Is Vivace or SkinPen for Me?

Variety is the spice of life, and there is certainly plenty of variety when it comes to skin rejuvenation options. Non-invasive, non-surgical solutions to looking younger and reversing visible skin damage are on the rise. In this blog, we’ll discuss microneedling options and focus on the previous and current generations — SkinPen and Vivace.

What Is SkinPen?

SkinPen used to be the only FDA-approved microneedling device on the market. A non-laser treatment, it works by creating microscopic channels in the skin using tiny stainless-steel needles. In the simplest of terms, SkinPen needles puncture the skin creating a controlled “micro-injury.” The injury signals the skin to start the natural healing process, which causes the cascading effect of increased collagen and elastin production.

Unlike other treatments that use heat, SkinPen is uniquely safe for all skin types. The device used during treatment is customizable, allowing penetration to be precisely controlled. SkinPen offers numerous benefits.

SkinPen Pros

• Fast and convenient, non-invasive treatment
• Targeted, consistent application
• Able to treat hard-to-reach areas
• Adjustable penetration depth ranging from 0.25 to 2.5mm
• 30 to 60-minute treatment sessions
• 3-6 treatment sessions spaced six weeks apart
• 1-2 annual maintenance treatments

Best Candidates for SkinPen

SkinPen microneedling is used to treat and improve the following conditions:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Acne scarring
• Loose and mildly sagging skin
• Pore size
• Age spots
• Pigment issues
• Stretch marks

The controlled penetration depths allow for SkinPen to treat shallow, medium, and deeper depth skin issues.

What Is Vivace?

Vivace Fractional Micro Needle RF is the newest generation of microneedling. It is also FDA-approved. It combines radiofrequency energy with microneedling power and LED light therapy. It takes what SkinPen started and elevates it for broader use across even more unique skin situations.

Vivace Pros

All the pros of SkinPen apply to Vivace, but it offers a little more.

• It can be virtually painless
• It causes less post-procedure redness and discomfort
• It’s safe for almost any skin type and gentle enough for use on sensitive body areas
• It has adjustable penetration depth ranging from 0.1 to 3.5mm
• Treatment sessions average 90 minutes including pre-treatment numbing and post-treatment mask
• Three treatment sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart are recommended
• 1-4 annual maintenance treatments are suggested

Best Candidates for Vivace

Vivace microneedling is used to treat and improve the following mild to moderate conditions:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Acne scarring
• Enlarged pores
• Age spots
• Pigment issues
• Stretch marks
• Mild to moderately sagging skin

What’s the Difference?

After reading about the pros and best candidates for SkinPen and Vivace, you may be left wondering what’s different. At a glance, these two treatments seem very similar.

The subtle differences between the two are in the technology upgrades that created Vivace in the first place.

• Vivace uses superfine, gold-tipped needles (versus SkinPen’s stainless steel) that smoothly and evenly enter the skin. Treatment is cleaner, more comfortable, and more precise.
• Vivace isn’t just microneedling. It uses radiofrequency energy to accelerate collagen production and skin tightening, which makes results visible faster.
• Vivace also uses LED light power to calm inflammation during treatment and speed up healing time.
• Penetration depths are even more controlled using Vivace, allowing for more customization per patient.

Can an At-Home Microneedling Product Be as Effective?

No, at-home microneedling rollers cannot compete with MedSpa-grade microneedling treatments. To be mostly safe for over-the-counter sales (and lack of a medically trained operator), at-home rollers are made with needle sizes so small that they are almost not worth using. Results, if any, are minimal. Also, if the roller is misused or isn’t designed for your skin type, the controlled “injury” won’t be controlled enough and could cause tearing and even unwanted skin pigmentation changes.

While using an at-home roller might seem like a cost-effective option, it can often cause unwanted skin damage, especially with prolonged use. You could find yourself investing in a microneedling treatment at Dermacare to correct existing skin issues and those caused by an at-home roller. Why not avoid a product that may not be best suited to your skin and contact us about our specials and events?

Vivace or SkinPen?

Both microneedling options offer fantastic benefits and can treat a wide range of skin challenges. Vivace has surpassed SkinPen’s popularity because of how comprehensive it is thanks to the combination of microneedling, RF energy, and LED light therapy.

Which treatment is right for you? The answer lies in what you aim to achieve and your unique skin. No two people have the same skin, which means your skin treatment should be custom-fit to you. Otherwise, how will you achieve quality results?

Contact Dermacare today to schedule your consultation. One of our highly qualified medical professionals will discuss your goals and evaluate your skin. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan that fits YOU, from your budget to your skin’s needs, because you deserve the very best. You deserve to love the skin you’re in!