What You Need to Know About Microneedling

Microneedling is one of the most popular skin enhancement procedures in beauty industry today, and it is ideal for treating skin problems such as fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, hyperpigmentation and more. Read this article to find out if microneedling is safe and who is best suited for the treatment.

What Microneedling is?

First let's understand what microneedling is. Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure for the skin in which a healthcare provider uses fine needles to create tiny holes in the epidermis and dermis (top layer) of the skin. The damage helps stimulate the healing process of the skin, which results in the production of more collagen and elastin, significantly improving the structure and health of the skin to rejuvenate the skin, hence the name microneedling is also known as collagen induction therapy. Most people get microneedling on their face and may reduce the appearance of acne, scars, dark spots, wrinkles, and large pores, but it can also be performed on the legs, back, neck or other areas of damaged or aging skin.

Who should get microneedling?

Microneedling is very effective in smoothing the skin and filling in acne scars, and can also help clear up those little pimples that are caused by clogged pores.

Make sure you don't have any areas of inflammation or infection on your skin before going through the microneedling procedure, and if you have a cystic eruption, wait until it clears up before making an appointment. You should also steer clear of microneedling if you have eczema, rosacea, or very sensitive skin.

What to expect during the treatment？

Just like permanent makeup, a topical numbing is used before microneedling to take away the stinging pain, and the entire procedure takes about 30 minutes, some patients report feeling a vibrating sensation during the treatment.

Following the session, the skin will likely be a little red, like a mild or moderate sunburn. This usually lasts from a few days to a week, depending on the sensitivity of the skin. As the skin heals, some patients experience temporary dryness, rough texture, peeling or pressure, before revealing new silky smooth skin.

Is Microneedling Safe?

As with permanent makeup, microneedling is a cosmetic procedure, so choosing an experienced technician is crucial. In general, microneedling is safe for people with healthy skin and no chronic skin conditions. Even though slight redness and inflammation may occur after the procedure, there are generally no complicated follow-up care procedures within 24 hours of treatment.

What Are the Risks of Microneedling?

Although generally safe, however, you need to consider a few things before trying it, because microneedling can come with several risks.

Infection

If you the technician you find is untrained and uncertified, you risk developing an infection by improperly cleaning and sanitizing equipment. Because microneedling create tiny holes in the skin that allow bacteria to enter. In addition, infection can also occur if the treated area becomes contaminated before it heals.

Allergic reactions

Before microneedling, the therapist will use some numbing cream to help relieve pain. If you have sensitive skin, be sure to do a patch test beforehand to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.

Scarring

Microneedling should be performed in the epidermis of the skin. Scarring and skin damage may occur if an inexperienced technician can penetrate deeper into the dermis of the skin, or if a needle that is not suitable for the treatment is used. For those with scarring, keloids can look like large bubbles in the skin. This can make the situation worse.

Pain and redness

Your skin may be red for a few days after the procedure, and you may experience some minor pain.

Peeling

Your skin may feel tight and flake a bit while it heals.

How to Prepare for Microneedling

UV Damage

Avoid direct sun exposure for three days prior and three days following.You can mnimize the effects of sun exposure by applying SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen every four hours, reducing your time outdoors by 10 to 4, and wearing a hat.

Certain Hair Removal Methods

Avoid hair removal methods such as electrolysis, hair removal creams, laser hair removal, or waxing, which can increase skin sensitivity. Such hair removal should also not be used until eight days after your microneedling session.

Also, it is best to avoid shaving before treatment as it may cause skin irritation. If you must choose to shave the treatment area the night before, make sure the razor blades are sharp, apply shaving cream and moisturize the skin afterwards.

Cosmetics

On the day of treatment, do not apply any makeup, lotion, or sunscreen to the treatment area. If your target is the face, wash your face with gentle facial cleanser. If you are targeting your body, wash with a gentle soap that won't irritate your skin.

NSAIDs

Bruises are caused by internal bleeding, and NSAIDs can thin the blood, making internal bleeding more likely. To reduce the risk of bruising after treatment, do not take any NSAIDs for 7 days before treatment.

Additionally, you should avoid nutritional supplements such as vitamin E, fish oil, turmeric, and ginger.

After-treatment care

As with treatments like laser hair removal and microdermabrasion, you should avoid the sun for several days after your session. If you must spend time outside, sunscreen is a must. In order to prevent skin from drying out, most patients are advised to apply a moisturizer. Patients should wait a few days before applying makeup.