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Natural Awakenings Central New Jersey

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Microneedling to Optimize Aging

Nov 07, 2024 08:26AM ● By Jerome Bilaos

In the quest for timeless beauty, many people are turning to innovative skincare treatments that promote not just a youthful appearance, but overall skin health. One of the most talked-about methods in recent years is microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, a minimally invasive procedure that can help one age gracefully. The treatment offers an effective way of enhancing skin vitality and resilience, and may be the perfect solution many of us are seeking.

This skincare technique is the perfect mix of science and artistry, and it can help clients defy the signs of aging, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce hyperpigmentation and enhance the effectiveness of skincare products. Microneedling is a 100% natural form of treatment and is suitable for all skin types. It is extremely safe and effective, producing long-lasting results, especially when compared to botox and fillers.  

How Microneedling Works

Microneedling involves using fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. These tiny punctures stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, promoting increased collagen and elastin production. Collagen and elastin are critical proteins that keep our skin firm, smooth, and youthful. As we age, the production of these proteins slows down, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and uneven skin texture.

The procedure typically begins with a consultation to assess your skin type and discuss your goals. A topical numbing cream is applied to ensure comfort during the treatment. Using a specialized device, the practitioner then creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin, encouraging the body to repair itself.

The process not only boosts collagen production but also enhances the absorption of topical products, allowing serums and moisturizers to penetrate deeper and work more effectively. This dual action—healing and nourishing—makes microneedling a powerful tool in the fight against aging.

The Benefits of Microneedling

Stimulates Collagen Production: The primary benefit of microneedling is its ability to stimulate collagen production, which naturally diminishes as we age. Increased collagen leads to firmer, plumper skin.

Improves Skin Texture: Microneedling can significantly improve skin texture, smoothing out rough patches and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Reduces Pore Size: The treatment can help tighten enlarged pores, giving the skin a smoother, more refined look.

Minimizes Scarring: Microneedling can help reduce the visibility of acne scars or other blemishes, giving your skin a more even appearance. (Can be useful on body scars also, like from trauma, surgery, even cesarean section scars!)

Improves Skin Tone: Fades hyperpigmentation and dark spots, and evens out skin tone.

Improves Overall Skin Health: By encouraging blood flow and rejuvenation, microneedling enhances your appearance and improves skin health, making it more resilient against environmental stressors.

Enhanced Product Absorption: Microneedling allows skincare products to penetrate deeper into the skin, increasing their effectiveness.

Why You Should Consider Microneedling

Minimal Downtime: One of the greatest advantages of microneedling is its minimal recovery time. Most individuals experience only mild redness, similar to a sunburn, which usually subsides within a day or two.

Safe and Effective: Microneedling is a safe procedure when performed by a trained professional. It is suitable for all skin types and tones, making it an accessible option for many.

Long-Lasting Results: While results can vary, many people see significant improvements in their skin texture and firmness after just one session, with optimal results achieved after a series of treatments.

Holistic Approach: When performed by practitioners who understand both the science of skin and the principles of holistic healing, microneedling can be integrated with other therapies, such as acupuncture, to enhance both aesthetic and overall well-being.

As awareness of the benefits of microneedling grows, more patients are seeking out acupuncturists for a dual approach to skincare. The innovative blend of ancient and modern techniques is reshaping the landscape of cosmetic treatments.

Aging is a natural part of life, but that doesn’t mean we can’t embrace it gracefully. Microneedling offers a promising avenue for those looking to enhance their skin’s vitality and tackle signs of aging effectively. With its ability to stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture, and provide long-lasting results, microneedling may just be the key to unlocking your skin’s potential.

Kat Dunbar, MSOM, L.Ac practices at New Jersey Natural Medicine, located at 2424 Lamington Road in Bedminster. For information call 973-267-2650 or email [email protected], and visit NJNaturalMedicine.com. See ad, this page.

Tick Talk

Spring officially sprung on March 21. We have turned our clocks ahead. We are looking forward to warm winds, sunny skies and the smell of fresh cut grass. The daffodils and tulips have recently bloomed and we are just starting with the yard work that comes with the warmer weather.  Sadly, another season has started ramping up.  Tick season.

•             The best form of protection is prevention. Educating oneself about tick activity and how our behaviors overlap with tick habitats is the first step.

•             According to the NJ DOH, in 2022 Hunterdon County led the state with a Lyme disease incidence rate of 426 cases per 100,000 people. The fact is ticks spend approximately 90% of their lives not on a host but aggressively searching for one, molting to their next stage or over-wintering. This is why a tick remediation program should be implemented on school grounds where NJ DOH deems high risk for tick exposure and subsequent attachment to human hosts.

•             Governor Murphy has signed a bill that mandates tick education in NJ public schools. See this for the details.  Tick education must now be incorporated into K-12 school curriculum. See link:

https://www.nj.gov/education/broadcasts/2023/sept/27/TicksandTick-BorneIllnessEducation.pdf

•             May is a great month to remind the public that tick activity is in full swing. In New Jersey, there are many tickborne diseases that affect residents, including Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Powassan, and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis.

•             For years, the focus has mainly been about protecting ourselves from Lyme disease. But other tick-borne diseases are on the rise in Central Jersey. An increase of incidence of Babesia and Anaplasma are sidelining people too. These two pathogens are scary because they effect our blood cells. Babesia affects the red blood cells and Anaplasma effects the white blood cells.

•             Ticks can be infected with more than one pathogen. When you contract Lyme it is possible to contract more than just that one disease. This is called a co-infection. It is super important to pay attention to your symptoms. See link.

https://twp.freehold.nj.us/480/Disease-Co-Infection

A good resource from the State:

https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/tickborne.shtml

 

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