The Miracle of Microneedling... and the Stars Who Get It Done
How Does Microneedling Work?
Microneedling vs. Lasers and Other Treatments
With a lower risk of hyperpigmentation and scarring, it's safer for darker skin tones than many other skin-rejuvenating options, particularly those that are laser-based. Microneedling is suitable for thin and sensitive skin types. Microneedling is very cost-effective and can be used on areas that chemical peels or laser resurfacing are unable to treat, such as around the eyes. Unlike ablative resurfacing techniques, which literally remove the outermost layers of skin, Microneedling leaves the epidermis intact. This means the treatment can be repeated as needed. Some other treatments leave a distinct line between skin that’s been treated and the skin that hasn’t been treated. There's no such line of demarcation with Microneedling, meaning specific areas of scarring can be targeted without the need to “blend” the edges of the treated area. You can resume your regular activity schedule within days, depending on how deeply the needles have penetrated your skin. Many other treatments with similar results, like laser resurfacing for example, have a much higher complication rate and a longer recovery period. The procedure is easy, and well tolerated by the vast majority of people.
Microneedling Preparation Tips
Consult with your skin care professional before your first Microneedling session. This is most important if it's your first time experiencing Microneedling. This simple consultation will help you better understand your skin's needs and how Microneedling enhances its appearance. Exfoliate your skin several times. Unless otherwise advised by your skin care professional, you should exfoliate every 2 to 3 days, and no less than 3 days before your appointment. This helps to remove some of the extra dead cells on the surface of your skin, making it easier for the needles to penetrate the upper layers of your skin. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in the weeks leading up to your treatment. Maintaining a healthy diet is the best way to ensure your body is prepared for the procedure. Berries are an especially good source of antioxidants, which are great for your skin and help with the healing process. If you have a history of cold sores, you might have a flare up. Try using a lysine preparation, which helps with cold sores, prior to your treatment. You can also ask your doctor about taking antiviral medication. Stay hydrated. Drinking a lot of water isn't only beneficial for your overall health, it also ensures your skin heals quickly, giving you that radiant, supple appearance. Microneedling can also rob your skin of its moisture, so drinking plenty of water before the procedure will help make sure your skin stays well hydrated. Begin and maintain a good skin care regimen and routine. Even though Microneedling is minimally invasive, it will cause minor trauma to your skin, which is the point, after all. A comprehensive skincare routine not only helps to give your skin the strength it needs to endure the tiny punctures, it also makes sure you develop good skincare habits. After the procedure, you'll likely be asked to apply certain topical products to aid with healing, so already having a good routine in place will help you stay on top of your aftercare. Avoid using harsh creams or lotions with retinoids. Stay away from products containing vitamin A, topical antibiotics, hydroquinone, or benzoyl peroxide for at least three days before your treatment. This will help to ensure that your skin will be in its best shape to handle the treatment, as well as recover from it. You should have a completely clean face when you begin treatment. Keep a close eye on the condition of your skin. Be sure to tell your Aesthetician about any significant changes you notice leading up to your treatment. This might include a breakout, excessive dryness, or even sunburn.
Microneedling Aftercare
Directly after your treatment, you may look like you spent too much time in the sun and earned yourself a moderate to severe sunburn. Your skin might also feel warmer and tighter than usual.
These are normal side effects of the procedure that fade after an hour or two, and completely disappear within 24 hours. There might still be some minimal redness in spots after that, but even that will fade within a few days. The deepest needles might also cause some minor bleeding, swelling or bruising.
Within the first day or two following your Microneedling procedure, you'll likely notice your skin starting to flake and peel. This is due to the treatment speeding up your skin cells' turnover rate, which is how quickly the dead cells are replaced by new cells.
Peeling usually lasts about a week, during which time you can use your normal skin moisturizer. Be sure to follow any additional instructions given to you by your Aesthetician.
If your treatment includes using a rolling device around your eyes, you might notice some micro-bruising in that area. This is normal and usually fades within 3 or 4 days. In the meantime, it’s easily covered up with your normal makeup.
Microneedling Results: What to Expect
Despite some initial redness and possible swelling, immediately after your treatment your skin should already look and feel tighter and refreshed. You might even see a slight plumping effect on your skin as soon as the swelling goes away.
Assuming your treatment involved needles of the appropriate length, your skin should start to increase its collagen production some 48 to 72 hours after your procedure.
Despite this increase, most people don't see real, noticeable results for at least 1 to 4 weeks after their first treatment. Full results from the first treatment can take as long as 2 months to appear.
While several treatments are usually required, you'll likely see scar tissue shrink and a reduction of UV damaged skin, dark spots, and stretch marks after only one treatment. You may also see improvements in the texture of your skin as it grows thicker, firmer and healthier overall.
The new collagen that is produced will remain for a few years, making Microneedling a treatment with excellent longevity, especially considering how simple it is.
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