Beauty Reporter.(collagen induction therapy for skin scar removal)(Butter Fingers skin cream from Lippmann Collection)(metallic cream eye shadows product introduction)

Beauty Reporter

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rolling pin

The latest medical skin-smoother -- collagen induction therapy, or "needling," as it is nicknamed -- sounds modern but looks medieval. A rolling device covered with tiny pins wounds the skin in order to generate new collagen. Cynthia Weinstein, a dermatologic laser surgeon in Melbourne, Australia, has led large clinical trials that show results on acne scars that are "much superior to laser resurfacing." Norman Pastorek -- a New York City plastic surgeon and one of only a handful of U.S. doctors who practice needling -- says scabbing and bleeding are minimal, and that with an injectable anesthetic there's little pain (expect redness and a bit of soreness for three days). Other experts warn that poor technique can tear and bruise skin. "It works to an extent, but there are easier ways to induce collagen production, and lasers do it more thoroughly," says Ronald Moy, president of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. The Fraxel, an especially promising new laser now available in many doctors' offices, works like needling by burning tiny holes in the skin, then sealing them shut. Bottom Line: Needling may generate collagen, but some doctors believe that it works better on acne scars than on wrinkles. --

CAra birnbaum

Beauty Reporter

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