The Vampire Facial!

So, you’ve probably heard of microneedling and its amazing benefits for the skin, but microneedling with PRP - AKA the ‘vampire facial’ takes it to the next level.

While it sounds like something you’d find at a Halloween party, since Kim Kardashian shared her experience a few years back (of course Kim has done it!) the world has gone vampire facial crazy.

So, what is microneedling with PRP, and why do so many people love it?

Click on the image to expand

^{Kim loves to bathe in her own blood. Obviously.}

What is PRP?

In a nutshell, PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma, and is a part of your blood that contains growth factors. This means it is brilliant for helping repair and regrow - which is perfect when it comes to rejuvenating the skin.

How does microneedling work?

Microneedling is a non-invasive aesthetic treatment that uses a dermaroller or microneedling pen, which contains several needles on the end, to puncture tiny holes in the skin, causing intentional trauma to the area. Oh cripes, there we go again, trauma! While the word ‘trauma’ sounds pretty worrying - and in most situations is - in this case, it’s a good thing. When done professionally by a medically qualified practitioner, new skin surfaces naturally, looking fresher, smoother and rejuvenated.

Microneedling benefits include treating acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles and reducing pores, as well as helping with loads more skin complaints. The 30-60 minute treatment results in the production of growth factors, which is essential for healing, and boosts collagen - a naturally occurring protein that gives us smoother, plumper and younger-looking skin.

How and why is PRP used in microneedling?

So, you’re probably wondering why microneedling uses PRP, and why a vampire facial is more beneficial than just microneedling alone. Well, while microneedling is a great treatment, the addition of PRP takes its effectiveness to the next level.

During the PRP therapy procedure, blood is taken from your arm, and put into a centrifuge for several minutes. When it is taken out, the blood will have split into three levels. The top level is your PRP - often described as ‘liquid gold’ due to its colour and many fabulous benefits. Then, during or after the microneedling treatment, the PRP is rubbed onto the face to be absorbed or, in some cases injected into the skin, so that it can get even deeper.

The main reason that PRP is used during a microneedling treatment is its ability to help the skin heal faster. The growth factors that it contains work to effectively repair the skin and enable to production of healthy new skin and collagen. They also increase moisture and hyaluronic acid.

Microneedling with PRP helps replenish collagen by 10-20%, which is a pretty significant amount that can make a real difference to the look and feel of your skin. It can be used on the face, hands, neck and chest, and is great for reducing acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage and pigmentation.

So, the ‘vampire facial’ is less ‘aaaaaargh’ and more ‘oooooooh’. An exciting treatment that promises to help reduce skin issues, and give you soft-as-a-baby’s-bum smoothness that keeps getting better months down the line.

For more info on microneedling, check out our treatment guide, where you’ll find everything you need to know, including benefits, recommended number of treatments, side effects and recovery time.

Why not see who we have near you offering microneedling and PRP, the perfect Halloween treat! Just search here