Beauty: The low-down on micro-needling treatments
Road Test
This week I try … a micro-needling treatment
The lowdown SkinPen, also known as micro-needling, is the latest FDA-approved needling device that aims to boost collagen. This is great for the treatment of acne but it also improves skin texture. Micro-needling is a form of collagen induction therapy that uses tiny needles to stimulate the body's natural wound-healing response. My skin's texture is looking pretty lacklustre, so I am keen to give this treatment a go.
Pain factor There was some redness that felt a bit like sunburn for two days, but the needling itself was quite tolerable.
Downtime Ninety minutes. Avoid active skin care products containing retinol or AHA/BHAs acids for seven days post-treatment.
Results The real improvement in skin tone kicked in about a week after the treatment.
Where to get it Sydney: The Clinic, theclinic.net.au. Cost: $550. Melbourne: Coco Ruby, cocoruby.com.au. Cost: from $350.
At home Use a soothing balm such as Cosmedix Rescue+ Intense Balm and Mask, (adorebeauty.com.au, $96).
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When the Iconic London package of goodies came across my desk, it was hard to choose a favourite. It was a close thing between the Chrome Flash Eye Pot and the Lip Plumping Gloss in Do Not Disturb (myer.com.au, $49). In the end the plumping lip gloss got the guernsey for colour and lip-boosting results.
Ask Stephanie
What's the best way to use fake tan on a pale face? Blend a fake tan lotion or mousse with a moisturiser at night to dilute it and make it subtler, then apply directly to skin before going to sleep.
Add a couple of drops of Clinique Sun-Kissed Face Gelee Bronzer (clinique.com.au, $42) to your night cream and wake up to a gleaming complexion.
Follow Stephanie Darling on Instagram @mrssdarling. Send questions to stephanie@darlingbeauty.com.au.
This article appears in Sunday Life magazine within the Sun-Herald and the Sunday Age on sale May 12.