trauma created stimulates new collagen and the heat of the needle will take existing collagen and tighten it,” explains Dr. Peredo. Her post-treatment recommendation? PrimaSkin ($60). “It uses nano-technology that nano-sizes ingredients including Glutathione (GSH), hyaluronic acid, collagen, NAD+ and N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC). It is fast-absorbing and helps with inflammation, detoxification, and brightening of the skin.”
“I have patients use the Nu Face Trinity ($325) to tighten the skin and support my office treatments,” says Delray Beach, FL dermatologist Dr. Janet Allenby. “I have found that dedicated patients see the best result, as usual, for both the face and body with noticeable improvement. I’m not a fan of at-home skin pens (micro-needling) since it can cause too much skin trauma and potential infection.”