Microneedling found beneficial for photoaged skin

(HealthDay)—For patients with photoaging, skin microneedling is a promising treatment option, which increases collagen production, according to a study published in the December issue of the International Journal of Dermatology.

Moetaz El-Domyati, M.D., from Al-Minya University in Egypt, and colleagues examined the efficacy of histological changes, together with quantitative assessment, in response to multiple sessions of skin microneedling in the treatment of aging skin. Six microneedling sessions were performed at two-week intervals on 10 patients with Fitzpatrick skin type III and IV and Glogau class II to III wrinkles. At baseline and at one and three months after the start of treatment the authors obtained standard photographs and skin biopsy specimens.

The researchers observed noticeable clinical improvement of photoaged skin with skin microneedling, with corresponding histological enhancement. Collagen types I, III, and VII, newly synthesized collagen, and tropoelastin improved significantly in response to treatment (P < 0.05); after treatment there was a decrease in the mean level of total elastin (P < 0.05).

"Skin microneedling is a promising minimally invasive treatment option with the advantage of increased collagen production," the authors write. "However, multiple sessions are usually needed to maintain the improvement achieved."

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