docj007 - increasing collagen and breaking up fibrosis?

[powersam]

could this be useful?


Dermaroller have recently (2006) published a study confirming that "needling" triggers new collagen fibers, new melanozyts, stimulates re-vascularization, hair growth even in scars (Camirand), re-pigments stretch marks, fills depressed acne scars, softens scars and so on.

STIMULATION OF CELL GROWTH by "Needling" - 2006

NEEDLE LENGTH:

The theory expounded by some ‘experts’ that the longer the needle the better, is not supported by the scientific evidence! After evaluation of all of the biopsies in Dr Schwarz’s study, new collagen fibers were only found close to the corium and not deeper than 0.5 to 0.6 mm. Although the Dermaroller model MF8 has 1.5 mm long needles, no significant new collagen and elastin formation could be found in the sub-dermal tissue.

"6 weeks after micro-needling. Collagen and elastin fibers are increased by 1000% and to a depth of 0,5 to 0,6 mm"

CONCLUSION

"Although we do not know much about the mechanisms of the Dermaroller and how its needles induce such a dramatic amount of collagen in a short session that only lasts 20 to 30 minutes. But we have scientific proof that the needling procedure triggers new collagen fibers, new melanozyts, stimulates re-vascularization, hair growth even in scars (Camirand), re-pigments stretch marks, fills depressed acne scars, softens scars and so on. Quality needles do not damage the skin in the sense of a classical injury. The pricking channels close within 60 to 90 minutes and infections therefore are unlikely. In contrary to new laser devices such as Fraxel that beam penetrate the skin as much as 600 to 700 µm, the Dermaroller needles induce new cell formation exactly where it is needed, right in the corium."

 

[Felk]

What exactly does collagen do for your skin? (or hair for that matter)

I know all the women's skin care stuff goes on about boosting collagen, but i've never really known what it does.

 

[powersam]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collagen

Collagen is the main protein of connective tissue in animals and the most abundant protein in mammals, making up about 25% of the total protein content. It is one of the long, fibrous structural proteins whose functions are quite different from those of globular proteins such as enzymes. Strong, tough bundles of collagen called collagen fibers are a major component of the extracellular matrix that supports most tissues and gives cells structure from the outside, but collagen is also found inside certain cells. Collagen has great tensile strength, and is the main component of cartilage, ligaments, tendons, bone and teeth. Along with soft keratin, it is responsible for skin strength and elasticity, and its degradation leads to wrinkles that accompany aging. It strengthens blood vessels and plays a role in tissue development. It is present in the cornea and lens of the eye in crystalline form. It is also used in cosmetic surgery and burns surgery.

 

[docj077]

What would interest me more is if they found dermal remodeling as a result of dermaroller use.

It's like to see a biopsy of the results, because they mention revascularization and I'd also like to see what sort of impact this device has on collagen deposition.

 

[H2O]

Here are the links to some of the reports to which Powersam is referring :

http://www.vitaflux.com/Anastassakis.htm


http://www.dermaroller.de/CIT-findings.htm


The second link does have pictures of both the control biopsy and, "...from a biopsy 6 weeks after micro-needling. Collagen and elastin fibers are increased by 1000% and to a depth of 0,5 to 0,6 mm."

Also noted is that these studies mostly involve the longer needled models. However even the C-8 model (suggested for improved product penetration) has a study which found, "... Three hours after the application and treatment with the Dermacare Dermaroller C-8 a total of 28.5 % of the applied substance ( Retin-A ) was found in the stratum corneum. In the control group only 13.7 %. That means penetration into the stratum corneum has improved about 105 %. Only 3.3 % penetrated into the lower skin layers and 0.5% were found in the receptor compartment. This confirms that the Dermaroller C-8 delivers to the stratum corneum without loosing too much substance to the lower skin layers and without the risk of systemic side effects..."

This is an interesting adjunct to traditional application methods. If one uses their model C-8 (shortest needle array), in theory dermal penetration would increase greatly while systemic absorption would still be avoided. Any thoughts Doctor ?

Other studies are here :

http://dermaroller.co.nz/research/needle.pdf


http://dermaroller.co.nz/research/derma-eng.pdf

 

[powersam]

i was less interested in its enhancing penetration, and more interested in its increasing collagen production. but anything that helps is good i spose.