What is Collagen Induction Therapy?

What is Collagen Induction Therapy?

Collagen induction therapy (CIT), also known as microneedling, stimulates the production of collagen in the skin using tiny, sterile needles.

This minimally invasive cosmetic procedure has become one of the most popular treatments available in recent years because it is simple, safe, and effective for a wide range of conditions including skin texture, acne scars and stretch marks.

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about collagen induction therapy by exploring its history, its mechanism, its benefits, and more. Let’s get started!

History of Collagen Induction Therapy

The concept of collagen induction therapy (CIT) dates back centuries. While there are substantial differences in terminology and tools used, a microneedling procedure shares many similarities with Chinese acupuncture. Acupuncture techniques use fine needles inserted into the skin to restore the body and facilitate healing, which is similar to the principles behind microneedling.

Ernst Kromayer, a German dermatologist, is credited with adopting a modernized version of this approach in 1905 to treat scars, birthmarks, and hyperpigmentation. However, the true “microneedle” concept was not introduced until the 1970s.

Significant advancements came in 1994 when Orentreich and Orentreich performed a subcision surgery in which they inserted a hypodermic needle to release fibrous strands, targeting the defects underneath the skin responsible for scars and wrinkles.

This breakthrough in the use of hypodermic needles inspired Dr. Desmond Fernandes to create the microneedle stamp in 1995. The purpose of this stamp was to promote collagen production via tiny wounds in the skin’s top layer, not unlike today’s treatments.

Collagen therapy has truly taken off since these early discoveries. The concept of leveraging the body’s natural healing processes to induce collagen and elastin production has become a widely accepted practice in the medical aesthetics industry. The technology has also advanced by leaps and bounds, making it an accessible, effective and minimally invasive method of targeting fine lines and wrinkles, along with other skin conditions caused by a lack of collagen.

Image Source: Canva

How Collagen Induction Therapy Works

When people ask “What is collagen induction therapy?” they’re usually also wondering about the mechanism of the treatment.. Essentially, collagen therapy aims to harness the power of the skin’s natural healing process to stimulate healing and improve overall skin health.

The tiny needles in a microneedling device create microchannels in the skin, creating tiny, controlled injuries. The depth of the treatment can be customized, with professional devices being capable of reaching the dermis (the deeper layer of the skin). The micro-injuries are just enough to trigger the body’s wound-healing response, promoting the production of new collagen and elastin fibres – the building blocks of firm, youthful skin. The collagen remodeling process leads to gradual improvement in skin texture, pores, fine lines, and scarring.

The formation of microchannels in the dermis also boosts the absorption of topical skincare products, thereby enhancing their efficacy. This feature also makes the treatment highly compatible with other cosmetic procedures, such as the Vampire Facial, which combines collagen induction therapy with platelet-rich plasma (PRP)—a regenerative treatment derived from blood – to achieve exceptional results! With recent advances in regenerative aesthetics, microneedling treatments can also be combined with exosomes.

→ Read More: How Effective is the Vampire Facial?

4 Collagen Induction Therapy Benefits

1. Total Skin Rejuvenation

CIT addresses a wide range of concerns, from fine lines and wrinkles to atrophic acne scars and uneven texture. By boosting collagen synthesis and promoting new skin tissue growth, this procedure can thicken the skin, smooth imperfections, and reverse signs of aging.

2. Minimal Downtime

Unlike invasive procedures, microneedling has a quick recovery time. You can generally return to your regular activities within 24 to 48 hours with minimal discomfort. Few other treatments can give you such great results with so little downtime.

3. Safe for All Skin Types

Collagen therapy is safe for most skin types—even dark skin! Unlike laser treatments, there is no risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This means that just about anyone can enjoy its benefits of improved skin health.

4. Long-Lasting Results

The increased collagen production triggered by CIT translates to sustained improvements. While regular maintenance might be recommended, you can often enjoy rejuvenated skin for up to two years once completing a treatment series.

What to Consider Before Microneedling

Are you thinking of trying microneedling therapy? While it comes highly recommended, there are some things to consider:

• Always have an experienced aesthetician perform a skin consultation beforehand to determine if you are a good candidate.
• Although rare, there are risks of infection, acne breakouts, milia, and hyperpigmentation. Make sure you follow your aftercare instructions carefully to optimize healing and minimize potential side effects.
• While downtime is minimal compared to other procedures, there might be some initial redness, swelling, and pinpoint bleeding for a day or two.
• Do your research and always choose a reputable provider who has extensive experience performing microneedling treatments.
• Be cautious of exaggerated claims or unrealistic promises—ethical professionals will prioritize your safety and set realistic expectations.

→ Read More: Ask the Experts: Microneedling

Image source: Canva

Discover the Rejuvenating Power of Collagen Therapy

“What is collagen induction therapy?” is a question we often get from patients seeking minimally-invasive treatment options to combat the signs of aging.

If you’re dealing with skin concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, or enlarged pores, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with the skilled aestheticians at APT Medical Aesthetics. During your consultation, we will walk you through our collagen therapy options to help you achieve comprehensive skincare rejuvenation!

We can’t wait to be part of your journey!