Have you ever dreamt that what if you could hit the reset button on your skin? Sounds like bluff, but that’s where microneedling treatment comes in. It’s a popular skincare treatment that is creating a buzz for all the right reasons. You will get smoother skin, fewer wrinkles, and a fresh glowing look.
But, what does microneedling mean? How do these tiny needles over your face help your skin? Sounds a little scary, right? Don’t worry, we are breaking it all down in this blog to help you understand everything about it.
Let’s dive in.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a skincare treatment that uses rolling tiny needles to gently stab the skin. These tiny stabs trigger your body’s natural healing process. It stimulates two key ingredients collagen and elastin production that is required for smooth and youthful skin.
This treatment is a natural way to refresh your skin without chemicals or surgery. Microneedling is done using a dermaroller (a small roller with needles) or a microneedling pen that is both designed to gently sail over your skin.
Whether you are dealing with acne scars, fine lines, or want pigmentation removal, this treatment works like a reset button for your skin.
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How Microneedling Treatment Works
When the microneedling device creates tiny holes on the surface of your skin, your body treats it like a mini injury. Don’t worry, it’s controlled and safe. This triggers a natural healing process, which includes:
(1) Boosting Collagen and Elastin
Your skin starts producing more collagen and elastin, the two proteins that keep it firm, smooth, and youthful. The more collagen it produces, you get fewer wrinkles, scars, and fine lines.
(2) Cell Turnover and Renewal
As your skin repairs, it sheds old, damaged cells and replaces them with fresh and new ones. This helps improve texture, tone, and overall glow.
(3) Better Product Absorption
Those tiny holes in your skin also allow serums and skincare products to sink in deeper which makes them more effective than usual.
Benefits of Microneedling Treatment
Here are few benefits this treatment can do for you:
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Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles: It helps smooth out those small lines by boosting collagen which is your skin’s natural filler.
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Fades Acne Scars and Dark Spots: If you have struggled with acne and have the marks to prove it, microneedling can help you break down scar tissue and even out your skin tone.
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Improves Skin Texture and Tone: It encourages fresh cell turnover so you don’t have bumpy and uneven skin anymore. It gives you smooth and radiant skin.
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Shrinks Pores: Believe it or not, microneedling can actually make your pores look smaller by tightening the skin around them.
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Boosts Skincare Product Absorption: After treatment, your skin absorbs serums, moisturizers, and healing ingredients more, so your favorite products work even better.
- Helps with Stretch Marks and Sun Damage: Microneedling isn’t just for the face, it can be used on the body too which helps reduce the look of stretch marks, sun spots, and uneven pigmentation.
Bonus Read - Skin Aging: Understanding the Signs & How to Prevent It
Who Is It For?
Are you thinking that facial microneedling treatment is the ideal option for you? The good news is microneedling works for a wide range of skin types and concerns.
- People with acne scars
- Anyone with fine lines or wrinkles
- Those with uneven skin tone or texture
- Individuals with large pores
- People with sun damage or pigmentation issues
Who Should Avoid It?
It is not recommended for:
- People with active acne or open wounds
- Those with eczema, skin disease, or pimples
- Anyone with a skin infection or very sensitive skin
- Pregnant women (unless cleared by a doctor)
If you are not sure, it is best to visit a microneedling laser clinic for a skin consultation. A professional can guide you in the right way based on your skin type, concerns, and goals.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
If you are considering microneedling treatment, here’s a breakdown of what happens during and after your procedure.
During the Treatment
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Pre-Treatment Prep
Before starting treatment, your provider will clean your skin and apply a topical numbing cream to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure. You might feel a slight tingling or light pressure, but it shouldn’t be painful. If you are receiving RF microneedling treatment, the experience will be similar, but RF microneedling uses radiofrequency energy to boost collagen production.
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Microneedling Session
The actual treatment session lasts between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the area being treated. The microneedling device (either a dermaroller or pen) will gently roll over your skin, creating tiny punctures to stimulate collagen production. While the procedure sounds intense, most people describe it as feeling like light scratching or vibration on their skin.
Immediately After the Treatment
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Redness and Sensitivity
Right after the session, your skin will likely look red and feel warm, much like a mild sunburn. It is completely normal and will decrease within a few hours to a couple of days.
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Mild Swelling
A little puffiness can occur, but it should go down within a few days. If you are going for facial microneedling treatment, this might be more noticeable around your eyes or cheeks.
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Tingling or Tightness
Your skin may feel tight or dry in the following days after the procedure, which is a sign that your skin is regenerating.
Post-Treatment Care
- Avoid touching your face for the first 24 hours and avoid wearing makeup during this time.
- Use a gentle moisturizer and drink plenty of water to help your skin recover and stay hydrated.
- Apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) even if you are staying indoors.
- For the next few days, stick to mild skincare products.
Conclusion
Microneedling treatment is an effective solution for improving your skin’s appearance, whether you choose to do it at home or visit a microneedling medical spa or laser clinic. While at home devices are convenient and affordable for minor skin concerns, professional treatments provide you more customized results. Whichever option you choose, proper aftercare is key to achieve healthy and glowing skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microneedling Painful?
There might be slight discomfort for a few people during microneedling treatment. However, numbing cream is applied to the skin beforehand to make the procedure relatively painless.
How Long Does it Take to See Results?
The treatment results appear within 2 to 3 weeks as collagen production increases. However, most noticeable improvements such as smooth skin and even tone may take 4 to 6 weeks to show.
Can I Do Microneedling with Active Acne?
It’s not recommended to go for any treatment be it RF or facial microneedling treatment if you have active acne. The tiny needles can irritate the skin and potentially cause inflammation and worsen breakouts. Once your acne has cleared up and if you are dealing with acne scars, it is an effective treatment to opt for.
Is Microneedling Safe for Darker Skin Tones?
Yes, it is safe for all skin tones. In fact, it can help improve hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone. However, it’s essential to seek treatment from a skilled professional to avoid any complications like hyperpigmentation, especially for darker skin.
How Much Does Microneedling Cost?
The cost of microneedling treatment is around $100 to $500 per session. However, it varies depending on the clinic, location, and any additional treatment required. Microneedling laser clinics and microneedling medical spas might offer package deals to reduce cost per session.