Microneedling: the process, the results, and why you need it in your skincare ritual
We’ve all heard the hype for microneedling treatments — where we actually want tiny needles to puncture the skin across our face. The process may seem counterintuitive to healthy, radiant skin, but that’s exactly what the result is - an undeniable glow. This minimally invasive treatment can be used to improve the appearance of scars, boost collagen, or soften fine lines. It's also considered a standard treatment for wrinkles, sun damage, and stretch marks. So basically, it does it all.
Read on to learn more about how this ritual can transform your skin as well as how you can incorporate it into your regimen.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is the use of tiny needles to penetrate the skin. These tiny punctures prompt the skin’s healing response which leads to skin rejuvenation. Additionally, the process allows us to use the microchannels created by the seedlings to drive products more deeply into the skin. While microneedling alone is quite beneficial for improving skin condition and appearance, in most cases “boosters” are added to achieve the highest level of transformation.
The Healing Response
When the skin is ‘injured’ - the body immediately initiates a healing response which boosts circulation while shedding damaged cells. New, healthy cells are pushed to the surface while underlying proteins rebuild skin structure to prevent further damage. While the immediate results are occurring mostly in the epidermis, the underlying dermis layer of the skin is also activated for a lasting result. Collagen and elastin are found in this lower layer, the dermis. These proteins are boosted during the healing response which leads to healthier, firmer, more plump skin.
Microneedling increases the rate that the skin regenerates - resulting in a literal new layer of skin on the surface.
Treatment Boosters
Microneedling creates microchannels that lead to the dermis layer and act as an access point for us to deliver different treatments. When healthy, the skin’s epidermis acts as a barrier for pollutants, bacteria, and skincare products. Typically skincare has to rely on molecular size for absorption into the skin, but with microneedling, we are able to penetrate active ingredients more deeply into the skin. By including boosters in the treatment process, we are able to create the most transformative results.
related reading
According to a 2008 study, four consecutive monthly sessions produced up to a 400% increase in collagen & elastin for six months after completing treatment.
you might be wondering
What We Can Treat with Microneedling
fine lines
wrinkles
acne scars
injury scars
sun damage
anti-aging
enlarged pores
stretch marks
rosacea
acne
hyperpigmentation
improved firmness
enhanced texture
Microneedling vs. Dermarolling
Microneedling typically refers to in-office treatments. Dermarolling, while similar in concept, is typically the at-home version. At-home systems, while still immensely useful in your routine, do not offer the same level of transformation as in-office services. Dermarolling for the most part doesn’t penetrate as deeply into the skin. It goes through the epidermis, which is the top layer of the skin, but not into the dermis, which is responsible for collagen and elastin production.
at Home dermarolling
Even though it’s not deep, you could still basically introduce bacteria to your skin. Be sure to properly clean your roller and store it in a dry, clean space.
Avoid inflamed areas or breakouts. If the cause is bacterial, you risk spreading the bacteria to other areas and pressing it into the skin.
Serums are helpful in retaining in hydration. We suggest hyaluronic acid which is often included in your dermarolling kit. Because dermarolling created channels in the skin’s barrier, it will not seal in hydration as easily.
After the treatment, skincare products will absorb better than before. But be careful to not apply abrasive products or acids.
Although some redness is normal, DIY microneedling has zero downtime.
in-office microneedling
Aquagold: This service uses 24k gold microneedles to deliver your skin boosters. A lighter treatment, this has minimal downtime while resulting in a gorgeous glow. Typically reaches the epidermis/dermis junction.
SkinPen: Customizable depth that allows for deeper punctures and more aggressive treatment.
The only FDA approved divide for acne scarringBoosters may be added to your traditional microneedling service. We’ll happily let you know which boosters will help you achieve the desired results.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): Your own blood is drawn and the nutrients are separated then reintroduced via microneedling into the skin, is a step above traditional microneedling. This PRP acts as your skin booster in the treatment.
Downtime for in-office sessions is longer than at-home variations. Since we have created deeper punctures, you’ll want to allow your skin a few days to properly heal. We recommend a few days of rest- avoiding sweat, sun, or extreme temperatures so your skin stays clean and protected.
