Recent reports have revealed that A-list stars, such as Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, have been undergoing a new aesthetic treatment involving needle piercing of the face to rejuvenate their skin and avoid going under the surgeon’s knife.

With different needle roller systems now available on the market, many consumers, aestheticians and doctors are opting for the alternative Environ Roll-CIT, which has been independently researched for its efficacy and which combines the use of high potency, active anti-ageing creams for even better long-term results than needling alone. CIT stands for Collagen Induction Therapy.

The inspiration for today’s micro-needling treatments dates back to 1996 when eminent South African plastic surgeon and pioneer of the method Dr Des Fernandes revealed at a medical congress, the promising effects of needling upper lip lines using a tattooing device, which demonstrably improved skin tone and the appearance of old scars. Dr Fernandes, creator of the Environ Skin Care range, went on to develop a series of hand-held rollers covered in rows of ultra-fine needles – with the depth of needles varying to suit at-home consumer, medical-aesthetic clinic and surgical use.

The Environ Roll-CIT for use at home is painless, its 0.2mm long needles sufficient only to create temporary micro channels by opening up the skin’s surface layer of dead cells, which normally prevents nutrients in creams from penetrating. Gently needling the skin dramatically increases penetration, absorption and effectiveness of the vitamins, peptides and antioxidants applied subsequently from the active Environ range of products.

Nightly use of the Roll-CIT at home for just a few minutes, in combination with active Environ skincare products, helps skin to become plumper; fine lines and wrinkles are softened, pigmentation marks and scarring are reduced. It is also ideal for firming loose skin in areas such as arms, abdomens, buttocks and thighs. Skin becomes thicker after 10-12 weeks of regular use and continues to improve after this. The roller costs £59.95 and is available from beauty salons and aesthetic clinics nationwide.

For those who want faster, even more dramatic results, needling by aesthetic nurses and cosmetic doctors with 1mm needle Roll-CIT rollers reaches the collagen and elastin producing skin layer. This causes minute, temporary damage that stimulates growth factors and tissue remodelling in the subsequent days. Application of a local anaesthetic cream minimises any discomfort.

The cost of a medical needling treatment at selected clinics in the UK is approximately £300 including the personal roller tool which is used at each treatment. Between one and six professional treatments are carried out to establish results, at weekly, fortnightly or monthly intervals, depending on the individual.

Michelle Irving (RGN NIP) of the Cheshire Image Clinic believes that medical needling together with a combination of Environ products has given remarkable results for her patients. She says, “This method leads to excellent skin health and reveals a fresher, younger looking you. It is different because very few aesthetic treatments target the overall skin condition. It’s a way to help regain the healthy skin we had as a baby, by reducing blemishes and lines.

“The older and more sun-damaged we become the more difficult it is to look fresh. I believe the days of the chemical peel have gone: instead of taking away our protective layer we need to strengthen the skin. Needling combined with the high dose, active ingredients in Environ is unrivalled in its results.”

Telephone 020 8450 2020 for further information about clinics or salons offering Environ Roll-CIT. To contact Cheshire Image Clinic, go to www.cheshireimages.co.uk or phone 01244 321 696.