Acne, wrinkles or enlarged pores give our skin an uneven look. These skin disorders make the patients lose confidence about themselves. Aestheticians have many treatments and devices to help improve these skin conditions. Microneedling is one such non-invasive, nonsurgical procedure. It is a painless dermal remodeling. 

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling, in other words, is a collagen induction therapy. Aestheticians use a handheld, pen-shaped device which has tiny needles. The needles make precise punctures in the skin. The punctures are microscopic and do not leave any scars. The needle stimulates the skin to produce new elastic fibers to make the skin tight, smooth, and youthful. The collagen levels decline as we age, and microneedling helps to produce new collagen when the skin is in repair mode. 

How Is The Process Done?

Microneedling needs a series of sessions to increase the elasticity of the skin fibers. Additionally, it also helps the outermost layer of the skin become firmer. Aestheticians apply a topical anesthetic cream to numb the area to be treated. Microneedling has a shorter recovery time compared to lasers or chemical peels. It is a minimally invasive treatment that can be carried under an expert’s guidance. It consists of a pen-like device with tiny needles at the tip. The needles are driven over the surface to pierce and puncture the skin. The body naturally heals these surface wounds, helping to rejuvenate the skin. After the treatment, you can have a fresher, more revitalized appearance.

What Conditions Does Microneedling Treat?

1) One of the main purposes is skin rejuvenation. Collagen is the protein which helps to plump, reduce lines and wrinkles and refine texture. Microneedling helps in boosting collagen production. 

2) Microneedling treats many skin concerns like lack of firmness, sun damage, uneven skin tone or rough skin texture.

3)  Microneedling is used to treat skin conditions that cause depressions in the skin, such as acne scarring, surgical scars, burns, enlarged pores, wrinkles, and stretch marks.

4) It does not deliver heat to the skin as lasers do. So it is effective for those with dark skin patches and hyperpigmentation. 

5) Microneedling is used to help topical skin treatments. For example, it is sometimes performed before hair loss treatment, affecting both men and women.

Is Microneedling Suitable For All Types Of Skin?

People who have sensitive skin can avoid the process. Those who are too young or are nervous of needles are not recommended microneedling. Needles used in the treatment are tiny, usually between 0.5mm and 3mm in length. The sensation is not painful; it feels exactly as you feel when your brows are threaded.

What Are The Side Effects?

There are a few temporary side effects. The procedure of microneedling can cause short-term swelling and redness for a few days. People can start wearing makeup the next day. The skin will be more sun-sensitive after the treatment is completed. Aestheticians usually ask you to use sunscreen. Immediately after the treatment, try to protect the skin by avoiding harsh products. Wash with a gentle cleanser, and apply sunscreen whenever you step outside. Microneedling may worsen active breakouts. People with active inflammatory acne or herpes should avoid it. 

Can Microneedling Be Done At Home?

People buy at-home derma-needling rollers over the counter. But for the best and most effective results, microneedling should be administered by an aesthetician. The aesthetician can adjust the needle depth according to the area of your skin. For example, shorter needles can be used around the eyes and nose, whereas longer ones can treat stretch marks on the abdomen.

At-home microneedling devices only penetrate just at its outer layer. But at the skin care clinics, aestheticians can go deeper into the layers of skin. The devices used at the clinics are electrically powered, evenly pushing the microneedles into the skin. The home versions of derma rollers are manually done over the skin to create small punctures.

How Long Does The Treatment Take? 

Most people need at least six sessions of microneedling treatment for the best results. The skin will look younger and smoother as the body builds new collagen. The results of the sessions can last up to six months. You can have rejuvenated and youthful-looking skin.