FAQs

Who administers a Collagen Induction Therapy treatment?

Licensed skin care professionals who work only within their scope of practice per their state guidelines. To be advertised as a CIT Pen provider with Herbal Skin Solutions please see the following guidelines; one must be an actively licensed professional, current certification in HIV/ AIDS/ communicable diseases safety. In addition, purchaser of our exclusive CIT Pen, undergo proper micro-needling protocol and safety training administered by a Herbal Skin Solutions team member and have documented certification following the course.

May I perform this treatment as a solo esthetician?
The Nano needle cartridge does not work past the Stratum Corneum as it is made up of microscopic silicone needle tips. This disposable cartridge is generally considered safe within all scopes of practice. The 12 and 36 tipped needle cartridges may require the skin care professional to obtain a tattooing license to puncture the dermis or work under the umbrella of a medical director. This varies state to state.  It is your responsibility to interpret and or contact your state licensing board.  Herbal Skin Solutions is not responsible in determining state’s rules and regulations.

What training or support is included with the CIT purchase?
Live-online training is included free with your purchase of the CIT Pen. Online or hands-on CIT pen treatment training and certification is required prior to our target marketing 

Do you offer advanced hands on training?
Advanced, hands-on training is available nation-wide through our education platform, The Esthetics Academy.
Our in depth CIT / Micro-needling Course is a hands-on practical training with the automated CIT Pen from an expert CE provider and practicing Aesthetician. All students will be given a work book to follow along for classroom instruction followed by hands-on training. Each participant will work with the automated CIT Pen to give and receive a treatment (provided you have a willing participant with no contraindications). Each participant is given the option to work with their Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) that will be drawn by the phlebotomist on site. 
- FL courses count towards license renewal.

Please see EstyAcademy.com for more details

What about liability protection?

ASCP may cover controlled injuries up to .5mm depth into the dermis.

PPBI may cover controlled injuries up to 1.0mm depth into the dermis.

Medispacover.com is 
It is up to the skin care professional to work only within their scope of practice that is regulated by their practicing state.
Herbal Skin Solutions provides you with consent forms that can be customized accordingly, as well as pre and post treatment instruction forms for your practice.

 

What skin conditions does the CIT Pen target?

• Scarring- surgical, thermal, and acne (scars must be at least 6 months old)
• Stretch marks
• Cellulite
• Enlarged pores
• Dyspigmentation (due to sun damage and/ or hormonal imbalances e.g. Melasma)
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Loose skin
• Dehydrated skin
  
  

CIT achievements:

• Increased smoothness and hydration
• Thicker, and firmer skin
• Increased nutrients, overall healthier condition of the treats skin
• Better microcirculation in the treated skin

 

How is the CIT treatment administered?

A licensed skin care professional glides the CIT pen over professional strength HSS Enhancement Serum or sterile saline in a cross link or circular pattern over the skin to puncture the epidermal layers of the skin and create microscopic subcutaneous injuries. These microscopic channels in the skin allow for optimal product absorption. The microscopic injuries created with the CIT Pen stimulate a repair response & new collagen production with minimal to no downtime for your patient.

 

 

How does CIT work on a cellular level?

As the CIT pen creates micro-channels into the skin, pores are temporarily opened allowing the enhancement serum to be fully penetrated. Micro-point punctures in the skin are created. This is a controlled injury to the skin and is perceived by the body as damage. This stimulates the release of growth factors that trigger the production of Collagen and Elastin. Skin reacts to this CIT treatment by initiating the healing process which encourages your patients’ skin to continue to regenerate.

 

When should a patient expect to see results?

With our automated CIT Pen micro-needling treatments, the skin is tricked into repairing itself. The process of micro-needling skin remodeling can continue to enhance for months after treatment as the skin continues to repair itself. Results can be seen within a few days to a week. Skin naturally heals itself every 45 days so by simply adding micro-needling stimulation the changes can be accelerated and your client will see results. Depending on the patients’ expectations and personal goals we recommend a series of CIT Pen sessions to speed up the process and achieve optimum results. However; skin improvement is noticeable after just one treatment!

 

What to expect after a CIT pen treatment?

Immediately following treatment, your clients’ skin will have some redness and flushed in appearance like a moderate sunburn. The patient will also experience skin tightness and mild sensitivity to the treated area as well as some peeling depending on the depth. 24 hours and up to 36 hours there is little to no evidence of injury to the treated area, however tightness and peeling can occur.

 

Can the CIT Pen be used on ethnic skin types?

Skin needling can be safely performed on all skin colors and types. There is no risk of post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation as the melanocytes remain intact (as long as post-care instructions are followed).
Other invasive procedures such as laser resurfacing are not recommended for Asian or African American skin due to the potential risks of delayed wound healing, pigment changes, and scarring. However, with Collagen Induction Therapy/ Micro-needling, the potential risks on ethnic skin are unlikely due to the epidermis remaining intact.

 

How many treatments will each patient need?

The number of CIT treatments depends on your clients’ current skin condition and goals. Three to four treatments may be needed for moderate acne scars. Scars from thermal burns and stretch marks may require between 6-10 CIT sessions. The added Collagen lasts up to 12 months and a refresher treatment is recommended every 6 months to 1 year in order to fight the signs of ageing. Your client should be advised that multiple sessions may be needed to reach their desired results in order to meet their expectations.
Best practice and optimal results come from you; the professional providing your clients’ with proper pre and post care instructions.

 

Is Micro-needling/CIT painful?

The variety of needle cartridges along with the CIT Pen’s ability to gage the needle depth allows this treatment to be customized to fit each of your clients’ needs and comfort levels. Application of local anesthetic numbing cream can prevent treatment discomfort.

Which numbing cream should I use if needed?
Our online shop offers Zensa numbing cream. This all natural ingredient 5% lidocaine is a non-vasoconstrictor for optimal results.  Zensa numbing cream is an FDA and Health Canada approved product with 5% Lidocaine that desensitizes skin for uncomfortable procedures including micro-needling, tattooing, laser hair removal, waxing, and injections.  It also contains health conscious ingredients such as purified water and Vitamin E, which provides anti-inflammatory properties.  Zensa has a neutral pH and is the most natural numbing cream on the market. Backed by a three-year shelf life, it is also the most stable topical anesthetic available.

Zensa is manufactured in the USA and produced by Alera Skin Care in Vancouver, Canada.

No animal testing - 100% cruelty free.

Safe to use around sensitive areas (pH neutral).

Lasts 2-3 hours. Safe to reapply after skin has broken to extend numbing sensation.

How do I hold the CIT Pen?
Grip the CIT Pen lightly, as you would glide a pen. The CIT Pen should glide at a rate of one inch per second.

 

 

Cosmetic vs. Medical Micro-Needling:
Results are seen at the cosmetic depth of 0.25mm.
Cosmetic micro-needling is considered to work only in the granular & mid spinosum layers. Working on a cosmetic depth (0.3 and below) releases growth factors by stimulating Keratinocyte cells.
Clinical studies have shown that regardless of the depth of injury to the skin, new collagen forms no deeper than 0.6mm. Working above 0.5mm is considered a medical treatment. Micro-Needling at  “medical depths” has shown to be dramatically effective for scar removal, cellulite reduction, stretch marks, hyper-pigmentation and reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

What should I use post-treatment?
The professional strength CIT Enhancement Serum can be needled into the skin, and used post treatment care. It is recommended for continual daily use to reduce the appearance of hyper-pigmentation, scaring, fine lines, Rosacea and enlarged pore size. Continuation of daily usage of our CIT Serum will benefit in boosting and extending the effects of CIT. It also adds much needed hydration to treated and or aging skin which provides a more supple and youthful glow.

Key ingredients in CIT Enhancement Serum:

• Vitamin C- strong antioxidant that lightens pigmentation from scaring, sun damage and increases melanin production.
• Vitamin E- Protects lipids in the skin cell membrane from free radicals. Aids in cellular turn over.
• Hyaluronic acid- Naturally occurring polysaccharide that provides moisture, plumpness, firmness, and suppleness to the skin. Plant derived of low molecular weight to penetrate the skin.
• Ferulic Acid - Strengthens and stabilizes the collagen promoting effects of Vitamins C & E as well as fighting free radicals and photo damage

 

Are there any side effects to micro-needling/CIT?

This treatment typically recovers at a rapid rate & redness subsides within 24 hours. Negative side effects should not take place if you are following proper protocol. Professionals should never treat a client with any listed contraindications (see below).  Swelling during the recovery phase can occur, skin infection with bacteria (rare) or herpes simplex virus (cold sores), Milia, which can be easily removed and mild acne flare ups may occur after the treatment. If any of these symptoms persist and/or worsen please have your client seek immediate medical attention.   As the microscopic channels to the skin close quickly, postoperative wound infection is extremely rare.  Emollients and/ or topical antibiotics may be prescribed, if considered necessary.

What are the contraindications for CIT treatment?

CIT Pen treatments must be avoided in the following cases:

Keloid or raised scarring.

Pregnancy due to the lack of clinical studies.

Herpes Simplex infections.

Diabetes.

Any facial injections within the past 10 days.

Patients on any blood thinners.

Collagen vascular diseases or cardiac abnormalities.

Active bacterial or fungal infection.

Immune-suppression diseases.

Scars less than 6 months old.

Raised moles, warts or raised lesions.

Nodular or Pustular Rosacea

Eczema, Psoriasis, Scleroderma and other chronic conditions.

Treatment cannot be performed if the following is present: Any open cuts, wounds, abrasions, and active acne or cold sores.

 

If my client experiences side effects such as swelling, stinging sensation, and / or discomfort what products should I recommend?

Our online store offers the Zensa Healing cream.
Clinically proven to reduce itching, speed up healing, and minimize scarring. Health Canada certified.

All natural ingredients Include Sunflower Seed oil to brighten, naturally.

All natural ingredients. No animal testing - 100% cruelty free.

 

Safety and Sanitation:
All disposable cartridges are equipped with a silicone lock to prevent back flow.
The provider may use OSHA approved sterilizer, e.g. Barbacide wipes and place in a UV sterilizer. CIT Pen protective sleeves are available on our online shop for further cross-contamination precautions.

Is the CIT Pen FDA approved?

Herbal Skin Solutions is not affiliated with the FDA. Currently there are no dermal needling device that is approved by the FDA. The fact that a company lists a device as a Class One medical device—low risk and least regulatory controls—does not mean that the FDA agrees with that designation. In fact, in official correspondence, the FDA rejects the assertion that skin needling devices are Class One simply because a company claims that it is skin to dermabrasion or other similar brushes and tools.   Anyone can get a device or instrument listed (or registered) by completing a simple form and filing it with the FDA. This does not mean the device is approved.

Why am I not able to view pricing or place orders after immediately creating an account?
We keep our professional site (pricing, details, and ordering) exclusive to skin care professionals, only. This is intended to protect the value of treatments and retail for providers.

We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

Before we will grant you access to our professional site and give further information we need to verify the following:

1. Provide your skincare professional license number.
2. State you hold licensure in.
3. Your full name as it appears on your license.
4. If you are currently seeking licensure, provide the name of the school or program you are currently enrolled in the state?

 

Note: If you prefer you may also send a photo of your license (in lieu of above 3 requirements) at: CITpen@herbalskinsolutions.com and or email the above information if preferred.

Once we receive this information we start the verification process.
After providing this information please allow up to 3 business days for your account to be approved.