Microneedling: How does it work and is it worth it?
Microneedling, West Malling, Kent
Hailed as one of the best ways to deliver instant and long-term skin rejuvenation without downtime, microneedling is one of the tried and tested procedures that promises to refine skin texture and improve scarring and pigmentation, fine lines, large pores, and crepey skin. But what exactly is microneedling, and how does it work? And what results can you expect? Read on for everything you need to know.
What is microneedling, and how does it work?
Microneedling is a skin rejuvenation treatment that uses tiny needles in an automated pen to puncture the upper layer of skin. By creating these microscopic ‘micro-channels’ in the skin, the dermis is forced to switch to its ‘defence mode’ as it races to heal the wounded skin, which results in greater elastin and collagen production. Over time, this helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and elevates the overall texture. And that’s not all, microneedling creates a channel to the deeper layers of skin to fast-track your skincare ingredients deep into the dermis, making them work even harder. It delivers an instant radiance to the skin with minimal to no downtime.
It’s highly effective for minimising scarring and pigmentation
Microneedling can effectively treat many skin concerns, but it’s especially effective on those with scarring and pigmentation. It can be used in acne treatments to help improve the appearance of scars by breaking up the scar tissue and stimulating the induction of new collagen and elastin. It can also be used on hyperpigmentation because it helps shed the top layer of the skin whilst also helping the absorption of topical agents that can be used concurrently to help prevent the formation of new pigmentation.
When will you see results?
On a short-term basis, microneedling plumps the skin and makes the skin look more radiant. However, because the efficacy of microneedling comes from the skin healing itself, some people may require multiple treatment sessions for optimal results. But microneedling also promises improvement over time. Treating the skin with numerous microneedling session procedures increase collagen and elastin, which reduces lines, wrinkles, scarring and pigmentation and improves laxity as the skin heals.
What about microneedling at home?
When you have microneedling in a clinic, the practitioner will use a device with relatively long needles – between 1mm and 3mm – and these create micro-channels of damage in the skin. The goal is to make a controlled trauma in the skin, which kick-starts the body’s wound-healing response, which produces new collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep the skin strong and springy. With home microneedling, the needles on the device are shorter; they don’t reach deep enough into the skin to provoke collagen and elastin production. That means that the benefits of home needling are to increase product penetration – but you won’t see the textural changes or skin refinement you’d get with professional microneedling.
At-home microneedling treatments also risk damaging the skin if used incorrectly, and you’ll need to ensure the device you use is sterile. You’ll also need to be careful about the areas of skin you’re treating to avoid spreading infection from any breakouts and active blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about microneedling, or to book a treatment, click here to enquire.
Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.
