Facial rejuvenation through microneedling and anti-ageing actives from the Institute BCN range is one of the most in-demand treatments in advanced aesthetic centres. The combination of mechanical collagen induction with the action of peptides, vitamins and specific neocollagenic actives produces progressive, natural results that improve over time.
Treatable signs of skin ageing
Loss of firmness and sagging
Skin laxity is a consequence of reduced collagen synthesis (especially types I and III), fragmentation of elastic fibres and loss of glycosaminoglycans (mainly hyaluronic acid) in the dermis. Microneedling acts directly on this mechanism by stimulating fibroblasts to synthesise new collagen fibres.
Wrinkles and expression lines
Wrinkles can be classified by depth:
- Superficial fine lines (epidermal): respond very well to microneedling at 0.5–0.75 mm
- Moderate wrinkles (papillary dermis): require 1.0–1.5 mm and multiple sessions
- Deep expression wrinkles: microneedling improves skin quality but does not eliminate deep dynamic wrinkles (alternatives for these include botulinum toxin and dermal fillers)
Loss of radiance and tone evenness
Ageing produces a less uniform melanin distribution, lipofuscin accumulation and stratum corneum thickening, which reduces light reflection and dulls the skin tone. Microneedling accelerates epidermal turnover and, combined with vitamin C, restores radiance.
Enlarged pores
Pore dilation results from loss of follicular wall elasticity and increased sebum production. Microneedling stimulates perifollicular collagen production, improving pore wall elasticity and reducing visible pore diameter.
BCN actives for facial rejuvenation
BCN Base Cocktail + Hyaluronic Acid: hydration and redensification
Hyaluronic acid is the most versatile and safest anti-ageing active. Applied via dermapen at 0.5–1.5 mm, it penetrates the dermis where conventional topical application could not reach. It acts as a biomimetic dermal filler, attracts and retains interstitial water, and activates fibroblast CD44 receptors, stimulating endogenous collagen synthesis.
BCN ECQ10 Cocktail: antioxidant protection and neocollagenesis
Coenzyme Q10 is essential for fibroblast mitochondrial function. Its endogenous synthesis decreases with age, reducing the fibroblasts' ability to synthesise collagen and resist oxidative stress. BCN ECQ10 delivered via deep transdermal route restores the intracellular CoQ10 pool and enhances fibroblast activity.
BCN Tensis: firming and tightening peptides
BCN Tensis contains signalling peptides that activate collagen synthesis genes and inhibit matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade the extracellular matrix. The peptides in this formulation increase type I collagen, elastin and fibronectin synthesis in dermal fibroblasts.
Especially indicated for: facial sagging, loss of facial contour, neck and décolleté.
BCN Mimik: expression-inhibiting peptides
The signature active in BCN Mimik (a hexapeptide similar to acetyl hexapeptide-3) inhibits acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions, reducing involuntary muscle contraction responsible for expression wrinkles. Although its cosmetic action is milder than botulinum toxin, penetration through microchannels significantly enhances it compared to topical application.
Vitamin C: antioxidant and collagen co-stimulator
Vitamin C is a cofactor in collagen synthesis (required for proline and lysine hydroxylation) and a potent antioxidant that neutralises free radical oxidative damage. In the context of facial rejuvenation by microneedling, it acts synergistically with peptides to amplify neocollagenesis.
Vitamin A (Retinol): skin turnover regulation
Retinol normalises keratinocyte differentiation, stimulates fibroblast collagen production and inhibits collagenases. In rejuvenation protocols, apply with caution in dark phototypes and reduce dermapen depth when using this active.
Comprehensive facial rejuvenation protocol
Standard session
- Cleansing with BCN Cleanser or sulphate-free cleanser
- Active application on the area to be treated (full face, neck, or localised zone)
- Dermapen:
- Forehead, cheeks, chin: 0.75–1.5 mm
- Nose: 0.5–0.75 mm
- Eye contour (BCN Oculare): 0.25–0.5 mm
- Lips and perioral area: 0.25–0.5 mm
- Neck: 0.5–1.0 mm
- Second active application after dermapen
- Closure with BCN Heal or BCN Intense Repair
Standard cycle protocol
- 4–6 sessions at 3–4 week intervals
- Maintenance sessions: 2–4 per year
- Recommended home active: HA cream + daily SPF 50
Expected results by timeframe
- After 1 session: immediate radiance improvement (superficial exfoliative effect), smoother skin to the touch
- At 2–4 weeks: onset of neocollagenesis, first texture improvements
- At 2–3 months (after 3–4 sessions): visible firmness improvement, fine wrinkle reduction, more even tone
- At 6 months (after full cycle): consolidated result, improvement in moderate wrinkle depth, clearly improved firmness