Microneedling, which can also be known as collagen induction therapy, is one of the biggest and best skin treatments on the market right now. It can be used as a method of treatment for wrinkles and pigmentation, scars (including scars from burns, acne and surgery) and stretch marks. It is a process that involves using small needles to puncture hundreds of tiny holes in the skin and may seem like it’s one of the newest trends in skincare, however its actually been evolving for the last 50 years.
So what is microneedling and what are its benefits?
Microneedling utilises one of two specialised tools, either known as a dermapen or dermaroller, and the process for each of these tools varies slightly. The dermapen contains a lot of tiny needles at the tip which are pressed onto the skin to make a lot of tiny needle holes in the top layers of the skin. The dermaroller method is a lot quicker and utilises a tool that looks similar to a miniature paint roller with a lot of tiny needles attached to the surface which is gently rolled in different directions across the surface of the skin, achieving the same effect but in a much shorter amount of time.
These minuscule pinpricks act as a collection of microscopic injuries that force your body into its natural healing mode, stimulating the renewed production of collagen and elastin within the deep layers of the skin. This process starts to plump up the skin and improve the appearance of fine lines, scars and wrinkles on the skin, as well as improving the appearance of your pores. Although this seems like it would be quite a painful process, the general consensus is that it is actually relatively painless.
What should I expect afterwards?
Because microneedling isn’t an invasive procedure, the recovery time associated with it is minimal and the majority of people require very little downtime, if any is required at all. It is very common to experience some form of skin irritation for a couple of days following the procedure being carried out and this is a completely natural response from the body to the small ”injuries” made by the needles and as long as you are feeling okay, you are able to go back to your usual daily routine immediately following the procedure, though you are advised to not wear makeup for a short period of time in case it causes any irritation to the skin.
The microneedling process involves damaging the skin, you will be much more sensitive to the effects of the sun so for the first few days, the application of sunscreen is a must. Your skin works fairly quickly to heal and rejuvenate the new tissue, so in theory, your skin will be back to normal in the space of a few short days and your results should be visible over the coming weeks.
To maintain the results of the treatment, it is likely that you will need to repeat sessions and possibly to even have other treatments that complement microneedling.