Microneedling might sound scary, but the reality is that it couldn’t be further from it. Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure in which tiny needles are used to create thousands of microscopic punctures in your skin. Emphasis on microscopic, as it is hardly felt, much less painful. These micro-punctures trigger a signal in the body to ramp up collagen production and start the healing process, which can lead to firmer and smoother skin. Perfect for the fight against aging and the fine lines, wrinkles, etc. associated with it. Microneedling is a relatively new procedure that has been growing in popularity in recent years. If you’re considering trying microneedling, here are some things you need to know.
Why Microneedling?
Apart from hacking your body’s healing process to boost collagen, flood the area with nutrients, and therefore firming up and smoothing out your skin (as if you needed any other reasons), microneedling also improves the absorption of skincare products, so serums can penetrate the skin more effectively, boosting their ability to work their magic! Make sure to discuss your skincare regimen and products to use before and after the procedure with your provider though, as all skin types are unique.
While it’s amazing for fighting the signs of aging on your skin, you’d be mistaken in thinking microneedling is only for smoothing out wrinkles. It offers a whole host of benefits including:
- Reducing facial acne scars
- Helping to heal surgery and burn scars
- Can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks
- Combats signs of sun damage
- Lightens up dark spots
- Evens out your skin tone
- Can tighten and shrink pores
- Can improve the appearance of unsightly spider veins and broken capillaries
- Help with overall skin rejuvenation
What To Expect
If you’re considering microneedling as an option for your skin care routine, it’s important to discuss this decision with a health care provider and follow their instructions. Your dermatologist may recommend staying away from intensive topical treatments like retinol-based creams or serums close to or right after the procedure. This is because they can cause inflammation around the treatment area.
Note: Some may be unfavorable candidates including those with lesions, acne, infections, sunburns, cold sores, or any other kind of open, sensitive spots.
To start the procedure, a numbing agent will be applied to the area being treated. This will be performed about half an hour before the actual treatment in order for the anesthetic to take effect. Next, a dermaroller or an electric needler that pulses will be applied over the desired area. Either way, these needles can be anywhere from half a millimeter to about 2 millimeters. The length used is determined by the nature of the area being treated. For example, the smallest needles are used if the goal is simply to promote skin tightening. By contrast, if the goal is to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, they will use larger needles. In doing so they will be able to effectively reach into the deeper layers of the skin .
Best results can be achieved by going in for microneedling at least once every 8 weeks. Sessions only last 30 to 45 minutes and are minimally painful if at all, so it’s still quite convenient! There’s no downtime, but you may want to ease up on certain skincare products. Talk to your provider about which to avoid as well as which they recommend for maximum effectiveness.
Final Thoughts
The Price of microneedling will vary based on treatment center. Generally, it can run up to $250, but given the convenience and massive benefits it provides, it’s still a great value and definitely worth giving a try! If you decide it’s the right move for you, check out our listing to find a medspa or doctor in your area that can offer you the benefits of microneedling.