What is microneedling and how does it work?
You may have heard of microneedling, a treatment that seems to help nearly every skin condition. Let’s discuss what microneedling is, different types of microneedling, and how it works.
WHAT IS MICRONEEDLING?
Microneedling is also known as collagen induction therapy. It's based on the 1950's cosmetic treatment called mesotherapy. It is a non-invasive procedure where several sterile micro needles that are pressed into the skin. These little pricks create tiny micro holes that trigger the skin's repair system to create new collagen and elastin fibers. Topical skincare applied right after microneedling is also absorbed better.
BENEFITS OF MICRONEEDLING
Immediate skin-plumping effect the next day
Can reduce acne scarring, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation
Lasting results compared to fillers or light to medium depth chemical peels
Almost no risk of skin trauma
Rapid recovery
Suitable for nearly all skin tones and types, even deep skin tones.
Microneedling causes a healing response in the skin that improves different kinds of scarring including dark marks, atrophic acne scars and can help reverse skin damage caused by the sun. This is because microneedling helps to renew the skin and can stimulate the formation of collagen which is the foundation of skin.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR MICRONEEDLING?
Microneedling is suitable for all Fitzpatrick types, however, it is best to wait if you are 18 and older.
Microneedling can also be done on other areas including areas around the mouth, neck, body, arms, and legs but not the eyelids area.
WHO'S NOT SUITABLE FOR MICRONEEDLING?
If you prone to or have the following, please avoid microneedling:
Active Rashes or infections
Open Wounds
Eczema or Rosacea
Pregnant
Taking certain medications such as Isotretinoin such as Accutane
Prone to keloid scars
Active skin cancer
Allergy to stainless steel or anaesthetics
Hemorrhagic (bleeding) disorder or hemostatic (bleeding) dysfunction
Pregnant or nursing
It may take a longer time to recover for people who have poor self-healing ability.
HOW DOES MICRONEEDLING WORK?
Skincare ingredients can have trouble going past the skin's natural outer barrier; because it is very difficult to penetrate ingredients through the uppermost layer of skin.
Most ingredients will be blocked by the skin barrier, that's why some skincare formulas make products quite harsh at high concentrations, or add other ingredients to force extra penetration through the skin barrier.
Microneedling solves this problem as it creates micro channels so skincare ingredients can effectively absorb into the skin. Don't be alarmed, these micro channels close up within a few hours and aren't visible to the naked eye. However it is recommended here at Plumpitupp to avoid putting any makeup on for 2-3 days to allow your skin to heal while only using our Post Treatment kit.
If you break out occasionally, you may try microneedling to treat scars, but making sure to avoid going over the acne as that may spread and cause bacteria.
MICRONEEDLING STIMULATES COLLAGEN PRODUCTION TO REDUCE ACNE SCARS
Collagen is the most abundant protein found in our skin. As we get older, our production of collagen reduces.The reduction of collagen leads to a higher chance of scars forming, and increase in fine lines and less plumped looking skin.
After microneedling, it will create controlled micro injuries to signal our skin to cure these micro injuries. Once the skin receives the signal, it recreates collagen to fill in the microchannels and the surrounding area gets repaired too!
As a result, the uneven parts of our skin are filled with newly produced collagen, and it pushes out an old layer of skin to improve acne scars, dark marks, and fine lines over time.
Think of it like building muscle, as you work out and you build muscles you create microtears, but over time your muscles build back up stronger as you continue exercising a muscle group.
MICRONEEDLING CREATES MICROCHANNELS FOR SKINCARE ABSORPTION
The microchannels created from microneedling allow your skin to absorb more of your skincare products applied afterward, which improves the efficacy of your products and absorption percentage. You can also use a more gentle formulated product and get more out of it.
It's important to avoid applying products that are too strong like benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, exfoliating products, or products with a lot of fragrance and preservatives right after microneedling.
MICRONEEDLING IS GREAT FOR HYPERPIGMENTATION
Microneedling has been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of a part of the skin caused by excessive production of melanin.
Many factors may lead to hyperpigmentation, but most commonly it happens from the inflammation after acne. Other factors include exposure to sunlight, allergic reaction, hormonal imbalance.
During the healing process after a microneedling session, the old layers of damaged skin will peel off and the fresh new layers of skin will be pushed to the surface.
It has been proven that microneedling can improve both acne scarring and hyperpigmentation at the same time. At Plumpitupp we have seen a notable difference in clients skin with both acne scarring and hyperpigmentation to be decreased immensely with a series of microneedling treatments.
WHAT ARE COMMON SIDE EFFECTS?
Dryness
Rough Skin
Tightness
Redness, itching, peeling, discomfort and tenderness
Burning
AT-HOME MICRONEEDLING VS PROFESSIONAL MICRONEEDLING
PROFESSIONAL MICRONEEDLING
Needles are longer (penetrate a deeper and multiple lengths)
Needs professionals to operate
Costs more
Quicker effectivess and Better benefits especially on deeper scarring
Longer downtime and side effects
AT-HOME MICRONEEDLING
Suitable for a larger range of people
Faster recovery because of shorter needles (dermal roller)
Convenient at home
Less than $100 and can do up to 10 treatments
No bleeding and only causes a temporary redness
Good for maintenance and sustaining results but less effective results
In comparison, both treatments have pros and cons. At-home microneedling is more cost-effective, available, and convenient, while professional may provide faster and better results for deep scarring or deeper fine lines and hyperpigmentation .
WHEN CAN I SEE RESULTS?
One of the most exciting perks about Microneedling being done here at Plumpitupp is the immediate results patients experience. Clients can see a glow to their skin as soon as the procedure is finished, and visible changes to their skin is visible over the next several weeks. Results continue to improve up to six months after the treatment as collagen is rebuilding.
WHAT DOWNTIME IS ASSOCIATED WITH MICRONEEDLING?
Total healing time from this procedure completely depends on the pen position and the number of overlapping passes your treatment provider has made on your skin! Typically 2-3 passes are made in one area depending on the condition and thickness of skin. On average clients experience some redness for two to four days. Some clients heal completely within 24 hours. Most clients will appear with redness to the skin immediately following the procedure.
If you are on the hunt for a solution to treating fine facial lines, wrinkles and scars or simply looking to improve your skins texture, tone, colour then this treatment is a great alternative to add to your treatment regime. It is best to do a series of these treatments for maximum results!
Book with us for your microneedling treatments here, if you have any questions/inquiries please feel free to contact us! Hope to see you soon in the clinic!
All the best,
Tracy O.