What Is Micro-needling?

Introduction

The skincare world now is constantly changing! There’s always something to add yet there’s always something missing! The challenges your skin is facing won’t get any easier especially as seasons change. Let alone the aging part of course. So in the midst of all of this, what more can you do to keep your skin alive and healthy? Ever heard of micro-needling? Let me explain.

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What Is Micro-needling?

If you’re trying to get rid of stretch marks, acne scars, skin pigmentations, or aging blemishes, this treatment is the one for you. It’s an invasive cosmetic procedure used to treat skin problems and blemishes by triggering natural collagen synthesis. It involves pricking the skin with tiny needles. The small wounds cause your body to produce more collagen and elastin which helps in healing your skin and making it look much younger and more radiant than ever. Studies have shown so far that it even helps promote hair growth but more research is needed regarding that topic. So in short, it creates physical trauma which prompts the derma to rebuild. This method addresses many dermatological problems including:

● Wrinkles.

● Acne.

● Scarring.

● Skin pigmentation issues.

● Alopecia.

● Stretch marks.

● Loose skin.

● Rosacea.

With that being said, let’s move on to the next point.

How Does Micro-needling Work?

The whole idea of micro-needling is to encourage your skin to produce more collagen. So what happens is that the dermatologist uses a roller that has tiny needles all over it or a pen device that creates tiny holes in the top layer of your skin which causes slight injuries that your skin responds to by making new collagen-rich tissues. This process also helps fill in and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. And as for the results, they’ll last for about a good three to five months. Some patients schedule a follow-up treatment twice a year to maintain the results. But you can also maintain your skin’s health and beauty with a good at-home skincare routine.

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What To Expect After Micro-needling?

Once you are done with the procedure you can expect a bunch of side effects but no worries, there’s nothing too serious about them. First of all, you’ll notice redness in your skin and it varies from one person to another based on the skin’s natural response to the treatment. In this case, a nice moisturizer can help hydrate and calm down the skin. Applying some nourishing ingredients won’t be a bad idea as it helps promote tissue regeneration. As for the redness, it doesn’t last for more than 24 hours so you have nothing to worry about. The next side effect isn’t likely for everyone to happen and it is swelling and bruising. But don’t panic, if it happens it will be mild enough to be covered using makeup. And last but not least we have rough skin on the side effects list. Some people may notice a few subtle marks on their skin 3 to 5 days after the treatment. The layer of damaged skin may slough off with mild peeling or flaking. All in all, the side effects go away within 12 to 24 hours. All you need to do is look after your skin properly so you can make the best results out of the procedure. Otherwise, you’d be just adding extra unwanted damage to your skin for no reason.

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What To Do Before And After Micro-needling?
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● Before treatment:

1. Avoid using anything that would increase your skin’s sensitivity such as retinoids and exfoliants.

2. Avoid using anti-inflammatory medications.

3. To avoid skin irritation, try not to shave the day of the procedure.

4. Stay away from blood-thinning agents one week before the procedure.
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● After treatment:

1. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications for one week after the procedure.

2. Don’t use ice on your face or anything that would get in the way of the natural inflammatory process.

3. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun for 24 hours after the procedure. So you know what that means, no sun tanning and lots of SPF.

4. In case of experiencing any soreness, use a painkiller.

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Does Micro-needling Work For Hair loss?

Many studies have been conducted to determine whether micro-needling works for hair loss or not. There’s still no final answer to that question, but it actually helps in a way. Especially for those who aren’t responding to any kinds of treatments. In the end, it does help induce stem cells in the hair follicles and it promotes the absorption of the hair loss products like minoxidil and topical steroids.

And now to our final question of the day...

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Is Micro-needling Worth It?

For some people, it isn’t at all because they think that you shouldn’t invest your time and money in something that is only temporary and needs to be done over and over again. But to be honest, it is completely worth it if it’s done right. I mean in the end, everything is temporary, that’s what she said! Studies have shown that after micro-needling topical products become much more deeply penetrated. Thus, every other product in your daily skincare routine becomes more effective because your pores are now clean and open and there’s always some fresh collagen tissue doing all the regenerating your skin needs. So if you ask me, doing micro-needling every now and then is worth your time and money.

And there you have it! I hope this was useful for you. Your skin is the secret to your beauty, never do anything that would risk its health and radiance. Always keep an eye out for the healthiest ways to maintain a good skincare routine and other extra useful additions to it. Stay gorgeous!