Microneedling aka collagen induction therapy has been around for nearly 30 years, but it may be new to you.
It’s a non-surgical treatment method that uses a handheld tool—usually just a roller or a pen—to puncture the skin with very small needles. This stimulates collagen production and can increase blood flow and stimulate a healing response in the skin.
Microneedling can be used on the face, neck, chest, and back, and it’s currently one of the top trends in plastic surgery.
Here are some of the fun microneedling facts that can help you prep up for your first treatment.
But first, let’s understand the basics.
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What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is one of the hottest new cosmetic procedures, with celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian posting before and after pictures of their procedures on social. But what is it, exactly?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses tiny needles to create little tiny punctures in the epidermis. This sends signals to your body that your skin is healing, which triggers the production of collagen and elastin, two skin proteins that strengthen and thicken your skin.
Collagen and elastin are proteins in the skin that give your skin its youthful glow. The combination can leave your skin looking firmer and smoother.
Microneedling is used to treat a variety of skin problems, including acne scars, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines and wrinkles.
The treatment is minimally invasive and is safe to use as it promotes healing. It is performed by expert dermatologists, aestheticians, and plastic surgeons.
Initially introduced in the 1990s, microneedling has evolved over the years due to changes in technology. The science behind it makes it compelling, but you need more than one sitting before seeing noticeable results.
Benefits of Microneedling
With age, your skin begins to show signs of wear and tear. This is partly due to the natural aging process, as well as exposure to sunlight, smoking, and other environmental factors.
Due to its many benefits in the dermatology field, it is becoming more popular:
- Can help you achieve skin rejuvenation by stimulating collagen production, resulting in younger-looking skin.
- Microneedling may also improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging.
- A good treatment for acne scars, it helps to break down the scar tissue and promote fresh collagen.
- Treat a variety of skin concerns, including pigmentation, stretch marks, and large pores.
- Boosts the absorption of skincare products, allowing your skin to improve your complexion by delivering active ingredients, such as peptides and vitamins, deep into the skin.
- Suitable for all skin tones, dark or light.
Fun Microneedling Facts
Dermatologists cannot just stop raving about microneedling. Thanks to Instagram and YouTube, this process is gaining traction. Unless you are terrified of needles and don’t get queasy when you see blood, you should know a few microneedling fun facts about the procedure before starting.
#1 It Was Just Around The Corner
Social media has made microneedling incredibly popular. However, here is a slight twist on microneedling – it has been around since the 1950s.
The discovery of this treatment came from a doctor who discovered that causing tiny pricks in the skin increased collagen production. Over time, however, the tools and devices have been highly improved to make the therapy more efficient.
Microneedling promises younger, glowing, firmer skin, and claims to improve the performance of cosmetic procedures like Botox.
#2 Creates microscopic punctures
It is a no-brainer that the needles create microscopic punctures in the epidermis layer of your skin. The skin then fills in and pushes out any imperfections. The results are smoother, plumper, and fresher-looking skin.
In this process, a micro-needling device is used with needles ranging from 0.5mm to 2.5mm. The needles used may be sterilized stainless steel needles or single-use disposable needles, depending on the type of microneedling procedure being performed.
Usually, the discomfort feels like pinpricks, and they only reach deeper than the surface level.
#3 You Can Do The Treatment Anywhere
The therapy does not require that you empty your wallet at the salon or clinic. You can do at-home microneedling in the office and even at home. You only need a microneedling device with the correct needle size for your skin issue.
Treatments can be performed by a licensed skincare professional, or at home with a home microneedling system. However, you need to get multiple sittings and appointments that can become hectic and expensive.
Microneedling at home may not be as effective as it could be, but you can still do it at your convenience. For the best results, it is important to follow the recommended pre and post-treatment regimens.
#4 Results are Fairly Immediate
Each topical treatment involves a certain amount of downtime. Microneedling, on the other hand, allows you to see results immediately.
People who have been using a microneedling device for even a week will see visible improvements in their skin and improve its texture. Immediately after the treatment, the skin appears rosy, plump, and luminous.
The microneedling benefits stay for a couple of weeks — you will experience superficial swelling due to inflammation, which can make you look extra radiant in those weeks. After undergoing the procedure, microneedling before and after will prove that it does work.
#5 The Promise Of Improvement
Whether you have normal, dry, or oily skin, microneedling promises a youthful, plump, and dewy complexion, but the treatment does more than just make skin look perfect.
The effects of microneedling do not wear off quickly. When you opt for professional microneedling, the effects can last for a long time.
According to a study in 2008, people who underwent four microneedling sessions saw their collagen levels increase dramatically. The sessions were scheduled one month apart, and the results were remarkable. A six-month follow-up revealed that collagen and elastin levels increased by 400 percent.
#6 Goes Well With a Serum
The benefits of microneedling are increased when used with serum.
Studies have shown that people who use hydrating products like serums along with their microneedling sessions experience the best results.
When the skin is not hydrated, it can cause unwanted tears in the epidermis and cause future damage. Thus, gliding skin care products like serums allows the device to glide over the skin effortlessly and nourish the skin.
The best serums contain Niacinamide and antioxidants. You can also soak up the skin with a hydrating serum after microneedling.
#7 Suits All Skin Types
Since every skin is different, the treatment will vary from time to time. Despite this, microneedling works well for all types of skin.
Whether you are mature or young, dark or light, have oily or dry skin, this method can induce collagen. Since it is for all skin types, the benefits range from firming and lifting, minimizing pores, getting rid of acne scars, sun damage, and pigmentation, smoothening fine lines and wrinkles, etc.
There is, however, one caveat: those who have active acne should avoid this therapy, as it can spread the bacteria all over and worsen the appearance of acne. It would be best to start this treatment after the acne has cleared up.
#8 Your Whole Body Benefits
There’s a misconception that microneedling treatments are only for the face. The fact is, the process can benefit your entire body.
Through this therapy, you can reduce the appearance of scars on your body and achieve a glowing skin tone. This method works for treating stretch marks as well.
When you prick your skin, your body produces extra collagen to aid in healing. In this way, you can eliminate any irregularities on the skin. Furthermore, it promotes hair growth as well.
#9 Wondering if microneedling hurts?
For years, people have used collagen injections, injections of platelet-rich plasma, and dermabrasion to stimulate new collagen production, but microneedling is a faster, less invasive alternative.
As you can imagine, the idea of thousands of needles piercing your skin is painful in and of itself.
So, is microneedling a painful procedure? Considering that needles will penetrate your skin, we shouldn’t expect the experience to be enjoyable. However, when we ask ourselves what microneedling is, we mean that the needles used are even thinner than a hair strand.
An individual’s level of pain can vary as well as between treatments. People undergoing lighter treatments experience less bleeding with minimal pain, whereas those who choose aggressive treatments for grave skin concerns might experience excessive bleeding with bearable pain. Moreover, you should consult your doctor before choosing a treatment plan for your skin condition.profe
#10 Commitment Is The Key
Most dermatologists will not endorse microneedling at home. Even if you are willing to perform this treatment at home, conduct research and proceed cautiously.
The efficacy of the treatment depends on how far and how aggressively the needle reaches. Moreover, this type of treatment will require repetitions, which require consistency. To achieve long-term benefits, three sessions are highly recommended. Hence, patience is the key to getting the most out of your session.
#11 Quite Affordable
With so many things you’ve learned about microneedling, you’re probably wondering whether it will break the bank. However, one microneedling fun fact is that it’s not the case.
A microneedling procedure is relatively inexpensive. Moreover, if you compare microneedling costs with other CO2 facial laser treatments, the latter is far more expensive. On top of that, laser treatment does not suit every type of skin, and there is no guarantee of results.
Microneedling, on the other hand, gives the skin a dewy, radiant appearance from the very beginning. Once the redness subsides, you will see your skin change immediately. In light of all these factors, microneedling is very affordable and has little downtime.
Microneedling Risks
Even though the treatment can be extremely useful in improving skin tone, there can be some potential microneedling side effects.
- Not paying attention to needle size can cause acne breakouts and even lead to open wounds that are quite painful. They can cause deeper wounds if the device is not used correctly.
- Using a device that has not been sterilized can lead to infections. If you have psoriasis or rosacea, self-microneedling can only cause adverse effects.
- Microneedling at home requires a specific technique. The needles need to penetrate your skin with the correct pressure and at the right angle. The wrong way of doing it can harm your skin while you expect to benefit.
- Those who fail to observe proper microneedling care tips may end up developing more skin problems. People might not be aware of these self-care tips and hence the damage. So it’s always wise to consult a dermatologist before actually going on and about with treatment.
Final thoughts
Eventually, efforts are worthwhile – no matter how painful it is. After this treatment, you will hardly remember the pain as your skin will be glistening and radiant. Ultimately, according to the facts about microneedling, the benefits outweigh the pain, and the results will be long-lasting. After knowing these fun microneedling facts, you will be able to make an informed decision before engaging in the treatment.
