Microneedling has been rising in popularity, and so have at-home treatments. This is a seemingly simple, non-invasive procedure that is cost effective and with promising results.
What is microneedling?
Also known as Collagen Induction Therapy or percutaneous Collagen Induction, microneedling is the process of creating microscopic punctures in the skin. The damage will trigger the skin cells to repair and regenerate, producing more collagen and elastin.
There are various needle sizes that take skin thickness into account. Short needles are used for the eye and mouth areas, while longer needles are used on thicker skin like the checks and body.
What are Microneedling benefits?
Microoneedling is typically recommended to address one or more of the following concerns:
- Loss of elasticity and skin aging.
- Hyperpigmentation, melasma and sunspots.
- Improving texture, acne scars and stretch marks.
What are the types of microneedling devices?
1. Rollers are the most common, and least expensive option. They create round punctures in the skin at an angle and are V-shaped. This is our least favorite option, however, for the following reasons:
- There is less control with regard to the depth of the puncture.
- It is likely to cause larger tears if rolling back and forth.
- Higher risk of infection, inflammation and scar tissue.
- Collagen that is produced can be irregular and uneven.
- There has been instances where needle tips were left into the skin (only visible with X-rays). This may cause longterm issues and scarring.
You can probably guess by now that we aren't fans of the roller, especially when used at home. A trained professional can use this tool, controlling the pressure and pathways of the application. If you still want to give it a try at home, make sure to use a sterilized roller and don't use it more than 8 times on the face, and once if used all over the body. You don't want blades that are blunt.
2. Stamps: unlike rollers, they are pressed straight onto the skin rendering round evenly spaced punctures. This is a much better process that could deliver better results with regard to even Collagen production. However, you still can't control the depth with this device.
3. Microneedling pens are like stamps, but are automated with adjustable speed and needle depth. I always lean towards going to a trained professional for this procedure, but for those that prefer home treatment, in my view, this will be the best option given your tool is sterile, and you are applying it with even spacing and a straight angle.
What you need to know:
If you are performing microneedling at home, the best product to apply afterwards is a simple clean
hyaluronic acid serum. This will help increase the dermal hydration and plum the skin. But, more importantly, it is the most suitable active for sensitized and inflamed skin. Please avoid all types of foaming cleansers, exfoliants, AHA's, BHA's, Retinols, Benzoyl Peroxide, Ascorbic Acid, hydroquinone and preservatives for a couple days before and a week after microneedling. Remember that the skin is open and the quality of you apply matters a great deal.
You'd want to avoid exercise and make up of the first 24 hours post-procedure. And don't be alarmed if your skin feels grainy or rough for a few days. More than ever, a mineral sunscreen is mandatory for 3 weeks following the procedure.
What to expect?
Post procedure, you may look like you have a sunburn. That is normal. If you've done all steps correctly, you should start to notice increased firmness anywhere from a week to a month. This varies by person and the extent of loss of elasticity in their skin. Ultimate results can be achieved at the 5 session mark. Try to space out your sessions by at least a month.
While we are adamant believers that consistent home care makes all the difference in your skin longterm, with things involving needles, we highly recommend that you go to your dermatologist office.
Be safe. Be well. Be beautiful!
Disclaimer:
As a blogger, my content may include affiliate links from advertisers. I may earn a small commission from actions readers take on these links such as a purchase, or subscribe. All my recommendations are based on my own research and personal trust in the products that I share. I am not a doctor or nutritionist. Please consult with your practitioner prior to using any products recommended.
