I love offering Micro-Needling to our patients.  Its the perfect combo of getting patients the results they want with also being a pampering session. 

I love this therapy because it is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation treatment with a quick recovery time. It promotes natural collagen reproduction, similar to fractional laser treatments, IPL, and laser resurfacing, but without the side effects and downtime. 

This is a unique way to address and improve:

• Fine lines & wrinkles
• Acne scars
• Smokers lines around the lips
• Skin tightening and rejuvenation
• Large pores
• Hyperpigmentation (dark spots)
• Skin texture
• Stretch marks
• Scars (surgical and burns)
• And encourage hair regrowth ( more to come in a future blog post)

The goal in any facial rejuvenation treatment is to make the fibroblasts in the skin produce more collagen. Collagen provides the scaffolding and support (volume and lift) for your skin.  Another added benefit is by creating micro-channels with a Microneedling pen, the absorption of serums and creams are increased by 80%. These tiny channels also stimulate the healing response in your skin which in turn starts the production of new , fresh collagen.

All photos are after 3-4 sessions, spaced a month apart. 

All appointments will include a powerful, rich serum customized for you along with Celluma LED light therapy

Have questions?  Book a phone consultation with Elanita by clicking here

​MicroNeedling Studies:

• Fabbrocini G, Fardella N, Monfrecola A, Proietti I, Innocenzi D (2009) Acne scarring treatment using skin needling. Clin Exp Dermatol 34: 874-879.
• Fabbrocini G, Annunziata MC, D’Arco V, De Vita V, Lodi G, Mauriello MC, Pastore F, Monfrecola G (2010) Acne scars: Pathogenesis, classification, and treatment. Dermatol Res Pract 2010: 893080.
• Fife D (2011) Practical evaluation and management of atrophic acne scars. Tips for the general dermatologist. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 4: 550-57.
• Goodman G (2003) Post acne scarring: a review. J Cosmet Laser Ther 5: 77-95.
• Goodman GJ, Baron JA (2006) Post acne scarring: a qualitative global scarring grading system. Dermatol Surg 32: 1458-1466.
• Jacob CI, Dover JS, Kaminer MS (2001) Acne scarring: a classification system and review of treatment options. J Am Acad Dermatol 45: 109-117.
• Leheta TM, Abdel Hay RM, Hegazy RA, El Garem YF (2012) Do combined alternating sessions of 1540 nm nonablative fractional laser and percutaneous collagen induction with trichloroacetic acid 20% show better results than each individual modality in the treatment of atrophic acne scars? A randomized controlled trial. J Dermatolog Treat epub ahead of print.
• Leheta TM, Abdel Hay RM, El Garem YF (2012) Deep peeling using phenol versus percutaneous collagen induction combined with trichloroacetic acid20 in atrophic post-acne scars: a randomized controlled trial. J Dermatology Treat epub ahead of print.
• Leheta T, El Tawdy A, Abdel Hay R, Farid S (2011) Percutaneous collagen induction versus full-concentration trichloroacetic acid in thetreatmentofatrophicacnescars. DermatolSurg37:207-216.
• Levy LL, Zeichner JA (2012) Management of acne scarring, Part II: A comparative review of non-laser based, minimally invasive approaches. Am J Clin Dermatol 13:331-340.
• Shah SK, Alexis AF (2010) Acne in skin of color: practical approaches to treatment. J Dermatolog Treat 21:206-2

One of the keys to a youthful-looking skin is having plenty of super-protein collagen. Collagen is the scaffolding that prevents complexions from becoming droopy or slack. It’s a wonder-working, naturally-produced ingredient that keeps faces looking plump, taut and radiant.
Where's the catch...
As we age, our production of collagen slows down, and the reserves of this protein diminish. Without this on our side, the signs of ageing – lines, wrinkles, uneven texture and sagginess – start to become visible.
Luckily, it’s possible to replicate the process that leads to collagen being formed. Did you know whenever your body is injured, it triggers the production of collagen to aid in the healing of connective tissues. That’s why treatments like Micro-Needling and Acupuncture, which involve small, almost imperceptible skin punctures can organically provoke the collagen response.
Both involve micro injuries to the skin to stimulate collagen synthesis, but they are distinct treatments. What are the main differences? And how do you know which one is right for you?
Micro-needling in a nutshell
Also known as Collagen Induction Therapy or Micro-needling, is a therapy that involves repeatedly puncturing the skin with tiny, sterilised needles at a specific depth. Over a number of sessions, this causes the body to produce collagen. It is used to treat scarring and acne and to counter the effects of ageing. There is minimal downtime, though you may appear a little pinkish after your treatment – as if you’ve had too much sun. Swelling and minor bleeding can also result but the treated area is anesthetized to eliminate any pain. Six treatments spaced out over a year are recommended for optimum ‘wow’ results.
Facial Acupuncture in a nutshell
Facial Acupuncture also replies on needles. But unlike Micro-needling, this treatment is not about rapidly pin-pricking the skin, but about inserting needles and leaving them in there. Usually for a period of 20 minutes. The needles are carefully positioned in areas of the face where a blockage of energy is perceived or into the muscles that control our facial movements (where wrinkles often occur). Unblocking this energy has an overwhelmingly positive effect on the whole body. Facial Acupuncture is a Chinese therapy, rooted in ancient medicine and is therefore a more holistic approach to take. The process not only works to enhance the complexion, it also improves the mood and boosts general well-being. There is no downtime. And like micro-needling, six treatments are recommended to see results. But Facial Acupuncture is one of those treats you’ll want to get over and over again – whenever you need a pick-me-up.
Still confused about what to go for? At San Francisco Integrative Medicine we are expert in both treatments and can advise you on what’s right for you, your skin-type, your expectations and your lifestyle. Book a consultation today.

​

• Right now were unsure when the air quality will stabilize but until then before leaving the house - check the ever shifting air quality at airnow.gov
• Wear a mask when outside for extended periods.  Although a N95 or N100 respirator is ideal, some prevention is better than nothing.
• Use a Neti pot if you have one.  Clearing the build up out of your sinuses daily can help immensely.
• Eating pears (check out our recipe here) can calm a scratchy throat and dry cough, especially when boiled or sautéed with honey.
• Take extra immune support as your body is recognizing the new stressors present.  Things like a lingering cough, sinus congestion, and dry, red or watery eyes are examples of ways our immune system lets us know its under stress and trying to rid our body of the junk we're being exposed to. (If you need input here please email us directly)
• Remain indoors. Yeah, you won’t hear us say that very often but especially if there is a preexisting vulnerability, it can be very important to avoid unnecessary exposure to more smoke. There is likely still some amount of particulate matter in the air, but it certainly seems lessened.
• Don’t increase particulate matter in the air – This includes not lighting candles, woodstoves, fireplaces, cooking food at high temperatures on the stovetop and not vacuuming. All of these activities either increase or create particulate density and circulation in the air.
• HEPA filters or even air conditioners with filters and recirculating air can help cut down on particulate matter in the air indoors. Do NOT use an air conditioner or swamp cooler if it doesn’t have air filters or it will only suck in smoke and make breathing conditions worse.
• Avoid unnecessarily exerting yourself. Heavy breathing means you’re going to suck in more smoke. Avoid it if possible.
• Be especially conscious of breathing conditions for children and pregnant women.
• Stay hydrated. Drink detoxifying and cooling teas like dandelion or mint are especially helpful.
• If your system tends towards asthma, respiratory conditions, or you have a chronic health issue or weakened immune system please be extra careful
• We are all affected when these fires occur.  If you're able to help, there are some great groups collecting donations and  supplies.  Here's one that we just donated to Corazon Healdsburg 

Cupping and acupuncture can be very helpful. If you've been affected by the fires either physically or emotionally, please don't hesitate to reach out so we can find a time that works for you! 

Autumn and Chinese Medicine

While summer emphasizes being physically and socially active with its long days and warm weather and even though its still warm this week, the changes that autumn brings is already becoming evident. Now in October, the nights are noticeably cooler, daytime temperatures can wildly fluctuate, leaves change color and sunlight is intense but lessening. As the veil thins as we approach winter solstice, it is important to make a conscious transition from this outward time of summer to a more yin and contracting time of autumn for maintaining a healthy balance in both physical and emotional well-being. With this shift, comes natural changes in our bodies, mood and health.


This is a time to strengthen and protect your health.  Fortifying during autumn months will in turn create a reservoir of wellness to sustain vitality in winter months.  
  
The Lung Organ

• The Lungs pull in and refine qi, sending it downward to nourish our roots.  
• Ruling the skin, the outer boundary of the body, the Lung protects against external invasion and safeguards internal resources.  
• The organ is delicate and associated with taking in the new.  
• Stagnation occurs with unprocessed grief and sadness and a difficulty of "letting go." 
• When Lung qi is flowing freely and balanced, one experiences more clarity of thought, positive self-image, a sense of inner peace and joy regardless of circumstances. 

 
Ways to Support the Lungs
Nourish Fluids  Since autumn is a dry season, we need to protect ourselves from  cold-air evaporation of moisture from our skin.  Pay attention to hydration with fluids coupled with moistening foods, such as  pears, sea vegetables, cabbage, turnips and parsnips. 

Breathe  Take time to focus on full, deep abdominal breaths as you become aware of that which needs to be released.    

Purge  Free up more space by letting go of clutter and excess possessions- donating and giving away unused clothes will be deeply appreciated by those who need them this winter.  This can also mean letting go of relationships and friendships which no longer serve you in a positive way.  

Grieve  There is no one right way to grieve, there is no standard timeframe and each person's grief process is unique. Chinese medicine is concerned with grief that is repressed and unexpressed. 

Sleep  In general: aim to go to bed an hour earlier and wake an hour later.  It definitely may be appropriate for you to sleep longer than that as we head towards winter. 

Dress Appropriately  Wear a scarf - even a light one will protect your lungs and throat from harsh wind and cold.

Compost!  Another crucial way of letting go of what is no longer needed and supporting the lungs of our planet.