If you’re active on social media or simply spend time out and about in the world of skincare and aesthetics, there’s no doubt that you’ve come across the concept of microneedling. Although it might be a bit of a scary thing to think about, microneedling has been making waves in the world of anti-aging skin care because of its ability to produce remarkable results.
But what exactly is microneedling and how can it benefit your skin? Should you add it to your anti-wrinkle skincare routine? If you’re interested in learning more about the process and results of microneedling treatments, we’re here to help. We’ll break down this procedure in detail below and how it can help boost the health and appearance of your skin at any age. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know and so much more.
What on Earth is Microneedling?
Let’s jump right into what exactly microneedling is and what it entails. Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that treats the skin through the use of tiny, sterilized needles. Sessions typically last about 30-45 minutes and involve repeatedly pricking the surface of the top layer of the skin to stimulate its healing process. It is minimally painful and can involve numbing treatment to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure.
Microneedling treatments can be completed with a variety of specialty devices, depending on what your provider prefers. Many devices feature a roller with tiny needles at varying lengths to allow for the device to roll over the face easily. You can experience some irritation and light bleeding following a procedure, but these side effects typically disappear quickly.
While you may see improvement in your skin following a single microneedling procedure, many individuals opt for a series of treatments to maximize their results. Your provider will be able to recommend the perfect cadence for your unique needs, but typically microneedling treatments are separated by 4-8 weeks to allow adequate time for the skin to heal.
What are the Benefits of Microneedling?
Now that we’ve broken down what exactly is involved with microneedling, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the known benefits. First and foremost, microneedling is known to boost collagen production in the skin through stimulation of the top layer’s healing process. As we age, our collagen production tends to slow down, leading to laxity in the face and more prominent fine lines and wrinkles.
As we’ve mentioned in previous blogs, you can think about your skin as a water balloon. When your collagen production is working adequately, your skin will have more bounce as well as look and feel tauter, much like a filled water balloon. On the other hand, when your collagen production has slowed or broken down, your skin will be more likely to show fine lines and wrinkles with less tautness, much like a half-filled water balloon.
In addition to improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, boosted collagen production can also battle noticeable acne, enlarged pores, scars and discoloration in the skin. In other words, this procedure can help smooth and tone the skin, reducing inflammation and skin imperfections with little to no downtime.
Moment of Truth – Should I Add Microneedling to My Skincare Routine?
We’ve finally reached our true moment of truth - let’s answer the question of whether or not you should incorporate microneedling into your anti-aging skincare routine. The good news of the matter is that microneedling is a great option for men and women with a variety of skincare woes and needs.
Go All In – Acne and Acne Scars
We’ll start things off with a tricky one – acne and acne scars. While microneedling is a great choice to help smooth away acne scars, it can potentially be an issue for acne. We’d recommend discussing with your provider before you take the plunge to make sure that the type of acne you have will work with microneedling treatments.
Say No – Acutane
If you’re currently taking Acutane to treat your chronic acne, microneedling is something that you should definitely avoid. If you’re still interested in giving it a try, let the medication work its magic and come back later to reap the amazing results.
Go All-In – Wrinkles and Fine Lines
If there’s one thing that microneedling is best known for, it has to be its anti-aging properties. Microneedling is known to improve the look of wrinkles and fine lines, no matter what your age, with regular treatments and a complementary anti-wrinkle skincare routine.
Say No - Skin Conditions
Unfortunately, microneedling is not a great option if you suffer from skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. Because this procedure punctures the skin, it can further irritation and cause damage rather than treat the skin.
Go All-In – Stretch Marks and Scars
Just like wrinkles and fine lines, microneedling is a great option to treat both stretch marks and scars. By stimulating collagen production, this process will help smooth and tone the skin, leading to less visible scarring and stretch marks with repeated treatments.
Say No – Radiation or Chemotherapy
If you’re currently undergoing treatment for cancer, it is highly recommended that you avoid microneedling. Because your body is actively fighting off a deadly disease, microneedling has the potential to cause damage rather than improvement in the skin.
Go All-In – Skin Discoloration and Uneven Texture
As we age, our skin tends to become unevenly colored with an uneven texture due to our bodies’ natural reduction in collagen production. With microneedling, you can reactivate this process, helping the body to gently correct any discoloration and smooth away any uneven skin texture.
When it comes to modern-day anti-aging skincare treatments, microneedling is one true champion that stands out among the rest. This amazing procedure uses tiny, sterilized needles to gently puncture the skin, stimulating its healing process and boosting collagen production along the way. This, in turn, can lead to improved skin texture and tautness with less visible fine lines and wrinkles, making it a great option to consider for a variety of anti-wrinkle skincare needs.
