Micro Needling (CIT)
Our interest in micro-needling stems from the spa’s use of the skincare line, Environ. Nancy Reagan, master esthetician and CEO of Bella Reina Spa has been using the line since 2002. The founder of Environ Skin Care, Dr. Des Fernandes, has done extensive research and studies on micro-needling and its effects on the skin. His work has been presented at Plastic and Reconstructive and Dermatology Congresses and he is considered the “father of dermarolling”. Although he has research starting in 2002, his most famous study was published in 2008 in PubMed. This study concluded:
Of the 480 patients with fine wrinkles, lax skin, scarring, and stretch marks treated with micro needling, there was between a 60 and 80 percent improvement. Some of the patients only had one treatment, but some had four treatments. All of the patients were prepared with topical A and C a minimum of 4 weeks prior to the treatments. Interesting to note, that their was an increase in collagen and elastin six months after the treatments and a 40 percent thickening of the skin one year later.
What is Micro-Needling?
Also known as Collagen Induction Therapy (or CIT), Micro-needling is an FDA-cleared non-surgical procedure that is used to rejuvenate the skin and improve the skin’s surface by helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, expression lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, and acne scars. The concept is based on the skin’s natural ability to repair itself whenever it encounters physical injury such as cuts, burns, and other abrasions. As the Micro-Needling device moves across the skin, it makes pinpoint punctures to create very minor micro-“injuries.” In response to the perceived “injury,” a cascade of growth factors is released, which in turn triggers new collagen synthesis.
This process has two major benefits – it effectively stimulates collagen formation and provides a clear channel for topical serums to be absorbed through the surface of the skin. By persistently triggering this healing process with a series of Micro-Needling treatments, the body keeps repairing the skin incrementally and cumulatively. The results are similar to fractional laser treatments or chemical peels, but without the side effects and extended downtime. Results include smoother, firmer, and younger-looking skin. Once the desired result has been achieved, it is important to maintain collagen stimulation by returning for quarterly maintenance treatments. While more commonly used on the face, Micro-Needling can also be used to restore and regenerate the skin on the neck, chest, and hands. It is safe for all skin tones and all types. In fact, even skin that has been laser-treated responds well to treatments.
What Happens in a Treatment?
Micro-Needling is performed in a safe and precise manner with the use of a sterile, disposable tip that is discarded after every patient. Prior to the procedure, topical anesthetic cream can be applied for your comfort. Due to the absorption of anesthetic cream, we prefer not to use it.
The basic micro-needling treatment includes the application of healing gels and serums during and after the procedure, as well as LED therapy at 640 nanometers.
The entire procedure is normally completed within 30-60 minutes, depending on the required treatment and the anatomical site. New healthy skin appears about 4 weeks after treatment and can last up to two years.
Microneedling treatment is ideal for those patients with fine to moderate folds or lines in the face or on the body. It is effective for the gradual improvement of scarring, stretch marks, and pigment lesions. It is also indicated for those who do not wish or are not candidates for, certain surgical procedures or injectable fillers. Results are obtained in a very natural progression, without the possibility of an ‘overdone’ look.
Speak with one of our CIT Certified therapists to see if you are a candidate for Micro-Needling. There is no cost for an in-depth evaluation and consultation.
Results and Benefits of Micro-Needling
- Fine lines and wrinkles are softened
- Skin is thickened, tightened and elasticity restored
- Acne scarring and minor scarring are reduced
- Pigmentation marks are lightened
- Stretch marks are improved
- The disappearance of dilated blood vessels is encouraged
- The healing period is minimal (redness for +/- half a day)
- Procedure is cost-effective
- The process is suited to all skin types (including laser-resurfaced skin)
- No permanent damage is caused
- Safely repeatable for maximum results
- No sun sensitivity is induced
- All areas of the face, neck, and body can be treated
Recently Bella Reina has been combining micro-needling with triple wave microcurrent for more pronounced effects. The microcurrent uses a hyaluronic special mask from Korea to provide simply fabulous results.
Med Spa Services at Bella Reina Spa
Microneedling at Bella Reina
Microneedling is how your skin rebuilds itself, firmer, smoother, and stronger over time. The difference here is what we drive in. From peptides to professional-grade milk exosomes, you choose your level, and your skin gets the exact actives it needs while it’s most ready to take them in.
Five levels. One decision. Every level uses sterile, single-use tools and a sealed, professional serum, freshly opened for your skin.
Level 1. Peptide Microneedling.
$275
The foundation. Where real microneedling starts.
Peptides are messengers. They tell your skin to make more collagen and elastin, the two things that keep skin firm and bouncy. We drive a professional peptide blend in right after treatment, when your skin is wide open and ready to use it. This is the level that softens fine lines, refines texture, and tightens over a series.
Best for: first timers, fine lines, early firmness loss, anyone building a maintenance routine.
The next level up adds repair and deep hydration with Salmon DNA.
Level 2. Salmon DNA Microneedling.
$375
Repair, calm, and flood your skin with moisture.
Salmon DNA (you may hear it called PDRN) is one of the most talked about repair actives in skincare right now, and for good reason. It calms the look of redness, speeds recovery, and pulls deep hydration into skin that’s been feeling dry, tight, or reactive. Paired with microneedling, it takes the collagen building of Level 1 and adds serious soothing and glow on top.
Best for: dryness, dullness, redness-prone or sensitive skin, anyone who wants comfort and brightness alongside firming.
The next level up adds cellular energy with NAD+.
Level 3. NAD+ Booster Microneedling.
$475
Recharge your skin’s energy so it can actually do the work.
Here’s the part most treatments skip. By your 40s, your skin has lost up to half the NAD+ it had at 25. NAD+ is the fuel your skin cells burn to repair, renew, and build collagen. Without it, your cells are trying to rebuild on an empty tank. This level delivers NMN and NAD+ (the energy molecule and the precursor that makes it) along with glutathione and a peptide, so you’re not just stimulating repair, you’re powering it. It’s the only level built around cellular energy. Skin looks more awake, brighter, and more even.
Best for: skin over 40, tired or flat-looking skin, slow healers, anyone who feels their results don’t last like they used to.
The next level up is our widest blend of actives, PDX5.
Level 4. PDX5 Microneedling.
$575
The total solution. Seven actives, one session.
PDX5 is a complete professional booster built around seven ingredients working together: exosomes, Salmon DNA (PDRN), glutathione, peptides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and astaxanthin. In a single visit, your skin gets repair, brightening, deep hydration, and firming all at once. It’s the widest spectrum we offer in one serum. It firms, it evens tone, it floods moisture, and it smooths.
Best for: skin that wants everything at once, special occasion prep, anyone who has moved past single-active treatments and wants the full boost.
The next level up is our most advanced option, a true professional concentration of milk exosomes mixed fresh for you, Level 5.
Level 5. Exosome Microneedling.
$675
The pinnacle. The 4th generation of skin boosters.
Exosomes are the tiny messengers your cells use to talk to each other and signal renewal. Ours are milk exosomes, the most advanced generation of skin booster available. We mix them fresh for your session from a sealed powder and solution, so your skin gets a true professional concentration, supported by Salmon DNA, Centella, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. Paired with microneedling, this is our most powerful treatment for firmness, brighter and more even tone, smoother texture, and softer lines. It is the top of the ladder, and it is the same professional grade used in advanced skin booster treatments.
Best for: visible lines, loss of firmness, sun damage, uneven texture and tone, anyone who wants the most advanced result we offer.