Skin Needling? vs Co2 Laser BEST for skin?

If you watch my YouTube videos, you'll know I have been on a quest for my best skin ever. Well, the best I can get it. Clear, smooth, balanced and well hydrated skin is my goal, this post is about HOW I am achieving it!

The first improvements I wanted to make were to my spots of hyper pigmentation aka "The Ghosts of acne's past". SO armed with 2 weeks worth of Google research I decided to try fractional Co2 laser.

Fractional CO2 Skin Resurfacing. Fractional CO2 resurfacing can erase years from your face and dramatically improve the appearance of wrinkles and pigment, but it is not a lunchtime procedure. “In the past, traditional carbon dioxide laser treatments removed the entire surface of the skin.
- Google 

Here you will find a VIDEO on my first experience with the co2 laser at (Metro MD) Hollywood. 




Here is the LINK to that video. 
 
If you know anything about lasers (which I did not) you'll know that they are NOT always recommended for the care of "dark skin". I had a consultation with Dr.Martin of Metro MD and her assured me that at his clinic he knew the proper temperatures to not burn my skin, which would result in more hyper pigmentation.  


 
If you watched the video then you know I was happy with my results. I purchased a 3 package deal 
MetroMD.net http://bit.ly/1uhkFhq Follow @TheMetroMD http://bit.ly/1x7cRTY

Services I had Preformed

PRP Facial $1200

PRP is a natural product created from your own body. A small amount of blood is drawn from you and placed in a sterile tube that is spun down in a centrifuge to separate the different components of the blood. Red and white blood cells are divided from the platelets and the plasma (the clear fluid). This plasma now contains a higher than normal number of platelets and is called platelet rich plasma, or PRP and can be re injected into areas and can repair itself. 

Fractional CO2Laser Package of 3 treatments $2500

Fractional CO2 resurfacing can erase years from your face and dramatically improve the appearance of wrinkles and pigment. Tiny wounds are made and the surrounding healthy skin helps with healing, making new collagen and elastin.


3 sessions + prp = $3000

Above you can see what my face looks like during and after. Immediately after my skin is fine. on the first day for the first few hour post procedure... you skin will be sensitive. If you have a more pale complexion you will be VERY red i'm sure... The following days my skin gets flaky scabs up and peels off within a week. The process is relatively painless and after 3 days you can wear makeup.  

The only down side is the recovery period, though short.. your skin does go through a Freddy Krueger like stage... 

Skin Needling is a procedure that uses multiple needles less than 0.25mm in diameter, to pierce the skin and create tiny injuries deep in the skin. These dermal injuries lead to new collagen formation via the normal skin repair mechanisms.

Above you can see what my face looks like during a typical semi aggressive dermal rolling session. I used lidocaine on my face for 45 mins prior to treating, and it's painless. I LOVE the fact that I can do this at home for less than $10. I also like the fact that there is relatively NO down time. The results can be seen within the first couple of week of you rolling. The only down side it there isn't as much of an immediate gratification here.. it's time tested. The few changes I noted immediately were in the collagen production... I feel my face looks a lot smoother. My cheek and nasal labia folds definitely LOVE dermal rolling. 

I will also say that Dermal rolling is not for the squeamish or fait at heart. You have to commit and press those needles INTO YOUR FACE... No Doctor's help... 


Which do I prefer

If you have the money, and DON'T have the I'd say you will LOVE the 4-5 day turn around getting Laser work can provide you. Making sure you have the RIGHT doctor is key. If you have the right doctor I would say that this can and will save your face within a few pain free treatments.. 

If you have minor to sever imperfections but can't invest upwards of $2000 I'd say Dermal Rolling or
Skin needling is for you. You not only can control your treatment, but, you get to watch as you repair your skin. It's an AWESOME learning experience and you can use Dermal Rollers ALL over your body. 

Some other uses for Dermal Rollers include but are NOT limited to;
Cellulite
Varicose Vains
Stretch Marks 
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Hyper Pigmentation 
Hypo Pigmentation 
Better product absorption 

Dermal Rollers | 0.3mm 1.0mm 1.5mm
0.3mm http://amzn.to/1waP2IE
1.0mm http://amzn.to/1xAwzUf
1.5mm http://amzn.to/132o4bj

Numbing Cream |  http://amzn.to/1u3wqLL

To further explore my decision, my skin care routine and more products I recommend... 
Click HERE to see a NEW video on Dermal Rolling