Microneedling Benefits, Risks and Procedure

We’re back with yet another hot topic in the world of beauty and skincare that has grounded recently, Microneedling. Anybody who has struggled with acne knows that it’s a process. Some days are better than others. We have all wanted clean skin without those nasty bumps all over the face! It gets so worse that we sometimes avoid going out of the house. We try to cover them with a thick layer of foundation and concealer or overindulge in home-based remedies to take care of them. Well, I hate to break it to you; none of it works wonders in the long run. Your skin texture doesn’t change with these temporary remedies and it doesn’t get any better. 

I, myself, have been fighting with the problem of acne/pimples and dark spots on my face and got so fixated on the idea of clean and smooth skin that is not only damaged my skin barrier but also decreased my confidence by using different products. I didn’t know what my skin needed, I couldn’t figure out what was going to fix it for me! In the end, I consulted my dermatologist for a more permanent treatment. Over the period, my skin improved and the acnes reduced but it was not permanent. Apparently, you need to be consistent with the skincare routine or the regimen that you follow. Recently, I was scrolling through my Instagram when I saw a video of a cosmetic procedure known as “Microneedling”, it involves pricking the skin with tiny sterilized needles. As scary as it sounds, the results are quite amazing!

What is Microneedling? How does it work?

Microneedling creates microscopic punctures into the skin. It is used to treat skin concerns like sun damage, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, or stretch marks via collagen production for firmer, smoother, and more toned skin. It is also known as collagen-induced therapy, also used in certain anti-aging procedures like sunspots and eyelid surgery. Aging causes the decline in collagen in the skin which causes wrinkles and other signs of aging. When the skin feels the needle pricks, your body naturally rushes to heal them, resulting in a more plump, youthful appearance.

The most popular and cost-effective micro-needling device is a derma roller; it contains micro-fine needles in the diameter from the range 0.5 and 0.25. There are different types of needle sizes, the best for over-the-counter purchase is a 0.5, and anything over that is suited for clinical use. You can not cause scar tissue if you’re using an over-the-counter size.

The reason why Microneedling is such a big hit in the market today is that it’s a non-invasive instant gratification within one week. However, one common fear of Microneedling is that you don’t know what it’s going to look like after, possibly the worse! There are do-it-yourself versions of microneedling devices, but they might hurt your skin without proper consultation.  

Procedure

The procedure usually takes around 30 minutes, depending on how big the area is. The process starts with cleansing and disinfecting your skin. If you’re going for in-office treatment, the doctors might use a numbing cream/topical anesthetic to reduce the chances of pain. After numbing the area, the doctor uses a pen-like tool or a rolling tool with tiny needles to make small pricks under your skin. The needles make small cuts which might cause bleeding or redness on our face. In the end, your doctor may spread a cooling serum on your face. 

The healing process starts by sending collagen and elastin to the affected area to patch up the tiny injuries. The collagen-rich tissue is more even in tone and texture. Since the skin will be vulnerable after treatment, protect your skin with sunscreen and avoid going out for the rest of the day of the treatment. You should be able to notice significant improvement like fewer marks, wrinkles and your skin’s quality will be healthier.

Benefits of Microneedling

The main benefit is collagen production which combats wrinkles since collagen level naturally declines with age. Microneedling is cheaper than laser treatment. It may work better for dark skin toned people since it doesn’t use heat, unlike the way laser treatment does. 

• It’s a quick and low pain procedure
• It results in silky, soft skin.

It may help with issues like:

• Dark spots/patches skin
• Large pores
• Acne
• Scars
• Stretch marks
• Sun damage
• Fine line and wrinkles
• Reduced skin elasticity

Risks of MIcroneedling

Although the medical community generally considers Microneedling to be safe and effective, it is not a magic wand spell; it has its own side effects and risks. The most common side effect that is reported by people is minor skin irritation immediately after the treatment. The skin also looks reddish around the pricked area. Some other common side effects are:

• Itchiness and slight redness may occur after
• Bleeding (though uncommon)
• Infection
• Peeling
• Bruising
• Possible scarring
• Microneedling alone gives temporary results.

You might have to combine Microneedling with Radiofrequency to get long-term wrinkle and scar reductions and major improvement in skin quality. You should probably avoid Microneedling if you:

• are pregnant
• have open wounds
• certain skin diseases
• have a history of skin scar
• active skin infection/active acne

Consulting with an experienced dermatologist will help minimize the risk if you have any of the above exceptions.

Summary

 Since the Microneedling procedure is noninvasive, the recovery time should be minimal. After pricking, your skin will work quickly to rejuvenate new tissues. To maintain the results of your treatment, your doctor will be able to advise your better on the best plan and other actions for individual goals. Home microneedling kits are becoming widely popular and inexpensive. But like professional devices, home rollers may spread germs if they are not sterilized properly. It is also advised not to use a home roller on the infected skin.