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M icroneedling has witnessed phenomenal growth in medical aesthetic practices, gaining momentum as a mechanical, rather than energy-based approach that is minimally invasive, easily accessible, and appropriate across most skin types. Results may not be as robust

as with energy-based devices, but they can be significant, especially when the tolerability and lack of downtime are taken into account. While this procedure is effective and offers certain safety advantages over energy-based procedures, it is nonetheless intended to induce damage—albeit in a controlled manner—to stimulate skin healing and renewal. For optimized healing and long-term benefit, the use of carefully selected skincare products in conjunction with the procedure can be beneficial.

In our practice, Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40 has emerged as an important adjunct to microneedling, both to assist the delivery of microneedling treatment and to optimize post-procedural outcomes.

WHY BIOPELLE TENSAGE INTENSIVE SERUM 40Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40 contains unique growth

factors, derived from the Cryptomphalus aspersa snail secretions, that are intended to improve the health and appearance of the skin. It should be noted that the secretion of the C. aspersa snail is distinguished from other snail secretions by the inclusion of these growth factors; indeed, most other species’ secretions only act to hydrate the skin with no other biologic effects. The beneficial attributes of the C. aspersa secretions were first used medically after one of the worst disasters in recent history: in the wake of the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster, patients with radiation dermatitis were treated with C. aspersa secretion, resulting in more rapid recovery than those treated with the traditional and medically accepted methods of the era.

Based on this observation, growth factors were then stud-ied on cancer patients undergoing radiation treatments, yielding favorable results. Recognition that photoaging is itself a form of radiation damage led to additional study of growth factors for cosmetic applications; technology refine-ment led to the Biopelle Tensage formulations based on secretions harvested with no injury to snails. In controlled trials, daily application of topical products containing SCA provided improvement in coarse periocular rhytides and fine facial rhytides. By week 8 of use, subjects noted a significant degree of improvement in fines lines. Improvement in perioc-ular rhytides was confirmed objectively through comparison of silicone skin impressions taken at baseline and at week 12.1

Since many cosmetic treatments, including microneedling, cause epidermal and/or dermal damage, aesthetic providers are increasingly utilizing the Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40 as post-procedure skincare to optimize and hasten repair and recovery. In addition, the smooth and hydrating nature of

Clinical experience, as well as data from a controlled study, show that Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40 can speed healing and enhance outcomes after microneedling procedures.BY TED LAIN, MD

BIOPELLE TENSAGE® INTENSIVE SERUM 40: A BENEFICIAL ADJUNCT TO SKIN MICRONEEDLING PROCEDURES

Sponsored by Biopelle

Radiodermatitis (Baseline, left) treated with C. aspersa secretion at 1 week (middle), and 1 month (right).

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the serum allow it to be used as the glide during the procedure, meaning that the growth factors can act nearly immediately on the initial inflammatory response and then repair process. The results are reduction in post procedural redness and accelerated healing after the treatments. (See Case Description).

Patients who use the product post-treatment will experience a reduced duration of down-time compared to those who do not. The growth factors and antioxidants in the serum work together to achieve these effects. After the microneedling pro-cedure, we advise patients to apply Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40 once daily, at night, for seven to 10 nights.

Since we limit microneedling to only those patients with Fitzpatrick I-IV skin types, we only have experience with Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40 as the glide and post-procedure in these lighter skin tones. However, we have used Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40 on all skin types as part of a skincare regimen without a noticeable difference in tolerability or efficacy across the different skin types. Throughout studies and in clinical use, Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40 is well tolerated and used across multiples skin types with no adverse reactions.

It should be noted that we tend to be aggressive with our set-tings for microneedling, using depths of at least one millimeter or more, depending on the area of the face, the amount of available

downtime, and the presence of scars. We use Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40 on all patients who undergo microneedling, regardless of needle depth. The only con-traindication to use of Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40 is a known allergy to any of the ingredients.

ENHANCED RESULTS, ENHANCED EXPERIENCES

Microneedling on its own can provide notable improvement in terms of skin tex-ture and tone, fine wrinkling, and scarring. However, best results may be achieved when the treatment is combined with appropriate skincare for repair and recov-ery, leading to neocollagenesis. Our experi-ence shows that Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40 does, in fact, do this safely and effectively and also reduces downtime.

Our patients are consistently happy with their results. I believe that the shortened downtime and accelerated healing is partially responsible for this. To support ongoing skin renewal and patient satisfaction, we recommend that patients transition Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40 to Biopelle Daily

Serum with SCA 15 after about a week. This product contrib-utes to collagen production and improved skin health. n

1. Fabi SG, et al. The effects of filtrate of the secretion of the Cryptomphalus aspersa on photoaged skin. J Drugs Dermatol. 2013 Apr;12(4):453-7.

UNTREATED TREATED

UNTREATED TREATED

Patients are shown immediately after microneedling. The right side of the face was untreated. The left side was treated with Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40. Note the reduction of erythema on the treated sides.

AT-HOME SKIN BOOTCAMPFor patients not ready for a procedure, I include the Tensage Intensive Serum 40 as part of an “at-home skin bootcamp” to quickly get their skin looking and feeling more healthy. Patients start with an exfoliating cleanser twice daily, along with Tensage 40 serum in the morning followed by sunscreen. At night, they cleanse, then apply a retinol appropriate for their skin type and Tensage 40 serum 30 minutes later. If needed, patients may moisturize throughout the day.

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A s a strong proponent of high quality skincare, I recom-mend that all of my cosmetic dermatology patients use a regimen that I help create in order to meet their unique skincare needs. Although I recommend a variety of skincare products, I have been an advocate for the

Biopelle Tensage line for some time.Biopelle Tensage features a unique technology called

SCA Biorepair Technology that is derived exclusively from the secretions of the Cryptomphalus aspersa snail. Having visited the snail sanctuary in Santander, Spain, I saw how the excretion is collected and learned about the benefits it confers. Snails are not harmed during the harvesting of secretions and, in fact, sanctuary snails live twice as long, on average, as their counterparts in the wild.

The C. aspersa snail was noted to have a remarkable capac-ity to heal following exposure to extreme heat and radiation. Study of the snail led to discovery of growth factors in its natural excretions that help to signal fibroblasts and support collagen-esis; these were exclusively formulated into the SCA Biorepair Technology. The reparative benefits of the technology were demonstrated in a study documenting both clinical and histo-pathological improvement in the signs of skin photoaging.1

SKINCARE POST-IPL AND FRACTIONAL RESURFACINGIntense pulsed light (IPL) and fractional resurfacing with

the 1440nm and 1550nm-fractionated lasers are popular treatments in my practice. We pair Biopelle Tensage with these treatments to help optimize results. Note that the for-mulation is suitable for use after a variety of procedures.

Although fractional resurfacing with the 1550nm laser is a minimally invasive, low-downtime procedure, I prefer patients discontinue skincare for three to four days prior

to treatment. At the time of treatment, when the patient presents to the office, the skin is cleansed with a mild cleanser and a topical anesthetic is applied.

Treatment with the fractional 1550nm laser is known to induce immediate erythema and swelling. Therefore, after treatment, the patient applies cool compresses to help reduce redness and ensure cooling off of the inflammatory response. We then apply Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40 to the skin—face, chest, and/or neck, depending on what area was treated with the laser. The formulation absorbs quickly. A min-eral-based sunscreen is then applied on top of that.

For home care, patients are instructed to use a gentle cleanser, Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40, and a mineral sunscreen every day.

In our experience, use of Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40 allows for more rapid recovery after fractional resurfac-ing procedures and reduces downtime. Continued use in

Designed to support skin repair and optimal function, SCA Biorepair Technology can support rapid recovery and long-term improvement after fractional resurfacing procedures.BY RUTH TEDALDI, MD

BIOPELLE TENSAGE® INTENSIVE SERUM 40: SUPPORTING HEALING AFTER FRACTIONAL RESURFACING

IN THE BALANCESupporting the skin requires a very delicate balance, as excess inflammation, which can be induced with some topical agents, is deleterious. The balance offered by Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40 seems to hit the mark in terms of stimulating cells while helping to reduce inflammation.

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the healing phase for several days after treatment appears to optimize outcomes of energy-based treatment.

The selection of Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40 for post-procedure care both immediately and in the days follow-ing fractional resurfacing was intentional. Although we refer to these procedures as non-ablative, the skin is stimulated and an inflammatory response is initiated, priming the cells to “go.” The goal of treatment is to signal fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin. With its growth factors, Biopelle Tensage

Intensive Serum 40 is ideally suited to support stimulation of these cells and their rejuvenating processes.

Supporting the skin requires a very delicate balance, as excess inflammation, which can be induced with some topical skincare ingredients, is deleterious. The balance that we get from Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40 seems to hit the mark in terms of stimulating cells while helping to reduce inflammation. The for-mulation has a limited number of ingredients.

It is worth noting that I am conservative in my skincare approach for patients who are atopic, as their response to topically applied ingredients can be unpredictable, but I do not see adverse reactions to Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40. I have used Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40 on Fitzpatrick skin types I-VI with no difficulty.

POST-PROCEDURE SUPPORT: A KEY ELEMENTFrom a biochemical standpoint, aesthetic physicians recog-

nize that energy-based devices confer benefits by inducing inju-ry and initiating the skin’s natural healing responses. Yet, that knowledge may not always reflect our clinical practice. How many patients return home from procedures using the wrong, or perhaps no, topical skincare?

Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40 may be an ideal topi-cal formulation for patients to use in the post-procedural phase. Its unique composition, including growth factors, supports the very repair processes that energy-based devices instigate, encouraging optimal cosmetic outcomes. n

1. Tribo-Boixareu MJ, Parrado-Romero C, Rais B, et al. Clinical and Histological Efficacy of a Secretion of the Mollusk Cryptom-phalus aspersa in the Treatment of Cutaneous Photoaging. Cosmetic Dermatology 2009 (22)5:247-252.

Before (left) and after fractional ablative resurfacing followed by application of Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40 in the post-operative phase. For at-home care, patients apply a product containing hyaluronic acid and growth factors in the morning under sunscreen and apply Tensage Intensive Serum 40 nightly for 5-7 days. Patients then use Biopelle Stem Cell Cream daily.

BEFORE AFTER

KEY INGREDIENTS DESCRIPTION BENEFITS

SCA 40 (snail secretion filtrate)

Secretion of crymptophalus aspersa (SCA), a glycoprotein rich secretion with a fibroblast growth factor and antioxidants, helps produce collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid resulting in a reduction of wrinkles and firmer skin as well as provide antioxidant protection.

Renewal & rejuvenation of skin appearance

Vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate)

Utilized by cells as an anti-oxidant, assists the fibroblast in making collagen, protects vitamin A against oxidation, assists the conversion of vitamin E back to its active form, tyrosinase inhibitor to prevent melanin formation. Sodium ascorbyl phosphate also has anti-acne properties.

Antioxidant

Vitamin E (tocopherol acetate)

Oil soluble antioxidant that protects against lipid peroxidation. Antioxidant

HygroplexTM HHP Moisturizing complex similar to the NMF of skin, providing immediate hydrationDual action moisturizer for long lasting hydration, hydrated skin that glows

Pentavitine® A balanced mixture of polysaccharides with a long-lasting hydrating action. In low-humidity atmospheres its effect can last for up to three days. It works by forming an insoluble complex with keratin.