Microneedling, what is it?

Almost everyone has heard of this new skin treatment but many have questions about what the treatment actually consists of. Let’s take a dive into this new technology and get those common questions answered!

WHAT IS MICRO-NEEDLING + HOW DOES IT WORK?

Microneedling is a skin treatment that stimulates your skin into creating collagen and elastin fibers essentially by creating a wound. It is a pen with many, extremely fine needles that can penetrate the skin up to 2mm. The pen-like device oscillates a needle cartridge up and down to stimulate micro wounds in the skin. This causes cell turnover and increases collagen and elastin to promote skin rejuvenation. The fine needles can break up scar tissue and lead to skin regeneration through collagen production. Micro-needling can be done on most of the body. (face, neck, arm, legs, back, chest, etc.)

AFTER CARE

It is recommended that sunscreen be warn at all times while your skin is healing. Avoid direct sunlight for a few days after initial treatment. The use of Hyaluronic Acid or Arnica cream will reduce inflammation and keep skin moisturized. This can also speed up the healing process significantly. Until skin is fully healed, use light mineral based makeup or avoid completely.

 BENEFITS + DOWN TIME

Microneedling is beneficial for all skin types. Benefits include fighting signs of aging by boosting the collagen in your skin causing a plumping effect, and improving the efficacy of everyday skin care by allowing the products used to penetrate deeper into the skin. Overall the results of microneedling include reducing and smooth acne scars, age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, large pores, uneven skin tone, and reduced skin elasticity. Down time includes skin inflammation for the first few hours and may remain pink/sensitive for up to 2 days. The entire healing period can take up to 7 days. During that period there may be some edema and erythema along with pinpoint bleeding, it is very important during this time period to avoid sun exposure.

WHO CAN DO IT + DOES IT HURT?

Any skin type is suitable for micro-needling. It is not the most comfortable skin treatment, so the use of a numbing agent during the procedure is available.

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO DO THIS?

Micro-needling can be done every 4-6 weeks in a three to six month period and requires at least 3 or more treatments to reduce scarring but each person’s skin is different and may require less for results. After the skin goals are achieved most continue to microneedle two times a year to maintain results.

BY ELLIE KRULL