PRP Facials and the Science Behind Timeless Skin
Contents
Understanding PRP (platelet-rich plasma)
The PRP facial process
Mechanism of action for timeless skin
Scientific studies and research
Ideal candidates and skin conditions
Comparisons with other skincare treatments
Pre-procedure and aftercare
PRP facials are the key to youthful skin
PRP facials are an extremely popular treatment for anti-aging. You may have heard the term thrown around in trendy media. Many celebrities have praised the famous vampire facials for their unmatched benefits.
So, what exactly are PRP facials and are there any vampires involved?
Put your garlic cloves away.
PRP facials are a skin rejuvenation treatment that’s also known as a vampire facial. It gets this name because it uses your own blood to stimulate your body’s natural ability to heal.
There’s a tremendous interest in natural skincare treatments, and PRP facials are as natural as it gets. People are becoming more conscious about what they put on their skin, especially with chemicals.
The science behind PRP is based on human biology. When we get an injury, no matter how small, our body sends platelets and collagen to heal the damaged tissue in that area. A PRP facial applies the beneficial platelets directly to the skin for a smooth, baby-soft feel.
Understanding PRP (platelet-rich plasma)
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) comes from blood. When you’re injured, plasma in your blood contains special proteins that speed up clotting. In a life-or-death situation, these plasma proteins can prevent excessive blood loss.
Plasma also contains platelets that stimulate new cell growth and promote healing. It can help you recover faster from injuries, which is what many famous athletes have used it for.
The idea behind PRP facials is that injecting the concentrated plasma proteins into the skin stimulates cell growth. It may boost collagen and improve skin elasticity, which creates a youthful glow.
Compared to traditional skincare treatments like face masks, PRP facials penetrate deeper into the skin. Vampire facials deliver long-lasting effects with just a few sessions, whereas typical methods may need multiple, consistent sessions.
Typical micro-needling sessions create tiny insults in the epidermis, which triggers the skin to repair itself.
Vampire facials take it a step further by inserting PRP when piercing through the epidermis. Studies show that PRP has growth factors that may rejuvenate skin cells. The concentration of growth factors and proteins helps heal the damaged tissues faster.
The PRP facial process
Are you curious about how our doctors perform PRP facials? Some pictures celebrities post of vampire facials may seem like something out of a slasher movie. It’s actually a straightforward, non-invasive procedure and our professionals perform it in a calming environment.
There are two main application methods for PRP facials: microneedling and direct injection. Neither of these methods is necessarily better. It depends on your skincare needs.
A licensed esthetician can perform a microneedling PRP facial. They use a derma-roller to create small punctures with the tiny needles. Then they apply the PRP to the skin. It’s an effective treatment for cosmetic concerns.
Only a licensed physician administers PRP injections. They inject the platelets directly into the tissue, which stimulates localized growth factors. It’s extremely effective, but physicians usually use it for more serious skin concerns like strengthening joints.
Here’s a step-by-step on what to expect from a typical PRP facial:
- Before the facial begins, the practitioner draws about a tablespoon amount of blood (10–15 milliliters).
- They spin the vile of blood in a centrifuge. This machine separates the red blood cells from the PRP. It spins rapidly to bring out the richest plasma.
- The practitioner collects your PRP.
- They apply a numbing agent to make the process as effortless as possible.
- The practitioner rolls a professional microneedling device over your face. It causes minuscule puncture wounds on the epidermis.
- The wounds create micro-channels that sponge up the PRP and send it deeper into the dermis.
- They then gently apply the platelet-rich plasma to your face. This step creates that classic vampire facial look as the PRP looks like a bloody layer on your skin.
- This facial is generally complete in around one and a half hours.
Mechanism of action for timeless skin
How exactly does PRP work? It has high levels of thrombocytes (platelets). These platelets contain growth factors that stimulate the production of collagen to heal the skin.
When PRP sits on micro punctures or is injected under the skin, it inserts these growth factors into the tissues. This can help with getting rid of wrinkles and promoting cell proliferation.
PRP facials use your body’s superpower to heal itself. Your bone marrow produces colorless cell fragments, known as platelets. They help your blood clot when you’re injured and stimulate skin rejuvenation.
When the practitioner puts PRP back into your skin, it triggers cell proliferation, which increases elastin production. The growth factors in platelet-rich plasma also reduce the signs of photoaging, which is damage caused by the sun.
Topical application of platelet-rich plasma also promotes fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferation. These two major cell types stimulate the regeneration process in response to inflammation.
Inflammatory signals caused by microneedling or injecting PRP, activate fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferation. They’re crucial for wound healing and skin repair.
PRP facials also induce extracellular matrix formation, which triggers two major proteins: collagen and elastin.
Scientific studies and research
What do the studies have to say about PRP treatments? The feedback is generally positive, showing how it can help with various skin and joint ailments.
For instance, one controlled clinical study gathered a participant range of twenty women aged 40–49 years. Researchers injected PRP onto the upper right infra-auricular (lymph nodes under ears) on the face. They inserted a saline solution into the left infra-auricular area.
The mean optical densities (MODs) of collagen showed a 98.05% improvement on the PRP side. The collagen fibers were highest on the PRP side and there were no serious side effects.
Researchers concluded that PRP boosts dermal collagen levels even with a single application. They also found it to be a fairly safe procedure for skin rejuvenation.
A systematic review investigating the efficiency of PRP for melasma also made interesting findings. The database analyzed ten studies with 395 participants.
The participants’ post-treatment results gave them a decreased Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) score. On average, it dropped by 1.18 points.
The researchers concluded that PRP treatment combined with microneedling was the most effective method. They also found that adverse reactions, if any, were mild. A few patients reported temporary congestion, discolorations, erythema, and discoloration.
Ideal candidates and skin conditions
PRP facials are safe for most people, as long as your blood is healthy. Whether you choose microneedling or injections, both methods are minimally invasive, so side effects are minor. It won’t affect your abilities and you’ll be able to resume your regular activities afterwards.
As safe as they are, there are some contraindications for PRP treatments. You should avoid them if you meet any of the following criteria:
- Undergoing steroid therapy
- Skin conditions and diseases like SCC, systemic cancer, and chemotherapy.
- Pregnant
- Blood disorders and platelet abnormalities
- Taking anticoagulation medication (i.e. Warfarin)
- Dermatological diseases affecting the scalp
PRP facials are versatile and can be effective for various skin ailments. Let’s discuss some concerns it may help with.
Anti-aging
As we age, our bodies produce lower amounts of collagen and growth hormone. It causes wrinkles, skin folds, and sagging skin.
Many products promise to boost collagen and remove wrinkles but end in disappointment. The truth is, it’s close to impossible to grow collagen proteins without stimulating them. Minor skin punctures are one of the most effective ways because they trigger it from the inside out.
PRP facials have a double anti-aging effect. The microneedling or injection creates minor punctures which stimulate collagen cells. Your skin absorbs the platelet-rich plasma, which is your body’s own healing system.
The platelets stimulate growth hormones, elastin, and collagen production. They build new cells and release scar tissue. It leaves your skin smooth and reduces wrinkles, which gives a youthful complexion.
Scar reduction
Scars can be vexing, especially since nothing seems to work. Most scars, even small ones, are deep in the skin tissue, so they require a skin-deep treatment.
A PRP facial can stimulate collagen and awaken new cells in the scar tissues. It stimulates healing from the dermal layer, so it has the potential to make blemishes completely disappear.
It’s especially beneficial for people who have scars from chicken pox or bites. These conditions will probably never return. Getting them treated with PRP is effective since they won’t require maintenance appointments once resolved.
Non-invasive
Some people prefer treatments that don’t require surgery or anesthesia. PRP facials are non-invasive. The practitioner can apply a numbing cream for mild discomfort, but most patients describe it as pain-free.
The chance of side effects is extremely low. Your body recognizes its own cells and lets the platelets get to work.
Limited recovery time
People who lead busy lives may not have the time for extensive cosmetic therapies. You can even do a PRP facial on your break since it lasts for around one and a half hours.
There’s also no downtime aside from occasional redness and tenderness immediately after the treatment. A few days after a platelet-rich plasma facial, you may experience minor skin peeling, but it won’t stop you from normal activities.
Comparisons with other skincare treatments
PRP promises similar anti-aging benefits to other skincare treatments, but how does it compare?
Traditional facials typically include exfoliation and a topical application of a product to treat your skin concerns. Serums or masks can’t penetrate the skin as easily as PRP can.
Some patients may also have allergic reactions or sensitivities to certain ingredients in serums and masks. PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, so chances of negative reactions are rare.
PRP facials and chemical peels are used to treat similar issues like blemishes, discoloration, and fine lines. Chemical peels range from light to deep. They’re made of compounds that tighten and brighten the skin, revealing a smooth epidermal layer.
Deep chemical peels have a similar downtime to PRP and lighter peels have little to no downtime. Here are some drawbacks of chemical peels that don’t occur with PRP:
- Redness, scabbing, and swelling may last for a few months
- Rarely, a chemical peel may cause scarring on the lower facial areas
- May cause hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (especially in people with darker skin)
- Deep chemical peels can rarely cause damage to the heart muscle or kidneys in predisposed individuals.
PRP facials help you reap the benefits of growth hormones. Platelet-rich plasma derived from your own blood is unlikely to cause serious side effects since your body identifies its own cells.
Pre-procedure and aftercare
PRP is not an invasive procedure, so the preparation and aftercare are basic. It’s essential to follow the necessary guides to extend your results and prevent side effects.
Avoid strenuous exercise on the day you’re getting the facial. You should also avoid getting it on the three days leading up to your menstrual cycle. You’ll be more prone to bruising and swelling in that period.
Schedule your PRP facial at least two weeks before any special events. Avoid alcohol and caffeine for 24 hours prior to the treatment.
Inform your physician if you’re taking any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. You’ll need to stop them at least a week in advance.
After the treatment, you may have some swelling and redness, but you should avoid touching or scratching. Six hours later, you can gently wash your face. Don’t exercise or consume alcohol six hours post-facial.
Use a cold compress immediately after to reduce swelling. Avoid direct sunlight five days after treatment and use a minimum of SPF 30 from the first facial.
You can expect to see visible results after two to three weeks, but some people may experience changes sooner.
PRP facials are the key to youthful skin
PRP facials use your body’s natural healing abilities to rejuvenate your skin. The platelet rich plasma is packed with growth hormones and cells that trigger collagen production. Even just one treatment could make lasting changes to your appearance.
Studies show that PRP could be an effective treatment for skin conditions like creases and scars. Compared to traditional facials, PRP goes into the dermis and the plasma stimulates healing from the inner tissue layers.
What are you waiting for? Get flawless skin using your body’s healing cells. Book an appointment with LIVV Natural and take a sip from the fountain of youth. We can’t wait to help you feel and look better than ever.
Author: Dr. Jason Phan NMD – Founder of LIVV Natural – Anti-aging – regenerative medicine – peptide therapy
