The difference between microneedling and vampire facial: Microneedling is a quick collagen inducting treatment which uses micro needles to penetrate the skin. Vampire Facial is an extract of your own blood that contains platelets. When PRP is placed back into the skin, it initiates a localized stem cell response.

Microneedling

This 45 minute, minimal to no downtime, collagen inducting treatment uses a handheld device with 9 micro needles to penetrate the skin (at varying depths from .25 mm to 2.5 mm) to treat active acne, acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, pore size, uneven skin tone, stretch marks and poor skin elasticity. We recommend a series of 3 treatments spaced 2-3 weeks apart and for optimal results, complete in conjunction with laser and other collagen stimulating procedures. Collagen response deceases was we age and the ultimate goal with every anti-aging treatment is to shock your collagen back to life.

What to expect:

Upon arrival we will apply a topical lidocaine compound to your face and neck and let you numb for 30 minutes. Based on your skin’s needs, your service provider will choose a serum – Vitamin C, Vitamin A or Growth Factor (my personal fave) – to use throughout your entire treatment. She will begin using the Rejuvapen microneedling device on your forehead in a circular motion while continuously applying the serum. The micro needles create tiny injuries to the skin and penetrate into the dermis triggering your collagen response and allowing for maximum product penetration so the product can get to work! She will then repeat this process for the rest of your face and neck. The forehead and bridge of your nose tend to be the most sensitive, but for the most part you’ll just feel small vibrations and find this treatment comfortable. Immediately after, you’ll be pink or red comparable to a sunburn and may want to lay low the rest of the day.

Vampire (PRP) Facial

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an extract of your own blood that contains three to five times more platelets, growth factors and active proteins for tissue and injury healing. When PRP is placed back into the skin by injection or microneedling, it initiates a localized stem cell response. Over the weeks and months following treatment, this stem cell response recruits collagen-producing cells called fibroblasts. The fibroblasts replace tissue that has been damaged or lost through the aging process with healthy skin that looks refreshed and rejuvenated. The healing properties of the blood components in PRP can be used as a cosmetic treatment for the following:

• Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
• Tightening and toning skin
• Brightening uneven skin tone
• Mild collagen and volume loss
• Crow’s feet and dark under eye circles
• Large pores/rough texture
• Acne scarring
• Rosacea

The process:

1. We will apply a topical lidocaine to your face and neck while your blood is drawn. We only need 30 mL of blood so this is quick and painless. The vial is then placed into a centrifuge which separates your PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma, red in color) from the PPP (Platelet Poor Plasma, clear in color).
2. Your red PRP will then be microneedled back into your skin. (See above description). This is truly the only difference between these two treatments. Instead of using one of our other serums (the Vitamin C, Vitamin A or Growth Factor) we use your body’s own PRP. The benefits of PRP cannot be recreated in any cosmetic, cosmeceutical or pharmaceutical product because it’s our body’s own cells creating new tissue and healthy skin.
3. Rinse the plasma “mask” off anywhere from 20 minutes – 24 hours post treatment.
4. We will send you home with Growth Factor Serum so that you may take advantage of its benefits as well – rub it on your face for hydration and healing and improved benefits.

What to expect:

• The entire process will take 75-90 minutes.
• Immediately post treatment, your skin will feel very tight and a little tender like you have a sunburn or windburn. Once you rinse the “mask” off, your skin will be pink for 24-48 hours.
• You might feel a little dry and flaky but this is completely normal and should only last 2-3 days.
• You’ll see the benefits of one treatment last 10-12 weeks so it’s meant to be done quarterly – once every 3 months.

Excerpts courtesy of Hollyday Spa.

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Remember acne requires inside and outside changes to eliminate! Dietary changes, vitamins, and supplements help eliminate the root cause of the inflammation that CAUSES acne. Chemical Peels, Skin Care Products (Avene and Glytone @ aNu), Fractora Radio Frequency Resurfacing, and Bellafill are all external treatments that help to eliminate acne that aNu offers! Find all our face treatments here.

Eliminate Acne:

1. Avoid milk and dairy.

2. Avoid sugar and wheat. Eat a low glycemic load, low sugar diet. Sugar, liquid calories, and flour products all drive up insulin and testosterone and may cause breakouts.

3. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet consisting of more fruits and vegetables. People who eat more veggies (containing more antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds) have less acne. Make sure you get your 5–9 servings of colorful fruits and vegetables every day. Leafy greens are loaded with folate & magnesium – throw them in your smoothie!

4. Get more healthy anti-inflammatory fats. Make sure to get omega-3 fats (fish oil) and anti-inflammatory omega-6 fats. Most people need supplements to get adequate amounts.

5. Include foods that correct acne problems. Certain foods have been linked to improvements in many of the underlying causes of acne and can help correct it. These include fish oil, turmeric, ginger, green tea (ECGCs), nuts, dark purple and red foods such as berries, green foods like dark green leafy vegetables, and omega 3 rich foods, like fish or enriched eggs.

6. Take acne-fighting supplements. Some are critical for skin health. Antioxidant levels have been shown to be low in acne sufferers. And healthy fats can make a big difference.

Borage Oil: Take 1000mg 1-2X daily

Omega (EPA/DHA):  Take1500-2000mg daily

Zinc citrate: Take 30-50 mg a day.

Vitamin A: Take 25000-50000 IU daily for 2 months. Do not do this if you are pregnant. This does is too high for long-term use but may be used for short periods to clear skin.

Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols, not alpha tocopherol): Take 400 IU a day.

7. Heal the gut! Probiotics help reduce inflammation in the gut that may be linked to acne. Taking probiotics (lactobacillus, bifidobacteer) can improve acne.

Avoid foods you are sensitive to. Delayed food allergies are among the most common causes of acne—foods like gluten, dairy, yeast, nuts and eggs are common culprits and can be a problem if you have a leaky gut. Dr. Watkins can test you to see what foods you might be reacting to.
Gluten: Many people go for years without knowing the connection between gluten and their skin disorders. I have seen remarkable improvement in many patient’s illnesses, especially skin disorders and autoimmune disease on a grain-free diet.

8. Get great sleep. Studies show sleep loss contributes to inflammation, which feeds the flames of acne and numerous other issues. Those are among the many reasons you want to aim for eight hours of solid, uninterrupted sleep every night.

9. Exercise regularly. Among other benefits, exercise helps improve insulin function, reduces inflammation and boosts self-confidence.

10. Stress less. Chronic stress causes flare-ups by increasing inflammation and oxidative stress, raising cortisol and depleting zinc, magnesium, and selenium, which help control acne. Stress also causes poor dietary choices. You can manage stress through meditation, yoga, saunas, massage, biofeedback, aromatherapy, and more. Relaxing is anti-inflammatory.

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