If social media posts about microneedling have piqued your interest, there are some things you should know. The cosmetic treatment involves using tiny needles to puncture the skin, stimulating collagen and other healing factors. This results in refreshed skin with improved texture, minimized pores, reduced acne spots, and other skin-happy benefits. Microneedling is not a quick fix- it can take several months to see the results and often requires multiple sessions. Here are 7 things to know before trying microneedling.
What Is Microneedling & What Is It Used For?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive skincare treatment that’s used to improve overall skin texture and stimulate collagen production. It’s often used as an anti-aging treatment. During the treatment, very thin, sharp needles are used to make tiny holes in the top layer of the skin to reach the epidermis and deeper dermis. As the needles pierce your skin, they cause micro-injuries that tell your body to heal the cuts and boost collagen production, resulting in a refreshed look. The generation of new collagen and skin tissue smooths, firms, and tones the skin, and microneedling can also help reduce the appearance of acne, scars, dark spots, wrinkles, and large pores.
9 Benefits of Microneedling
- Improves the appearance and texture of your skin
- Minimizes pore size
- Diminishes acne scarring
- Helps with the appearance of hyperpigmentation or dark spots
- Improves skin elasticity
- Boosts radiance and gives your skin a natural glow
- Minimizes scars, wrinkles, stretch marks, and other skin concerns
- Won’t discolour your skin like other facial procedures that use light, heat, or lasers
- Minimally invasive, and requires little downtime
7 Risks of Microneedling
When done correctly, the risks of microneedling should be minimal, but as with all facial procedures, it does carry some risks. Some people may experience:
- Minor skin irritation
- Redness and tightness
- Bleeding and bruising
- Peeling
- Infection
- It may not be safe for people on certain acne medications, those with active acne, or those with moderate to severe psoriasis or eczema
- If you are pregnant, talk with your doctor or gynaecologist before treatment
7 Things to Know Before Trying Microneedling
1. How to Prep for Microneedling
To prep your skin for microneedling, you’ll need to temporarily stop using certain products, such as retinoids and acid-based products like salicylic acid, azelaic acid, or glycolic acid, which can cause skin irritation or over drying. You should also avoid exfoliating in the days leading up to your appointment.
Try to avoid any exposure to direct sunlight for at least 24 hours before your microneedling session. Prolonged sun exposure may cause increased skin irritation. You should wear sunscreen everyday, but be extra diligent about wearing it for the two weeks leading up to your appointment. It’s important to make sure your skin is in a calm state before the treatment.
2. Appointment Day
Arrive at your appointment fresh-faced, and don’t wear any lotions, perfumes, or serums. If you’re wearing makeup, remove it with a gentle cleanser before your appointment. Each microneedling session lasts about 30 minutes. The first thing your aesthetician will do is cover your skin with a numbing agent to minimize any discomfort from the treatment. Once it’s working, they’ll wipe it off and cleanse your skin using alcohol to reduce the risk of infection. Then the treatment will begin.
3. Immediately After Treatment
No less than four hours after treatment, you can treat your skin gently by using a gentle cleanser, cool water, and using only your hands to pat dry. Also avoid any activity where you excessively sweat, such as swimming, cycling, or intense workouts immediately after. After 24 hours, you can use mineral makeup and SPF. Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and steam baths for up to 48 hours. You should also sleep on your back with your head elevated to minimize swelling or pain if needed.
4. Recovery Process
The recovery is quite simple post-microneedling. The micro wounds typically heal fairly quickly, although it may take time to see the results of the treatment. Don’t apply makeup on freshly needled skin and take a break from retinols, AHAs, and BHAs until your skin is fully healed. Avoid sun tanning and direct exposure to sunlight for at least two weeks. You should always wear sunscreen to protect your skin, but this is especially crucial after a microneedling treatment.
5. A Word on Medications
If you’re taking acne medication, you may need to stop it for a certain number of months before getting microneedling, so make sure to check with your health care provider. Do not take anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or Motrin for at least 3 days prior, as these can interfere with the body’s natural inflammatory process needed for proper skin rejuvenation. And don’t take them for one week after the treatment either. You can use a painkiller such as Tylenol if you experience any soreness.
6. Side Effects and The Healing Process
It’s important to know what to expect from the micro needling healing process. A sunburn-like effect is normal in the first one to three days. Your skin may feel tight, dry, or sensitive to touch. You also may experience some redness, slight bruising, or swelling that should go away on its own. Peeling may start three to five days post treatment. You’ll notice skin dryness and flakiness- do not pick, scratch, or scrub at the skin. A gentle cleanser, hyaluronic acid, and nourishing moisturizer are ideal for recovery. You can start your regular skin care products again five to seven days after treatment, once your skin no longer feels irritated, although you should wait 10 days to introduce retinoids back into your routine.
7. How Many Treatments Do You Need?
For best results, it’s generally recommended to repeat microneedling treatments every four to six weeks, with three to five treatments, depending on your skin and personalized care plan. Talk to your dermatologist and aesthetician about what would work best for you and your skin type.
If you’ve been contemplating microneedling, we hope this post gave you the insight and tips you need!
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