Dermal delivery is a treatment that isn’t spoken about a lot, however it is a modality we utilise a lot in the clinic. Many of our clients haven’t ever heard of dermal delivery unless it is part of their treatment plan, and upon recommendation they’ll often ask “What is that?”
Here is your go-to guide on Dermal Delivery, where I will answer all your burning questions.
What is Dermal Drug Delivery?
Dermal drug delivery is primarily the delivery of sterile skincare actives or ingredients into the deeper layers of the skin, through skin needling/stamping. Essentially with the skin needling/stamping mechanism, we are causing a controlled wound which stimulates a catalyst for bringing more collagen and elastin to the area. Alongside this, we also cause little micro columns within the skin which is the main mechanism we utilise during dermal delivery. The topical active is then applied onto the skin where these micro columns are and penetrates right down to the basal layer or dermal layer of the skin, depending on what we are treating. This allows the actives to be available for absorption via dermal microcirculation [1] [2].
Image [3]: Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-7158.2011.01369.x
What skin conditions can it treat?
Anything and everything, but more specifically it can be a great treatment for any pigmentary skin conditions such as melasma. Melasma can easily restimulate due to heat-based treatments, so dermal delivery with a depigmenting solution can aid with reducing the risk of that occurring, and minimising the appearance of the pigment.
Due to the skin needling/stamping mechanism this can also aid with reducing pore size, texture and tone. The perfect treatment if you’ve had acne in the past and want to treat your post inflammatory erythema or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation [4].
This treatment is also excellent for skin ageing, overall tone and texture.
How many weeks apart will I need this treatment?
We recommend every 2-4 weeks [5] for optimal results. In some cases, once every 6 weeks is perfectly fine.
How many sessions will I need?
Depending on what you’re wanting to treat, anywhere from 4-6 treatments is recommended [6].
Recommended treatment?
Have you heard about Universkin S.TEP Skin Stamping?
Universkin S.TEP Skin Stamping is the latest in dermal drug delivery. Designed to improve overall skin quality and luminosity, S.TEP is intended to stimulate the skin layers to deliver your customised and unique Universkin serum formula. The S.TEP device will allow for easier active absorption during treatment, especially macromolecules and hydrophilic molecules, significantly enhancing overall complexion and skin appearance [7].
References:
[1] Zaid Alkilani, A., McCrudden, M. T., & Donnelly, R. F. (2015). Transdermal drug delivery: innovative pharmaceutical developments based on disruption of the barrier properties of the stratum corneum. Pharmaceutics, 7(4), 438-470. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics7040438
[2] Iqbal, B., Ali, J., & Baboota, S. (2018). Recent advances and development in epidermal and dermal drug deposition enhancement technology. International journal of dermatology, 57(6), 646-660. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.13902
[3] [4] Bariya, S. H., Gohel, M. C., Mehta, T. A., & Sharma, O. P. (2012). Microneedles: an emerging transdermal drug delivery system. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 64(1), 11-29. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-7158.2011.01369.x
[5] [6] Migdadi, E. M., & Donnelly, R. F. (2019). Microneedles for Transdermal Drug Delivery. Imaging Technologies and Transdermal Delivery in Skin Disorders, 223-270. https://doi.org/10.1002/9783527814633.ch10
[7] Flawless Rejuvenation (n.d.). Universkin S.TEP. https://flawlessrejuvenation.com.au/universkin-step/