How chemical peels, microneedling, and lasers rely on the body’s healing response—and the breakthrough peptide helping professionals boost recovery and results.
Thanks to DefenAge for sponsoring this article.
In professional aesthetics, trauma isn’t a bad word—it’s a catalyst for transformation. Chemical peels, microneedling, and laser treatments all depend on one universal biological principle: the body’s remarkable ability to repair itself. When the skin experiences controlled injury, it launches a sophisticated response that leads to smoother texture, improved tone, and renewed vitality.
Understanding this science—how controlled trauma encourages the skin’s natural renewal process, and how new innovations like defensin peptides can amplify it—empowers professionals to create strategic, renewal-focused treatment plans that deliver visible rejuvenation from within.
Defensin peptides are the heart and soul of the DefenAge PRO Exclusive skincare line, and L+A’s own Dr. Krystal Briglia weighs in on why she loves DefenAge PRO Exclusive.
Why Trauma = Results
Every professional treatment that transforms skin does so by creating controlled trauma. The concept is simple: when the skin is injured in a controlled environment, it triggers a sequence of biological responses that rebuild and strengthen tissue.
This process, known as the wound-healing cascade, is a symphony of cellular activity. The body immediately recognizes the injury and sets off a chain reaction:
- Fibroblast activation leads to the production of collagen and elastin—the essential proteins responsible for structure and elasticity.
- Angiogenesis increases blood flow, nourishing new tissue with oxygen and nutrients.
- Growth factors like FGF, PDGF, and VEGF surge to accelerate repair.
- Inflammation initially rises but then subsides, paving the way for regeneration and smoother, more resilient skin.
The result? Skin that looks—and functions—younger, firmer, and healthier.
Let’s look at how this principle plays out across today’s most popular trauma-based treatments.
Chemical Peels: Controlled Injury Through Exfoliation
As Terri Wojak explains in L+A’s article Get 5 Expert Chemical Peel Tips, exfoliation is more than surface-level renewal—it’s controlled wound therapy.
“This decrease in the skin’s natural exfoliation can contribute to fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and a dull, dry appearance,” Wojak writes. “It is well known that chemical peels exfoliate keratinized cells from the outer layers of skin. This occurs as acids break down protein structures that anchor cells to each other, known as desmosomes. An equally important function of exfoliation is to create a controlled wound response.”
When the skin senses this controlled trauma, it releases growth factors that prompt fibroblast activity and stimulate new cell production. The result is twofold: superficial imperfections fade, while the skin’s internal structure becomes stronger and more resilient.
A well-executed chemical peel doesn’t just “reveal” new skin—it builds it.
Microneedling: Microtrauma, Macro Results
Dr. Vincent Wong notes in L+A’s Recovery from Microneedling Treatments that microneedling’s power lies in precision. “Microneedling has become a prominent cosmetic procedure, praised for its ability to stimulate collagen production through controlled injury to the skin,” he says.
By puncturing the skin with fine needles, microneedling creates microscopic channels that activate the wound-healing cascade. Fibroblasts rush in to repair the injury, collagen and elastin production surges, and stem cells awaken to regenerate tissue.
“The controlled injury response triggers the release of growth factors and activates stem cells,” Dr. Wong adds, “resulting in increased collagen synthesis.”
The beauty of microneedling is its versatility: it can be used on all skin types and tones, and results compound over time. But post-treatment care is crucial—using advanced, supportive peptides and barrier-strengthening formulas ensures optimal healing and longer-lasting rejuvenation.
Laser: Precision Energy for Cellular Renewal
Lasers take trauma to a new dimension—literally. Instead of physical injury or chemical exfoliation, lasers use light energy to inflict controlled damage deep within the dermis.
Dr. Chantal Lunderville, in The Taj Mahal of Aesthetics: The Balance Between Fillers and Laser, explains, “Lasers work by damaging targeted tissues in a controlled way, prompting the skin to heal and regenerate.”
Depending on wavelength and energy type, lasers can:
- Break apart pigment (e.g., PICO lasers)
- Heat water in the skin to stimulate fibroblasts and collagen (e.g., CO₂ lasers)
- Improve density, elasticity, and overall texture
By strategically wounding the skin, lasers unlock the body’s innate ability to rebuild. The outcome is firmer, more uniform skin with improved receptivity to topical skincare and ongoing professional treatments.
Preparing the Skin for Trauma-Inducing Treatments
Before inducing trauma, professionals must ensure that the skin is strong, balanced, and ready to heal. A compromised barrier or inflamed condition can slow recovery and reduce results.
Katrina Yokoyama, in her L+A article Progressive Skin Fitness Plans, emphasizes this preparation process.
“When a new client comes in, I never jump straight into aggressive treatments,” she says. “Instead, I start with a consultation that goes deeper than skin… If the body isn’t detoxing properly, it will show in the skin. From there, I build a custom at-home regimen that restores the barrier, reduces inflammation, and prepares the skin to respond to advanced treatments.”
She adds, “Because 70–75% of results come from what clients do daily. If the skin is strong, hydrated, and less congested, professional modalities can deliver visible results faster and with less risk.”
This foundational prep work sets the stage for the next generation of rejuvenation science—one that amplifies the body’s natural wound-healing process through Defensin peptides.
Defensin Peptides: Rebuilding Skin from Within
Nature designed defensins as part of the immune system—tiny, powerful peptides that help signal the body to repair itself. In scientific research, these molecules have been shown to activate dormant LGR6+ stem cells in the epidermis and stimulate fibroblast activity in the dermis, initiating true tissue regeneration and repair.
What Are Defensins?
Defensins are natural peptide molecules that trigger the body’s wound-healing and regeneration processes without causing inflammation.
- Alpha-5 Defensin activates LGR6+ “master” stem cells—responsible for creating new basal cells and keratinocytes.
- Beta-3 Defensin stimulates fibroblasts, boosts collagen and elastin, enhances blood vessel growth, and reduces inflammation.
Together, these mechanisms restart the skin’s self-renewal process—restoring firmness, texture, and barrier function in a way that mirrors the skin’s own youthful biology.
How The Defensins Compliment Your Body
Scientific studies show that as we age, the body produces fewer defensins, leading to a gradual slowdown in the skin’s natural renewal rhythm. This decline can contribute to a visible loss of firmness, radiance, and overall resiliency, as the communication that helps keep skin looking vibrant becomes less active over time.
Topical defensin peptides can help support the skin’s natural defensin activity that diminishes with age—complementing the body’s own renewal process to maintain a healthier-looking appearance. When used before and after professional treatments, topical defensins help create an optimal environment for recovery by reinforcing the skin’s natural balance and responsiveness, allowing the skin to appear calmer, smoother, and more refreshed.
The Benefits of Defensins (The Science-Backed Benefits of Defensins)
- Regeneration: Stimulate the creation of new basal cells and fresh keratinocytes.
- Anti-Aging: Reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and visible aging markers.
- Barrier Strength: Reinforce skin integrity and hydration.
- Microbiome Balance: Support beneficial bacteria while maintaining skin defense.
- Protection: Naturally antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial.
- Consistency: Bioidentical molecules ensure reliable results.
- Safety: Non-inflammatory, non-photosensitizing, and non-carcinogenic.
Defensins essentially “teach” the skin how to heal itself—without creating trauma in the process.
DefenAge: Delivering Defensins to the Skin
Enter DefenAge, the revolutionary skincare brand that pioneered the use of defensins in clinical aesthetics.
The Science Behind DefenAge
The discovery began in studies on wound healing and Type 1 Diabetes, where researchers identified the remarkable ability of defensins to create new, healthy skin—without the inflammation or unpredictable results associated with stem cell or exosome treatments.
By 2013, scientists confirmed that LGR6+ stem cells—located in hair follicles since birth—were the key to forming new epidermis during wound repair. DefenAge’s formulas support these very cells to promote the appearance of new, healthy-looking skin.
This innovation allows professionals to mimic the skin’s natural wound-healing power—without creating injury.
How DefenAge Complements Trauma-Based Treatments
DefenAge doesn’t replace professional procedures—it enhances them. When used before and after chemical peels, microneedling, or lasers, defensin-powered formulas help the skin prepare for trauma and recover more efficiently afterward.
Before Treatment
DefenAge strengthens the skin barrier, balances the microbiome, and ensures the skin is hydrated and resilient—ideal conditions for tolerating controlled injury.
After Treatment
Defensin molecules boost the skin’s natural wound-healing response, helping to support fibroblast activity, boost collagen and elastin production, enhance natural growth factors, promote angiogenesis, and decrease signs of inflammation for visibly rejuvenated skin and reduced downtime.
This dual-phase benefit makes DefenAge an optimal companion to any trauma-inducing treatment plan.
Dr. Krystal Briglia on Why She Loves the Defenage PRO Products
The skin is a beautiful and intelligent organ, resilient, adaptive, and deeply responsive to the way we treat it. In aesthetic medicine, we often rely on controlled trauma to create change. Treatments such as microneedling, chemical peels, radiofrequency, and laser resurfacing all intentionally trigger a wound-healing cascade to stimulate repair and regeneration. While these treatments can produce beautiful results, they also place significant stress on the skin. The way the skin responds to that trauma, how efficiently it manages inflammation, rebuilds the barrier, and restores balance, determines the quality of healing and the outcome we ultimately see.
That is why I love using DefenAge in my practice- the best kept skincare secret I have been using to give my patients THE best results. DefenAge has completely elevated how I prepare and care for skin before and after controlled injury procedures. DefenAge utilizes Defensins, natural peptides that signal dormant LGR6+ stem cells in the skin to become active and generate new, healthy cells. This biologically intelligent approach supports regeneration at the cellular level without adding inflammation or irritation.
By integrating DefenAge into pre- and post-procedure care, I see faster recovery times, less redness, and stronger, more resilient skin. The difference in barrier function and visible luminosity is remarkable. Patients not only heal more comfortably, but their results appear smoother and more refined, almost as if the skin learns to repair itself more efficiently each time.
DefenAge has changed the way I think about wound healing and how I treat my patients. It bridges science and aesthetics by giving us a way to support the skin’s natural regenerative intelligence. For practitioners focused on delivering outcomes that are as healthy as they are beautiful, DefenAge represents the future of pre and post-procedure skincare.
The Core DefenAge PRO Regimen (Platinum Edition)
Available exclusively through medical aesthetic professionals, the DefenAge PRO Line contains the highest concentration of Age-Repair Defensins and is clinically proven to work on both epidermal and dermal levels.
The Core DefenAge Products
5+ Defensin Recovery Serum
Formulated as a topical biostimulator, 5+ Defensin Recovery Serum helps spark the skin’s natural repair and renewal process after professional treatments. It visibly reduces erythema and signs of inflammation while soothing and comforting the skin. By supporting faster recovery and helping to minimize downtime, it enhances treatment outcomes for smoother, more radiant-looking skin. The formula deeply hydrates, nourishes, and reinforces the skin’s barrier, helping protect against environmental stressors and maintaining optimal balance during the recovery phase.
1-Step Multi-Cleanse
This cleanser removes makeup and pollutants while balancing the microbiome with natural prebiotics.
“This is a clear gel cleanser that foams beautifully without stripping the skin. We both love it.” Barry + Jenni
2-Minute Reveal Masque
This Award-Winning (NewBeauty 2019) masque combines enzyme and sugar crystal exfoliation for instant resurfacing.
“I love this dual-action enzyme mask! There’s nothing better than the feeling of a gentle scrub, and knowing it’s also working enzymatically to dissolve buildup takes it to the next level. My skin is left glowing, smooth, and refreshed every single time.” Jenni Nagle
24/7 Barrier Balance Cream
This Award-Winning (Dermatology Times 2018) formula that helps fortify the skin’s barrier and restore essential hydration. Lightweight, fragrance-free, and ideal for maintaining balanced, resilient skin day and night.
“This cream spreads evenly on my skin. It’s lightweight and fragrance-free. It’s perfect for layering over the 8-in-1 BioSerum. Even though it’s lightweight, it quenches my skin the same way a heavier cream would. It’s a must try.” Barry Eichner
8-in-1 BioSerum
This Award-Winning (Elite Magazine 2024) serum delivers DefenAge’s highest concentration of defensin peptides to help visibly improve firmness, tone, and luminosity. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, it leaves the skin smooth, balanced, and radiant.
“Serums are the powerhouse of any skincare routine. They deliver the potent ingredients needed for skin improvement. This lotion-like serum is rich in defensins, and it sinks right into my skin. It has zero fragrance and feels delicious on my skin. You can be confident that all skin types will enjoy this serum.” Barry Eichner
3D Eye Radiance Cream
This Award-Winning (NewBeauty 2020 + 2024) cream helps visibly lift, firm, and brighten the delicate eye area. It supports smoother texture and a refreshed, revitalized appearance.
“I learned that Defensins work at the base of the hair follicle and that there is a high concentration of hair follicles around the eye! This piqued my interest in trying this product. I’ve been using it for a while and love how rich it is! I’m already seeing improvement in the texture of my skin around my eyes.” Barry Eichner
6-Week Perfection Neck Cream
This Award-Winning (NewBeauty 2022) cream helps visibly firm and tighten the neck area for a more defined, youthful-looking profile. It hydrates and smooths the skin, improving the look of tone and texture with daily use.
“I’ve always made a point to bring my skincare down to my neck and décolleté, but as I move through my 40s, it’s become a true necessity. Incorporating this neck cream has been such an easy, seamless addition—and my skin already feels more hydrated.” Jenni Nagle
10 Luxe Hand & Body Cream
This Award-Winning (Good Housekeeping 2022), defensin-based cream helps rejuvenate the look of skin on the hands and body, improving texture, hydration, and softness. Its rich yet fast-absorbing formula leaves skin smooth, nourished, and comfortably moisturized.
“This lives on my nightstand! I use it on my hands and arms every night—especially after seeing those impressive before-and-after results. It absorbs instantly, leaves zero greasy residue, and my skin feels so soft and nourished.” Jenni Nagle
Clinical Research: Proven Regeneration
In a multi-center, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study (45 participants, 12 weeks), the DefenAge regimen—including the 24/7 Barrier Balance Cream, 8-in-1 BioSerum, and 2-Minute Reveal Masque—produced remarkable results:
- Increased visible epidermal thickness without inflammation
- Reduction in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pores, and pigmentation
- Improvement in the appearance of elasticity, hydration, and overall tone
- Visible formation of “new epidermis” within 6–12 weeks
The New Era of Regenerative Skincare
For decades, professionals have relied on controlled trauma to renew the skin—and it works. But now, science offers a way to prepare and enhance that process from within.
By combining advanced, trauma-based modalities with defensin-powered skincare, professionals can create a complete regenerative approach: stimulate, restore, strengthen, and maintain.
The future of skin rejuvenation lies in harnessing the body’s own intelligence—where trauma meets transformation, and science meets nature’s most powerful peptides.