SkinPen® Precision and Mottled Hyperpigmented Lesions/Patches

Introduction to Mottled Hyperpigmented Lesions/Patches:

  • Common skin condition with unknown pathogenesis
  • Associated with solar and hormonallystimulated melanocytes (increasing melanocyte stimulation hormone, MSH) causing uneven increases in facial melanin.
  • More commonly found in races with higher pigmentation but can occur in all skin types.

V. Sheth et al, JAAD (2010) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2010.12.046

Mechanism of Action:

  • Induce keratinocyte turnover and “restore” the normal pigment activity of melanocytes in over pigmented areas.
  • This occurs at the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ).
  • This DEJ-shallow dermis area is the target depth to microneedle. See arrows where microchannels are formed

Epidermal melanin density in melasma before procedure

Reduction in epidermal melanin density 1 week after microneedling procedure

Cassiano et al., Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology | Volume 85 | Issue 6 | November-December 2019

SkinPen® Precision and Pigmentation Conditions

Introduction to Pigmentation Conditions:

Solar lentigines occur due to excessive production of melanin pigment which results from overexposure to UV rays from the sunlight or tanning beds

Crown Aesthetics, data on file ; Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS)

Mechanism of Action:

  • Induce keratinocyte turnover and “restore” the normal pigment activity of melanocytes in over pigmented areas.
  • This occurs at the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ).
  • This DEJ-shallow dermis area is the target depth to microneedle. See arrows where microchannels are formed

Courtesy of Rosenpark Research, Dr. Sonja Sattler

SkinPen® Precision and Hypopigmented patches

Introduction to Hypopigmented patches:

  • Hypopigmented patches occurs when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) die or stop producing melanin.
  • The involved patches of skin become lighter or white. It’s unclear exactly what causes these pigment cells to fail or die.
  • It may be related to:
    • A disorder of the immune system (autoimmune condition)
    • Family history (heredity)
    • A trigger event, such as stress, severe sunburn or skin trauma, such as contact with a chemical

Mechanism of Action:

  • Induce the activation, migration, and/or proliferation of melanocytes into hypopigmented areas at the dermal-epidermal(DEJ). This shallow dermis area is the target depth.
  • Also, mechanical trauma stimulates the melanocytes migration from the pigmented areas to unpigmented areas.
  • Microneedling may increase the number of pigment cells and stimulate more pigment production
  • Studies in literature indicate that 6 or more treatments may be necessary to begin to see improvement

Ebrahim et al. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020;00:1–8.

Microchannels provide space for melanocytes to migrate into non-pigment areas

Fernandes, D. OralL, maxillofacial Surg Clin 2005; 17:51-63

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