by Cat Cairns, Skin Therapist in Manly
Interested in botox but worried about the side effects? Skin needling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy is a great natural alternative to botox.
Many moons ago I had the pleasure of working with some of the top plastic surgeons in Sydney and this is where I discovered the game changing treatment of skin needling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy. The surgeon said, “I think you’ll like skin needling because it’s based on acupuncture, it’s more natural and sounds like a better fit for you than botox” and OMG he was right.
He gave me 6 treatments that I did over the course of 6-8 month and in the process fell in love with my skin and the treatment. I knew I had to learn how to do it and offer it to women (and men).
Skin needling treatment actually deals with the root issues and function of the skin (unlike botox) and ultimately makes the skin healthier and more vibrant without many of the negative side effects of botox.
Why I choose skin needling treatment over botox every time.
Botox paralyzes the muscles & kills facial expression
I was 30+ starting to notice wrinkles and one of my surgeons suggested botox, so I tried it. I will try most (not all) things at least once to form an opinion. While my instagram photos looked amazing after the treatment, I felt like I had lost a part of me – my full facial expressions and let me tell you, I make a lot of them.
As you may or may not know, botox paralyzes the muscles so that they don’t contract (move anymore) creating a fresh, wrinkle free look.
I believe in moderation so when my clients ask me for advice I say “try it!” or keep it for a one off special occasion like wedding photos you want to cherish forever if flawless is the look you desire. For me I don’t do flawless well, I feel it loses my authenticity and that’s more important to me now.
Botox weakens your facial muscles & ultimately causes facial sag
One surgeon explained it to me like this: “When you go to the gym and exercise with weights, you tone the muscle, right? What happens if you break your arm and can’t move that muscle for 6 months? The muscle turns too fat. So if you don’t use the muscles in your face due to being paralysed, then they get fat, drop and your face will eventually start to sag.”
After many years of botox you might end up needing a face lift (jackpot $$$ for the surgeons).
Less movement of muscles also means less blood flow and less natural glow and vitality to your facial skin.
Skin needling naturally activates the skin’s healing abilities
For this treatment I use a skin pen (about the size of an electric toothbrush) that has between 36-42 needles (new sterile needle heads every time) that penetrate the skin on their dermal layer triggering a wound healing effect.
The skin thinks it’s being attacked and starts to produce a new layer of collagen and elastin to protect it (over the next 21 days). This process begins to heal scars, pigmentation imbalance, wrinkles, sagging, dark circles, lines and rosacea. It’s an all rounder and I haven’t met anyone that didn’t get a positive result after this treatment
For those who shy from pain, no worries, numbing cream is offered.
Skin needling has big results with no long term side effects
One surgeon explained to me, there are no long-term studies that say botox is safe to be used in the face – eeeew I know!!! Whereas skin needling simply activates your natural healing function and doesn’t have the long term side effects of injecting unnatural products into your skin.
After my first round of treatments I felt really empowered and for the first time since I was 21 people were starting to comment on my skin “you look glowing!!!” “what products do you use?” “are you doing botox?”
Most of my clients are over the age of 30 and this is when our bodies stop producing as much collagen but I do have younger clients that I see as a preventative (just like botox claim) and have treated a lot of acne scarred patients which is super rewarding.
Finding Peace with Your Skin
When clients start to fall in love with their skin and start getting compliments, it’s the best feeling.
I will make skin recommendations as after needling all products penetrate deeper into the skin. This means you want to be using the right products and staying away from nasty chemicals that you probably don’t even realise are in your current products.
I can help you with all of this as I don’t see my services as one off but rather support the ongoing journey of your relationship with your skin. I become a therapist for your skin, navigating you through the seasons and helping you love your skin just like a conventional therapist helps you to become at peace with your mind.
We are offering 20% off all skin needling treatments including the 6 pack (for a limited time) making it super affordable. I look forward to becoming your skin therapist and helping you on your skin journey. Cat x