Rejuvenate from within

I had heard of microneedling as a potent way to transform problematic skin, but the idea of needles on my face was not something I would ever be ready for — or so I thought.

Years ago, I had a chance to try the technology when it was just being introduced to the market. Learning that there was downtime — meaning, I may have to “hide” from view while my reddened skin returned to normal – I begged off. My job, after all, required presence in both the office and at events; I just didn’t have the luxury of time off for several days.

What eventually convinced me to finally undergo microneedling recently was the promise that there would be no pain, and that I could go straight to work after the hour-and-a-half procedure.

So off I went to have the Potenza RF Microneedling + AnteAGE MDX Exosomes treatment — one that “combines the benefits of RF microneedling and exosome therapy for intensive skin rejuvenation.”

What is Potenza RF Microneedling?

A doctor at Smart Skin Clinic explains it as such: “An ultrafine needle is pointed into the skin and RF (radiofrequency waves, a type of high frequency) is irradiated from the tip of the needle. When the skin is damaged by the needle and heat energy, the ‘wound healing mechanism,’ which tries to heal wounds by itself, is activated, resulting in the production of collagen and elastin, which is expected to have a beautiful skin effect and improve craters.”

My therapist at Facial Care Centre assured me it is “minimally invasive” — and I must admit that this was enough for me to proceed. Basically, I wanted the quickest way to zap the signs of neglect and aging that had begun to horrify me every morning — IN ONE DAY.

So, there it was: I had little time available, I wanted immediate results, and I wanted it to be as painless as possible. Trusting my friend’s recommendation, I submitted to the experience.

The treatment

First, I was given a skin assessment by a skin specialist. Yes, she affirmed: my skin was in dire need of a rescue. It felt dry and tight in parts yet I was having mini breakouts.

She recommended an intensive cleansing facial (one hour) followed by the microneedling treatment.

The beauty of the Potenza microneedling technology is that it works deep into the skin using radiofrequency energy. “This process triggers the body’s natural healing response, which also boosts collagen and elastin production. The RF energy further heats the underlying skin layers to promote skin tightening and skin texture improvement,” it was explained.

Combined with exosomes — “tiny vesicles secreted by cells that help in cell communication and regeneration” — the treatment becomes more potent. Here, the exosomes used are “derived from stem cells and are rich in growth factors, cytokines and peptides.”

The process allows these exosomes to “penetrate deeply into the skin, enhancing the regenerative process caused by microneedling. They accelerate healing, reduce inflammation and further boost collagen and elastin synthesis. This not only helps in faster recovery but also maximizes the overall skin rejuvenating effects of the treatment.”

For a procedure that took about the time I spend for lunch or dinner, my tired skin felt immediately refreshed. Over the next week, I observed how my skin looked and felt better, the fine lines and poor skin tone addressed.

The ambiance

Perhaps what made the overall experience pleasant — other than pain-free — was the warm and efficient service I was given. I felt that I was in expert hands, and the place (I went to their Makati branch) felt extremely comfortable. The room I was in had a grand view of the Central Business District, not that I saw much of it as I found myself lightly snoozing under the gentle ministrations on my face.

The result

Certainly, my skin felt smooth and tighter right after the procedure. Starting out a little pink, my skin color returned to normal by the time I reached the office to start my day.

No one gave me strange looks, which I took to mean I looked the same as usual even though I could not apply makeup or wash my face for at least six hours.

I finished the work day and decided to let my skin absorb the maximum benefits of the treatment by washing it the next morning.

The mirror showed a more radiant face – not dull and dry as I had to bear for several months, maybe even years! Fine lines became less apparent and overall, my skin felt smoother and more supple.

The therapist recommended three treatments, one month apart, for best results. This treatment, for me, is definitely worth the price as it does not change your appearance, but essentially helps your own skin to rejuvenate itself.