What is SkinPen?
SkinPen is the first microneedling device approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acne scars. It’s also used to address hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, and surgical scars in patients who are 22 or older.
SkinPen skin rejuvenation treatments are minimally invasive. The pen-like handpiece contains 14 fine microneedles that repeatedly pierce the skin, creating thousands of micro-injuries. The punctures stimulate your body’s natural wound-healing process, releasing growth factors and boosting the production of new collagen and elastin. Hence, microneedling is also known as collagen induction therapy.
At least three SkinPen treatments are recommended for best results. Each treatment takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. Appointments are typically spaced three to six weeks apart.
The treatment boasts little downtime—and unlike some other microneedling methods, it can be safely used on all skin tones and skin types.
How It works:
SkinPen by Bellus Medical is the first FDA-cleared microneedling device.
It causes controlled micro-injuries that stimulate your body’s natural wound healing process while minimizing cellular damage. The result is an effective remodeling of scar tissue while keeping the overall structure of the skin intact.1
There are three phases to the wound repair process:
- Phase I: Inflammation. Piercing the skin triggers your immune system to disinfect the wounds, remove debris, increase blood flow and begin to create new tissue.
- Phase II: Proliferation. The wound is rebuilt with new granulation cells, which are part of the extracellular matrix. Additionally, a new network of blood vessels develops.
- Phase III: Remodeling. The wound is replaced with new dermal tissues and blood vessels.
