Are you looking for a way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles on your face, while also improving the texture of your skin?
If so, then microneedling may be the correct option for you!
In the last two years, it has become one of the most talked about cosmetic procedures, as it helps improve skin health and plumpness. Interestingly, provided you have confidence in yourself, you can even opt for top-ups of the procedure at home. So, it’s no wonder why so many people are intrigued about this process. If you’re considering having microneedling professionally done, you need to understand what the procedure involves, what the benefits are, and, of course, whether it’s right given the condition of your skin.
In this article, you will be walked through the process and how it’s performed and will be advised on any potential side effects to help you choose if this is the right option for your skin.
Read more: Affordable Skincare That Delivers: High-Quality Products for Every Skin Type
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a collagen induction therapy and is designed to improve your skin’s overall appearance. The process uses a device that has been fitted with tiny sterilized needles, hence the term microneedle! When these are injected into your skin, they create micro-injuries on the skin’s surface and the controlled punctures will trigger the body’s natural healing process, thereby promoting collagen and elastin production.
After many people hit the age of 30, their collagen and elastin production decreases, and the skin loses its firmness. Both collagen and elastin are vital proteins that can help your skin to appear firmer, softer, and more youthful, so by stimulating their production, microneedling will help to rejuvenate your skin and improve the overall texture and appearance. Professionally, you can have microneedling done at a dermatologist’s office, or at the doctor’s office, or you can search online for the best medical spa near you that can offer this treatment.
How Does the Procedure Work?
If you opt to have microneedling professionally done in a clinic or spa, a trained practitioner will cleanse your skin and may apply a topical anesthetic which will minimize the discomfort. In many cases, there may be a hyaluronic acid serum applied to the skin before the procedure, as this will help the needles to place the acid under the skin surface, which can help with plumpness.
The needling device will either be a derma roller or a pen-like tool, which will be then gently dragged across your skin to create the tiny punctures. The area may be targeted, or it may be across the entire face. The depth and intensity of the treatment will be adjusted based on your skin’s needs and which concerns being addressed. The procedure will last between 30 minutes to an hour, and after the session, your skin is likely to appear red and sensitive. There is little to no downtime, and afterward, you can return to your regular activities. You may want to apply a cooling moisturizer,
though!
Benefits of Microneedling
There are many benefits of having microneedling performed by a professional. It is one of the most versatile treatments that can help with various skin concerns, from wrinkling to reducing the appearance of scars.
Improved Skin Texture and Tone
The process can help to smooth out skin that has a rough appearance, as well as reduce pore size and can also even out skin tone. This makes it a great idea if you are seeking a treatment that will provide you with a more radiant complexion.
Reduction of Fine Lines and Wrinkles
The process stimulates collagen and elastin and thereby reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Given enough time this will give your skin a more youthful and plumper look.
Scar Treatment
If you have acne scars on your face, surgical scars, or stretch marks, microneedling can help to reduce their appearance. The controlled micro-injuries will encourage the skin to regenerate and will soften the scar tissue,
Absorption of Skincare Products
Microneedling can also help with the absorption of topical skincare, due to the tiny channels created during the process. This can help you to have a better result from applying serums and moisturizers.
Professional vs. At-Home Microneedling
You may have noted that in the introduction, at-home microneedling kits were mentioned. You can usually get these online for minimal cost, and they will often come with a set of single-use needles. This can drive the cost down but, as this is an at-home kit, the results are less likely to be noticeable.
So, what are the advantages of having the process performed by a professional?
Safety
Yes, you may think that nothing can go wrong with an at-home kit but mistakes are not that difficult. By investing in a professional, you can be sure that they will use sterilized equipment and will follow the correct protocols to reduce the chance of injury or infection.
Effective
The devices used by a professional are more likely to penetrate the skin at a deeper level, which will deliver better results long-term.
Are There Any Risks?
Provided that it is performed by a professional with the appropriate license, the microneedling process is safe.
Of course, if you opt for a cheaper professional, you may be increasing the risk of infection, as the equipment may not be sterilized. There is also the risk of extreme skin irritation, but this is a common side effect.
It is uncommon, but microneedling can also cause hyperpigmentation, which can result in dark spots or areas of the skin being darker. You can seek to minimize this risk by avoiding sun exposure and by following the correct aftercare as set down by the dermatologist performing the process.
Choosing a Practitioner
With that in mind, what should you look for in a microneedling practitioner?
You should make sure to ask to see their credentials and evidence of their training. You should also be sure to ask to see a portfolio of previous work.
Seek to choose a professional who has a proven track record of positive reviews, as this will help you to feel more confident in your ability.
Lastly, be sure to visit their clinic or spa before you have the treatment performed. Is it clean and professional? If not, move on to the next practitioner on your list!
