My 12 Week Skin Prep Routine for EXCEED Microneedling
BY SOPHIE CHUNG
From 'good' to poreless perfection. *chef's kisses*
19 DEC 2024
As I approach 33 years old and settle into the busiest decade in which all decisions have a rippling effect, adopting an intentional ‘work smart, not hard’ ethos has been the eureka solution for an easier life. I need things to work - and ideally, with speed! But as we all know, good things take time, and improving the condition of our skin is no different.
During my near decade long stint as a Beauty Editor, I’ve been using dermaviduals for the majority of 8 years. I don’t judge those who use injectables, but for context, I’d like to point out that I don’t use botox or fillers - my 33 year old wrinkle-free skin is 100% owed to dermaviduals. So why would I do CIT, you ask? To achieve absolute skin perfection, of course!
If you’ve been a loyal reader of ours, you’ll know that while I’m not that serious of a person, I’m devout in my skin religion of Corneotherapy. Using only the most superior dermis-supporting skincare, I treat my largest organ like a temple. There’s a variety of microneedling devices on the market but EXCEED is the best one out there. It’s the world’s first FDA approved device (some devices out there aren’t FDA-approved so make sure that you check this! I was shooketh when I found out that some big names weren’t!) which means it is actually safe, precise and effective, and it has been medically proven to reduce acne scarring and the appearance of wrinkles.
What is EXCEED Microneedling and its Benefits?
Microneedling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), works by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin’s dermal layer. This stimulates a biological response that promotes collagen and elastin production, two essential proteins responsible for the skin’s firmness and elasticity.
Collagen makes up about 70-80% of the dermis, which is the outer skin layer. As we age, our body’s natural collagen production declines, which causes sagging, loss of plumpness and wrinkles.
This is where collagen induction therapy comes in. A natural method in maintaining skin health, CIT improves the skin quality in a myriad of ways, from smoothing out uneven skin texture, to reducing fine lines and wrinkles, fading dark spots and pigmentation, boosting skin radiance, enhancing product absorption and reducing scarring from acne, surgery and stretch marks.
"For context, I’d like to point out that I don’t use botox or fillers - my 33 year old wrinkle-free skin is 100% owed to dermaviduals!"
Corneotherapy Philosophy
Starting from the outermost stratum corneum and progressing toward the basal cell layer, using skincare that follows a corneotherapeutic philosophy like dermaviduals is crucial. It may sound complex but the theory is very simple and straightforward. When you repair the permeable and compromised stratum corneum that is inflamed from thinking it is in a dangerous environment, your skin can be restored into a healthy and balanced state.
Rather than peeling away what is considered to be a layer of ‘dead’ cells, dermaviduals formulations work to protect the outer barrier (stratum corneum) by including Phosphatidylcholine. This is a substance that works in harmony with our skin, which is why dermaviduals is so effective and can easily treat skin disorders that stem from sensitisation such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. It works in synchronicity with the skin.
Corneotherapy Philosophy
Starting from the outermost stratum corneum and progressing toward the basal cell layer, using skincare that follows a corneotherapeutic philosophy like dermaviduals is crucial. It may sound complex but the theory is very simple and straightforward. When you repair the permeable and compromised stratum corneum that is inflamed from thinking it is in a dangerous environment, your skin can be restored into a healthy and balanced state.
Rather than peeling away what is considered to be a layer of ‘dead’ cells, dermaviduals formulations work to protect the outer barrier (stratum corneum) by including Phosphatidylcholine. This is a substance that works in harmony with our skin, which is why dermaviduals is so effective and can easily treat skin disorders that stem from sensitisation such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. It works in synchronicity with the skin.
My 12-week Skincare Prep Routine
In the lead up to my EXCEED Microneedling treatment, I was put on a 12-week skin prep routine that consists of dermaviduals, SIMKA and an MTS home-roller. This is to strengthen the skin barrier defence systems. After all, our skin will be undergoing micro-injuries, so it needs to be in its peak condition to achieve optimal results.
SIMKA Alpha Omega-3 Soft Gels
Omega-3 is the most underrated supplement ever. As we don’t produce it naturally in our bodies, it’s crucial that we take them for brain, organ and skin health. The SIMKA soft gels are derived from a wild-type food-grade algae strain that is cultured in pure water, delivering the most DHA-potent supplement on the planet. They’re also vegan as well as ethically and sustainably sourced. Omega 3 is my desert island supplement as it supports cellular function, improving not only the skin from the inside out but it also helps with fatigue, brain fog, muscle pain and dry eyes.
The DHA-rich formula in SIMKA soft gels boosts skin hydration, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the skin barrier, creating an ideal foundation for microneedling. Properly prepped skin enhances the treatment's effectiveness, resulting in a healthy, radiant glow.
SIMKA Alpha Omega-3 Soft Gels
Cleansing Milk with DMS
A gentle, lipid-rich cleanser that feels incredibly delicious on the skin, the Cleansing Milk with DMS effectively removes impurities while maintaining the skin’s natural barrier. Its DMS base closely mimics the skin's structure, leaving it soothed and hydrated instead of stripped and dry after cleansing. If you have dry, sensitive or compromised skin, this will be the cleanser for you.
Cleansing Milk with DMS
Hyaluronan NAG Liposomes
Hyaluronic acid has become quite the buzzword in the past couple of years. N-Acetyl-glucosamine (NAG) is a highly dosed hyaluronic acid and is by far - hands down - the best HA serum I have EVER tried. It instantly creates the glazed donut effect upon application, plumping and smoothing the skin. I feel immense joy every time I use this.
Hyaluronan NAG Liposomes
Plutioderm Plus
The Plutioderm Plus moisturiser is the product that made me fall in love with dermaviduals and not to be dramatic, but it literally changed my life. I used to have oily skin and this led to acne breakouts and an oil-slick face by 11am. The Plutioderm Plus has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and thus, works insanely well when it comes to balancing acne-prone skin. I use this as my morning moisturiser as I still break out from time to time depending on my stress levels, hormones and diet.
Plutioderm Plus
SIMKA Invisible Facial Fluid SPF 50
An antioxidant-infused skin-caring sunblock, this ultra lightweight formula is my favourite SPF formula to date! It has a dry-touch formula with no white cast and sits really well under makeup. SIMKA Invisible Facial Fluid SPF 50 is an ideal addition to the skin prep routine before microneedling. Ensuring skin is adequately protected from UV damage prior to treatment is crucial, as microneedling stimulates skin repair and renewal.
SIMKA Invisible Facial Fluid SPF 50
DMS Mask with Vitamins
At night, I use the vitamins A, C and E infused DMS Mask with Vitamins to nourish my skin while I sleep. It has a milky fast-absorbing texture and has barrier-strengthening properties, making it a must-have for improving skin resilience before EXCEED microneedling, as well as in aiding post-treatment recovery.
DMS Mask with Vitamins
MTS-Roller
The MTS-Roller is a premium dermal roller made of fine surgical-grade needles. Using this unassuming little tool every week or so at home will make a huge difference to your skin. Not only does it improve the absorption of active ingredients to make your dermaviduals skincare go further, it also encourages the release of growth factors and cytokines, essential elements for skin rejuvenation, connective tissue remodelling, and strengthening. Keratinocytes are cell communicators and basically, order the fibroblasts in the dermis to produce new collagen.
Home rolling is a great way to prepare your skin for the next step in your skin-perfecting journey which is EXCEED Microneedling.
MTS-Roller
Oleogel S
Oleogel S is a stunning ointment-type balm enriched with phosphatidylserine (PS) which is a phospholipid molecule that enhances cellular turnover, tissue repair and regeneration while also providing anti-inflammatory effects. It’s completely microbiome-compatible so it’s perfect for calming inflammation and increasing skin barrier resilience. I use this like medicine for my skin when it feels taught, dry and sensitised to give it relief. This is also great to use after micro-needling and home-rolling.
Oleogel S
Post Treatment Skin Care
SIMKA Bio-Cellulose Facial Mask
Following your EXCEED Microneedling treatment, the skin will feel a bit hot like it’s been sunburnt. The SIMKA Bio-Cellulose Facial Mask is not your average sheet mask. Made from skin-friendly bio-cellulose, this mask works with water - its single, powerful ingredient - to cool and replenish the skin. Its minimalist yet highly effective design supports the skin’s natural regenerative process, promoting hydration, cellular recovery, and a healthy glow.
SIMKA Bio-Cellulose Facial Mask
My First EXCEED Microneedling Treatment
After my 12 week skin prep program, I was beyond excited to visit my local EXCEED clinic and experience my first microneedling treatment. My skin was relatively smooth and even at this point from using dermaviduals but I had a small breakout on the sides of my face and on my chin.
The skin therapist performing my treatment ran the microneedling pen back and forth in segments, starting with the forehead as this is the most ‘painful’ area but I didn’t find it to be that uncomfortable. There was no numbing cream used either! It was a bit spicy around the eye and lip area but it’s just a moment in time.
From memory, it was all over in about 20-30 minutes and I was sent home to recover. The downtime was a couple of days and I began to see results after a week. Overall, the experience was super manageable and I would do the treatment again in a heartbeat!
'Before' my treatment
The Results
After two weeks, the results were very obvious. There was a radiant glow to my skin with not even a speck of imperfection. My skin was super clear and even, the pigmentation was reduced, and if you look closely at my nose in the exposing close up of my ‘after’ photo, I had zero blackheads and my pores were pretty much invisible. I didn’t have to use any complexion makeup during this time because I wanted to flaunt my freshly rejuvenated skin. If I had to get dolled up, I would only use a featherlight touch of mascara, a swipe of lip oil and a bit of cream blush to add rosiness.
Every time I looked in the mirror, the feeling of elation was simply unmatched. This is the best skin I’ve ever had!
'After' my treatment
Final Thoughts
As microneedling works on every skin type and isn’t an invasive procedure, I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to treat scarring, reduce pigmentation, smooth texture, revive dullness and reduce pore size. If you’re a skin fanatic and feel that topical skincare alone has plateaued in its effects, microneedling will take your skin to the next level.
I would especially advise microneedling to anyone who is about to be wed as your makeup will stick to your face like a second skin. Because the skin is so smooth and soft, your foundation and concealer will melt in and won’t flake or move like it would on dry skin.
To find out if microneedling is suitable for your skin and to plan your first session, I recommend booking a consultation with a practicing Corneotherapist to discuss your treatment plan. To locate your nearest EXCEED clinic, use the clinic finder on the dermaviduals website.
Check out your nearest Clinic here
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