Now that mask-wearing is no longer mandatory (except on public transportation), this only means one thing – we can attend social gatherings without masks.
With the festive season approaching, it’s about time to undergo collagen stimulating aesthetic treatments. If you’re afraid of needles or prefer something less invasive, consider ultrasound treatments like Sofwave and Ultherapy. Because these treatments take 2-3 months for their full effects to take place, now’s the perfect time to schedule an appointment[link to contact form]– that’s if you want tighter, younger looking skin by your next Christmas or New Year’s gathering.
What is Sofwave?
Sofwave uses proprietary Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam SUPERB™ technology to stimulate collagen and rejuvenate skin. Typically used on the brow, jawline and neck, Sofwave heats the mid-dermal tissue and works to:
Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Lift the brow, submental tissue and neck
A treatment session of Sofwave takes about 45-60 minutes. There is no pain or risk of burns and patients can resume their daily activities immediately after treatment.
You will notice improvements in skin texture and firmness after one treatment; however because collagen regeneration is an ongoing process, you can expect to see further refinements in 3 months.
What is Ultherapy?
Like Sofwave, Ultherapy delivers focused ultrasound energy to trigger natural collagen production in the dermal and subdermal tissues.
Unlike Sofwave, however, Ultherapy penetrates deeper into the skin and is the only non-invasive treatment to reach the SMAS layer.
For this reason, Ultherapy is complementary to Sofwave and is:
Used on the full face and areas where Sofwave cannot reach
Better for patients with moderate skin laxity
An Ultherapy session takes about 60-90 minutes and 20 minutes for the whole face and undereye region respectively. There is no downtime, and most patients only need one treatment a year.
How is Sofwave different from Ultherapy?
Aspect
Sofwave
Ultherapy
How new it is
Established in 2020
Established in 2004
Treatment areas
Whole face and neck.
The full face, neck and décolletage.
FDA clearance
Yes.
Yes.
Depth
Sofwave is delivered at 1.5mm, producing bulk heating of the middle-to-deep layer of the skin where collagen is most abundant. This lowers the risk of destroying good fat in the face, or causing injury to muscles and nerves in the deeper tissue.
Ultherapy is delivered at 1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm. Amongst the non-invasive skin treatments, Ultherapy reaches the deepest. It is the only treatment other than surgery to affect the SMAS layer.
Real-time visualisation
No.
Yes.
Effects
It improves fine lines and wrinkles; crepey skin becomes firmer and more youthful in appearance.
Loose and sagging skin is tightened, lifted, and firmed, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
Downtime
No downtime.
No downtime.
Results
Final results take about 2-3 months to appear and last 9 months to a year.
Full results take 3-6 months to show and last a year.
Treatment length for face
45 minutes.
45 minutes.
No. of treatments needed
One.
One.
Applicable to all skin types
Suitable for all skin types and tones.
Suitable for all skin types and tones.
Both Sofwave and Ultherapy are not that different, and neither one is inherently better than the other. Due to the different skin depths they can reach, it is highly recommended to do both treatments to get the best of both worlds.
Look the best you’ve had in years
Sofwave and Ultherapy are low maintenance treatments that show the best results in about 3 months.
The ideal candidates are those with:
Mild to moderate skin laxity Fine lines and wrinkles And importantly, those who want to look like the best version of themselves mask-free.
In the world of skincare and aesthetic advancements, the pursuit of skin rejuvenation and radiance continues to evolve. This article will delve into two transformative topics: Exosomes and Microneedling with RF machines.
From the intricacies of exosomes to the combination of microneedling with RF technology, we are here to guide you through these exciting and effective procedures.
What are exosomes?
Exosomes are a type of tiny extracellular vesicle originating from within cells. Measuring 30 to 150 nm in diameter, they are enclosed by a lipid bilayer and released into the area outside the cell – a process known as exocytosis. Exosomes carry a complex cargo derived from their parent cells.
The complex cargo includes proteins, lipids, mRNA, miRNA and even DNA [1]. This means that exosomes have the unique ability to communicate their genetic information to other cells – near and distant. Hence, exosomes can target specific cells, transfer their content, and alter the characteristics of the recipient cell.
Exosomes can be used in a plethora of treatments such as cancer therapy, tissue repair and regeneration, immunotherapy, therapeutic applications for diabetes and lung diseases, etc [2]. The list of treatment opportunities with exosomes is endless.
Exosomes are released outside the cell in a process known as exocytosis.
What is microneedling with RF machines?
Microneedling with RF (radiofrequency) machines is an innovative skincare technique combining two effective skin rejuvenation treatments [4]. Ultra-fine needles are used to gently puncture the surface of your skin to stimulate your body’s natural healing process, improving skin texture once healed. RF technology uses warm energy that deeply penetrates your skin, stimulating collagen production, and tightening tissues.
Microneedling is a type of collagen induction therapy involving tiny needles to create micro-injuries in your skin, prompting collagen synthesis. When combined with RF energy, this process is enhanced. The RF energy heats the deeper layers of your skin, enhancing collagen remodelling, and giving your skin a smoother and tighter appearance [5]. This dual action addresses skin concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and even sagging skin.
But you may be wondering, does microneedling with RF hurt?
Most procedures involve numbing cream, ensuring your comfort. After the treatment, your skin may be slightly red, but downtime is typically minimal, usually only for about an hour or two. This modern approach to skincare offers impressive results, helping you achieve a more youthful and revitalised appearance.
Radiofrequency microneedling works by causing micro-injuries to the face to stimulate the body’s natural healing reaction – the production of collagen.
What does microneedling RF with exosomes do?
When you undergo microneedling with RF, the tiny needles create controlled micro-injuries in your skin. Your body then works to repair these “injuries” by stimulating collagen production for plumper, smoother skin. Exosomes follow this process by carrying instructions and materials that support healing and tissue regeneration. When applied during or after microneedling with RF, exosomes provide an extra dose of goodness, supercharging the rejuvenation process, and giving you renewed and rejuvenated skin [6].
Benefits of exosome-enhanced microneedling RF
A 2023 study showed that exosome-enhanced microneeding RF significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, wrinkles, and pigmentation [7]. Additional benefits include:
Enhanced healing: exosomes boost your skin’s natural healing processes, helping to repair and rejuvenate faster.
Collagen supercharge: the combination of exosomes and microneedling with RF stimulates collagen production on a deeper level, improving your skin’s elasticity and firmness.
Targeted results: exosomes contain specific instructions that address skin concerns (such as wrinkles, scars, and pigmentation), resulting in more tailored outcomes.
Reduced downtime: recovery time is often shorter than traditional treatments, allowing you to resume your routine sooner.
Long-lasting effects: exosome-enhanced microneedling with RF can lead to continuing improvements in your skin’s texture and appearance as time goes on.
Customised approach: exosome treatment can be tailored to suit your skin’s needs, maximising your benefits.
Natural approach: exosomes work harmoniously with your body’s natural processes, promoting skin health in a natural way.
Microneedling RF with exosomes significantly improves skin renewal and regeneration.
What to expect after microneedling with exosomes?
Here is what you can anticipate during and after the procedure:
Consultation: discuss your concerns and desired results with a skincare specialist; this allows them to tailor the treatment according to your needs.
Preparation: numbing cream is usually applied to ensure comfort during the procedure.
RF Microneedling: the treatment begins with a specialised device to gently create controlled micro-injuries on your skin’s surface. RF energy is simultaneously delivered to stimulate collagen production.
Exosome application: exosomes are applied during or immediately after microneedling to further enhance rejuvenation.
Sensations: you may feel mild discomfort during the procedure, but the numbing cream minimises potential pain.
Redness: you can expect some redness in certain areas post-treatment, which usually subsides within a few hours.
Downtime: while downtime is usually minimal, avoiding makeup and sun exposure for the first two days following the procedure is recommended.
Results: over time, you will notice improvements in skin texture, tone, and appearance as collagen remodelling takes effect.
Each individual experience varies. It is important to discuss your expectations with a qualified professional to ensure you are receiving personalised and comfortable treatment tailored to your needs, concerns, and desired results.
Safety considerations and possible side effects of microneedling RF with exosomes
Prioritising safety is crucial when considering exosome-enhanced microneedling RF. While this treatment is generally safe and effective, there are essential factors to take note of to ensure a positive experience.
The expertise of the professional performing the procedure is of utmost importance. Opting for a trained and certified skincare specialist guarantees proper execution of the procedure and significantly reduces the likelihood of any complications arising.
It is crucial to understand that everyone’s skin reacts differently to treatments. While most individuals experience minimal side effects such as temporary redness, swelling, or mild discomfort, your skin may respond to this treatment differently.
Rare risks (though very uncommon) are potential considerations. These risks include infection, scarring, or alterations in pigmentation. However, selecting a reputable and experienced professional substantially mitigates these risks, assuring a safer procedure overall. You must also disclose any allergies or sensitivities to your practitioner, as this information enables them to tailor the treatment and avoid adverse reactions to exosomes or other products used during the procedure.
Adhering to aftercare instructions provided by your professional is crucial. These guidelines are essential in optimising the healing process and ensuring you achieve your desired results.
Who is a suitable candidate for microneedling RF with exosomes?
This treatment is suitable for a wide range of individuals seeking skin rejuvenation and improvement. You may benefit from this procedure if you have fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, pigmentation, and uneven skin tone or texture.
Generally, you should be healthy and have realistic expectations about the potential outcomes. Whether you have light or dark skin, exosome-enhanced microneedling can be tailored to suit your needs. However, it is best to consult your skincare specialist before proceeding if you have active skin infections, severe skin conditions, or certain medical conditions.
A personalised consultation will determine if this procedure is right for you. A skincare professional will consider your skin type, concerns, medical history, and goals to create a treatment plan that is safe and effective, ensuring you achieve your desired results.
Microneedling RF with exosomes efficiently treats fine lines and wrinkles.
Can you combine exosome with other aesthetic treatments?
You can enhance your results by combining exosome therapy with other aesthetic treatments. This approach, often called combination therapy, can provide even more comprehensive improvements for your skin.
For instance, laser treatments are commonly done with exosome therapy to further improve and address surface texture irregularities and pigmentation issues.
Additionally, treatments like dermal fillers and/or BTX can complement exosome-enhanced microneedling by targeting different aspects of ageing, such as volume loss and wrinkles from hyperactive muscle facial movements.
However, it is crucial to work closely with your skincare professional to create a tailored plan that meets your unique needs. They will ensure the treatments are compatible and administered to maximise your benefits. With the right combination of treatments, you can achieve a more complete and harmonious rejuvenation for your skin.
A licensed and experienced skin specialist will work closely with you to meet your skin needs and desires.
Conclusion
In conclusion, exosome-enhanced microneedling presents an exciting avenue for achieving revitalised and more youthful skin. By harnessing the power of exosomes and combining it with microneedling and RF technology, you open the door to a natural and effective approach to cell regeneration and skin rejuvenation. Consulting with a qualified professional will help you explore this innovative treatment and embark on a journey towards healthier, more radiant skin.
Sathish Muthu, A. B. (2021). Exosomal therapy—a new frontier in regenerative medicine. Stem Cell Investigation, doi: 10.21037/sci-2020-037.
Abhimanyu Thakur, D. S. (2023). Therapeutic Values of Exosomes in Cosmetics, Skin Care, Tissue Regeneration, and Dermatological Diseases. Cosmetics MDPI, https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics10020065.
Marcus G Tan, C. E. (2021). Radiofrequency Microneedling: A Comprehensive and Critical Review. Dermatologic Surgery, 755-761.
Grace K A, S. L. (2022). Evaluating the effectiveness and safety of radiofrequency for face and neck rejuvenation: A systemic review. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 27-45.
Patricia K F, T. L. (2022). Exosomes: The Next Big Thing in Skincare? Skincare Science.
Gyeong-Hun Park, H. H. (2023). Efficacy of combined treatment with human adipose tissue stem cell-derived exosome-containing solution and microneedling for facial skin aging: A 12-week prospective, randomized, split-face study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15872.
The skin is the largest organ of our body, so it makes complete sense to take care of it well. Its main responsibility is to protect the body from external stressors such as bacteria, toxins, sunlight, etc. This protection is provided by the skin barrier integrity.
It is a well-known fact that the skin loses its integrity as we age, inevitably. If this is lost, we will be more susceptible to injury, loss of moisture, and excess sun exposure. All these age us prematurely and may even lead to other serious complications such as skin cancer. So how do we maintain our skin barrier integrity? Read on to find out more!
What is your skin barrier and what does it do?
The skin is made up of many layers, with each layer responsible for different things. The outermost layer of your skin, also known as the stratum corneum, is your skin barrier. It is made of cells that act as a layer of protection and contains:
Without your skin barrier, you will be exposed and vulnerable to harmful bacteria, toxins, and ultraviolet rays that are detrimental to your body. Additionally, your body will also lose copious amounts of water, causing you to become dehydrated.
The skin barrier is essential to our survival, so it is important to keep its integrity intact and undamaged.
How do I maintain my skin barrier?
There are several ways to help maintain the integrity of your skin barrier. As a start, always look at your daily skincare routine to ensure that your skincare is not contributing to the destruction of your skin barrier.
Here are some things you should consider:
Simplify your skin care routine: if you’re performing a complicated daily skincare regimen that involves many products, you may inadvertently be weakening your skin barrier. This can be due to various active ingredients having additive effects on each other. I like to review my patients’ skincare routine with them and help them eliminate what they do not need so as to prevent the unintended weakening of their skin barrier.
Moisturisers with hyaluronic acid and/or glycerin: keeping your face hydrated will help to improve your skin and maintain your skin barrier. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin have been scientifically proven to draw or add moisture to your skin, thus keeping your skin plump and vibrant.
Sun protection: apply good quality sunscreen and wear protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses.
Use skin care products that contain products which help maintain your skin barrier.
What are the causes of damaged skin barrier?
There are a number of things that can damage your skin barrier, these are:
Age: as we age, our skin loses the ability to produce oil, thus making it difficult to maintain the skin barrier. However, skin age does not always equate to one’s actual age. A 50-year-old individual who has taken care of his/her skin well for the past 20 years may have better skin integrity than a 40-year-old.
Environmental factors:pollution and exposure to UV rays damages the skin barrier causing it to break down. Dry air during winter or from the aircon can also contribute to damaging your skin barrier.
Skincare habits: moderation is key. Incorrect or aggressive skincare habits can contribute to the breaking down of your skin barrier. Scrubs, exfoliants, over-cleansing, or over-washing are all examples of incorrect or aggressive skincare habits.
Now that we know what contributes to the degradation of the skin barrier, let’s find out what can be done to restore the skin barrier.
Damaged skin barrier can make us more vulnerable to harmful substances and cause moisture to be lost from our body.
How do I know if my skin barrier is damaged?
If your skin barrier is damaged, you may experience the following:
Dry, itchy skin
Prone to infections
Rough, discoloured patches of skin
Acne
How do I restore my skin barrier?
If your skin barrier has been damaged or broken, there are various ways to restore skin barrier, these are:
Profhilo:Profhilo is an injectable anti-ageing treatment made from hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the skin. It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, attracts water deep within the layers of the skin, and helps to tighten and strengthen the skin barrier.
Rejuran: commonly known as Rejuran Healer, works by strengthening the skin barrier and revitalises it by improving the skin’s hydration. It promotes the production of collagen and elastin, improves the skin’s healing capabilities, tightens the skin, repairs skin cells, refines pores, and hydrates the skin.
In general, Profhilo is recommended if the patient has purely just dry/dehydrated/aged/lax skin; Rejuran, if the patient also has skin problems such as acne and rosacea.
Both treatments are not mutually exclusive and many patients either do both or alternate the treatments to get effects from both types.
Profhilo and Rejuran are effective treatments for restoring skin barrier.
Is there a minimum/maximum age for treatment of damaged skin barrier?
There is no minimum or maximum age to start skin barrier treatment. However, it is never too early to start protecting your skin from the elements.
Protection can start as early as age 10-12—start with the basics such as a gentle cleanser, moisturiser, and daily sunscreen. Once you reach puberty, be sure you switch your gentle cleanser to one that controls oil if you suffer from acne and pimples.
Who is the ideal candidate for treatment with regards to preserving skin integrity?
How many treatments are required to restore the skin barrier?
In general, two treatments of Profhilo done one month apart is recommended while three treatments of Rejuran can be done one month apart. There is no harm to do additional treatment if one requires it, e.g., older age group or more damaged skin.
Frequently asked questions
How soon will I see results after treatment for damaged skin barrier?
Full effects are seen at the end of the total treatment course, e.g., two treatments for Profhilo and three treatments for Rejuran.
Do over-the- counter creams (OTC) and lotions work to restore damaged skin barrier?
It depends. Pay attention to pH. Your skin has a pH, also known as an acid mantle, and is usually around a pH of 4.7. However, the pH of some skincare products can be as high as 9 or 10, this can disrupt your skin barrier.
What else can I do to protect my skin barrier from further damage?
Know your skin well and pay attention to your skin. If you observe dry, itchy, or red skin, do not just brush it off as ‘sensitive skin’ as these may indicate compromised skin barrier.
Hydration and moisturising with the above ingredients are key but those with combination acne-prone skin should avoid comedogenic or thick formulations, especially in tropical Singapore where humidity is high.
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