Microneedling is a collagen induction therapy, a treatment that is designed to promote skin rejuvenation.
Needles are used to create small punctures on the top layer of the skin which would cause the body to create new collagen and elastin.
To be exact, the tool uses 11 super-tiny needles in the very tip, which can be adjusted by your professional between 0.5 and 2.5 millimeters.
Body treats a small wound the same way as a large wound, and sends fibroblasts to create more collagen in the affected area.
The treatment can also help reduce pore size and heal acne scars.
What Happens During Microneedling Treatment?
The treatment begins by first cleansing the face, then applying a topical numbing cream. Once that takes effect (typically about 10 to 20 minutes), nurse will apply a serum that promotes skin repair and healing.
A microneedling pen is then passed back and forth all over your face — at this point, the needles are moving up and down — in order to “needle in” the serum.
Once the procedure is completed, another layer of serum is applied.
Does Microneedling Hurt?
If the idea of tiny needles piercing your skin sounds like it would bring with a serious ouch factor, you don’t need to worry. Not only does the numbing cream help take away what experts agree is minimal pain during the procedure, but what you can expect post-procedure is a bit of pinkness, kind of like a sunburn. At the very worst, a few tiny punctate scabs may pop up, only to fade in a few days.
Who Should Try Microneedling?
It’s great for acne scarring, and because it doesn’t use heat and is totally mechanical, it’s safe for all skin colors and types. The treatment is wonderful for smoothing out the skin and filling in acne scars, but if you have those small bumps from clogged pores, it can help to clear all of that up as well. You should also steer clear of microneedling if you have eczema, rosacea, or very sensitive skin, Dr. Jaliman says.
You should also skip the procedure if you are on blood thinners or a frequent alcohol drinker, which causes dehydration and can render the procedure ineffective.
Can You Microneedle Your Body, Too?
Yes! Microneedling isn’t exclusive to just the face. While it’s the area of skin that is most often treated, the procedure can be done anywhere the skin on the body needs a collagen boost, particularly those that have stretch marks, like the legs, chest, or butt.
How Often Should I Get Microneedling Done?
If your skin is generally fine and you take care of it, you can microneedle every three to six months.
After that, you should plan on coming in once a year for touch-ups, especially if you feel like your skin needs a reboot. When it comes to other areas of the body, you can expect about four to six sessions to do the trick.
What Does the Microneedling Aftercare Involve?
Microneedling leaves you red and sensitive, so you should use broad-spectrum,with at least SPF 50 during the weeks following your treatment.
You should also avoid retinol and acids, such as glycolic and salicylic.
Make sure you also keep skin hydrated by applying a mild hydrating serum and use a mild cleanser, taking care to avoid exfoliating scrubs in the days immediately following the treatment.