What is Microneedling?
Microneedling, or collagen induction therapy or derma rolling, is a cosmetic procedure that involves creating controlled micro-injuries to the skin using a derma roller or a derma pen. These devices have tiny needles that puncture the skin at a superficial level.
Microneedling stimulates the production of proteins (collagen and elastin) that help maintain the skin’s structure and elasticity. By creating these controlled micro-injuries, microneedling triggers the body’s natural healing response, producing new collagen and elastin fibers.
The procedure can be performed by a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or trained aesthetician. Before the treatment, a numbing cream may be applied to minimize discomfort. During the procedure, the derma roller or derma pen is gently rolled or pressed onto the skin, creating small punctures. The depth of the needles is adjustable based on the patient’s specific needs and the area being treated.
Microneedling is commonly used to improve the appearance of various skin concerns, including:
- Fine lines and wrinkles: The increased collagen and elastin production can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making smoother and more youthful skin.
- Scars: Microneedling can effectively reduce the appearance of acne scars, surgical scars, and stretch marks by promoting collagen remodeling and improving skin texture.
- Uneven skin tone and texture: The procedure can help improve the overall texture and style of the skin, including minimizing the appearance of pores, reducing hyperpigmentation, and evening out the skin’s surface.
Microneedling is generally considered safe when performed by a trained professional. However, it may cause temporary side effects like redness, mild swelling, and skin sensitivity. These side effects typically subside within a few days to a week after the procedure.
What does Microneedling do?
Microneedling offers several benefits for the skin. Here are some of the effects and improvements that microneedling can provide:
- Stimulates collagen production: Microneedling triggers the body’s natural healing response, stimulating collagen and elastin production. These proteins are essential for maintaining the skin’s firmness, elasticity, and youthful appearance. Increasing collagen production can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Improves skin texture and tone: The controlled micro-injuries created by microneedling promote the turnover of skin cells, leading to a smoother, more even skin texture. It can help improve rough skin appearance, acne scars, and other textural irregularities.
- Reduces the appearance of scars: Microneedling can effectively minimize the visibility of scars, including acne scars, surgical scars, and stretch marks. The procedure encourages collagen remodeling and can help smoothen the texture of scar tissue.
- Enhances product absorption: The tiny punctures created during microneedling can temporarily create microchannels in the skin, allowing for better absorption of topical skincare products; this means that the active ingredients in serums, creams, or masks can penetrate deeper into the skin and provide enhanced benefits.
- Evens skin tone and reduces hyperpigmentation: Microneedling can help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, such as age spots, sunspots, and melasma. The procedure encourages the shedding of pigmented cells and encourages the growth of healthier skin cells, leading to a more even complexion.
- Tightens and firms the skin: By stimulating collagen production, microneedling can improve the tightness and firmness of the skin; this can be particularly beneficial for individuals with mild skin laxity or sagging.
It’s important to note that the specific results and effectiveness of microneedling can vary depending on individual factors such as skin type, the severity of the skin concern being treated, and the number of treatment sessions. It’s advisable to consult with a qualified professional to determine the expected outcomes and establish a personalized treatment plan.
Is Microneedling for everyone?
Microneedling may only suit some, and its appropriateness can depend on various factors. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
- Skin conditions: Individuals with certain skin conditions, such as active acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or any skin infection, may not be appropriate candidates for microneedling. The procedure can exacerbate these conditions or cause additional irritation and complications. It’s wise to consult a healthcare professional or a qualified aesthetician to assess whether microneedling is appropriate for your skin condition.
- Medical history: People with a history of keloid scarring or excessive scarring may need to exercise caution with microneedling, as it involves creating controlled micro-injuries to the skin. Additionally, individuals with bleeding disorders or those on blood-thinning medications may need to avoid microneedling due to the potential risk of increased bleeding.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Microneedling is typically not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals due to limited research on its safety. It is essential to prioritize the well-being of the individual and the developing baby.
- Recent skin treatments: It’s essential to inform your provider about any current skin treatments or procedures you have undergone, as specific treatments or medications may affect the suitability or timing of microneedling. For example, if you have had a recent chemical peel or laser treatment, your provider may recommend waiting for a certain period before undergoing microneedling.
- Skin sensitivity: Microneedling involves creating micro-injuries to the skin, which can cause temporary redness, swelling, and sensitivity. Individuals with sensitive or easily irritated skin may need to proceed cautiously and ensure the treatment uses appropriate techniques and products.
What does Microneedling do for Acne Scars?
Microneedling is also excellent in treating acne scars. Here’s how microneedling can help with acne scars:
- Collagen induction: Microneedling stimulates the production of elastin and collagen, both essential for maintaining the skin’s structure and elasticity. By creating controlled micro-injuries, microneedling triggers the body’s natural healing response, producing new collagen fibers. This collagen remodeling can help fill in and smooth out the indentations caused by acne scars.
- Texture improvement: The controlled micro-injuries created by microneedling encourage the turnover of skin cells, which can help improve the skin’s overall texture. As new, healthier skin cells are generated, the skin’s surface becomes smoother, and the appearance of rough or uneven acne-scarred skin can be reduced.
- Increased absorption of topical products: Microneedling creates microchannels in the skin, temporarily enhancing the absorption of topical skincare products, which is particularly beneficial when combined with serums or creams containing ingredients known to promote scar healing, such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or growth factors. The deeper penetration of these products can aid in reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of acne scars.
- Collagen remodeling: Microneedling can encourage collagen remodeling within the scar tissue. Acne scars often form when collagen fibers are disrupted during the healing process. By stimulating collagen production and remodeling, microneedling can help break down old, irregular collagen and replace it with new, more organized collagen fibers, leading to a smoother scar appearance.
It’s important to note that the effectiveness of microneedling for acne scars can vary depending on the depth and severity of the wounds. Superficial scars respond better to microneedling than deep, pitted scars. Additionally, multiple microneedling sessions may be needed to improve acne scars significantly.
Acne Scars can be overly frustrating, mainly because they leave unpleasant marks. Luckily, microneedling is there to erase all of these frustrations! My Aesthetic Studio can give one of the best Microneedling services that can be customized with Platelet-rich Fibrin and Platelet-rich Plasma. Contact them now and try a revolutionary facial procedure.
