Microneedling
What is It? How Does It Work?
Microneedling is a procedure that uses fine needles to puncture the skin, creating many "microchannels". This creates controlled micro skin injuries that lead to the rejuvenating of the skin. The damage caused by the needles initiates a healing response from the body that generates elastin and collagen to those damaged areas. As you may know, elastin and collagen loss are some of the main causes of aged looking skin. Replenishing collagen and elastin in the skin generally creates more youthful, firm skin.
Note: I have never found success with the "roller" type microneedling devices, so nothing I am saying here applies to those. This article relates to dermapen type microneedling devices.
What Other Skin Problems Does Microneedling Usually Treat & Improve?
Microneedling can improve SO many skin issues, such as: fine lines, wrinkles, loose skin, skin texture problems, pore size, dark spots, acne scarring, pigment issues, stretch marks & more.
How Many Treatments Are Usually Needed?
Usually 3-6 sessions are needed for desired results. Treatments must be spaced at least 4-6 weeks apart to give skin time to heal and for optimum collagen building.
Who Can Perform The Procedure?
Most medical spas and dermatology offices can perform the procedure. However, the microneedling pens can be purchased online pretty inexpensively (usually around $100-200). After having my treatments done several times through a medical spa, I opted to buy the pen myself and do my own microneedling.
If you choose to go this route, of doing it on your own, know that you are doing it at your own risk. If you do choose to do your own microneedling, I would recommend having it done a few times through a spa first, to familiarize yourself with the routine and what to expect.
When doing my own microneedling treatments I opted for a less aggressive approach and instead, doing more of them. I now do my own microneedling treatments monthly. I use the pin depth of .5-1.5mm depending on the area of my face I'm working on. I use both 12 pin attachments and 36 pin attachments. The 12 pin is actually more aggressive. (Think of how walking on a bed of nails is less painful that stepping on 1 nail).
If you choose to do your own microneedling at home, you will need numbing cream & hyaluronic acid as a glide on your skin for the unit to move smoothly across.
Microneedling For Hair Regrowth
Microneedling of the scalp has also been shown to stimulate regrowth of hair in areas where hair has started to thin. Take a look here for more info:
https://www.healthline.com/health/microneedling-for-hair-loss
Links to Tools & Supplies I Use & Like
(But there are many other great brands that work as well!)
Microneedling Pen:
Dr. Pen Ultima A7 Professional Microneedling Pen - Electric Derma Auto Pen - Best Skin Care Tool Kit for Face and Body - 12 pins x2 + 36 pins x3 Cartridges
Hyaluronic Acid:
Hyaluronic Acid Serum 1 oz, 100% Pure Organic HA, Anti Aging Anti Wrinkle, Original Face Moisturizer for Dry Skin and Fine Lines, Leaves Skin Full and Plump ASTERWOOD NATURALS Dropper Bottle
Numbing Cream:
Numbing Cream 5% Lidocaine Topical Anesthetic– Fast Acting Tattoo Numbing Cream for Deep Pain Relief & Numbing Cream for Microneedling/Piercing/Microblading/Laser Hair Removal/Electrolysis (1 Tube)
Safety:
Microneedling is considered a 'minimally invasive' procedure. It is relatively safe. As with any minimally invasive procedure, though, there are risks of bruising, bleeding, scarring, peeling, infection and/or pigment problems.
Proven Results/Studies:
Microneedling has long been established as an effective anti-aging treatment. It has been widely used for over 20 years now. Look at some of the credible studies outlining the amazing skin benefits of microneedling:
"low cost… minimally invasive… treatment of cosmetic and dermatologic conditions"
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5556180/
"This systematic review positions microneedling as a safe and effective therapeutic option for the treatment of scars and wrinkles. The current literature does show some methodological shortcomings, and further research is required to truly establish microneedling as an evidence-based therapeutic option for treating scars, wrinkles and other skin conditions."
"Studies show that people themselves and objective viewers report seeing a 45% to 55% improvement to the skin six to 12 weeks after a microneedling treatment, says Dr. Arndt."
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/needling-your-way-to-healthier-skin