Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy (CIT), is a low-cost and non-surgical procedure. It is a medical skincare option for treating acne scars, loose skin, stretch marks, skin texture, pigment issues, wrinkles, and enlargements of the pores.
The microscopic wounds created by microneedling essentially trick your body into thinking it’s fighting a massive wound. It then kicks into wound healing mode, repairing the skin and releasing growth hormones that have been linked to speeding up skin cell regeneration.
The benefits of microneedling come from the work of a medical professional and should be taken into consideration by any individual who is dealing with aging skin or scars. This treatment might be just what you need to get your old and younger skin back!
Let us now take a closer look at how microneedling works.
Microneedling is a combination of a procedure and product. It is an innovative minimally-invasive skin rejuvenation procedure that uses special tiny needles to inject a mixture of safe hyaluronic acid and vitamin B shots into the skin.
A derma roller or a motorized microneedle pen is used to create thousands of tiny wounds in the top layer of your skin, which causes your body to release its natural collagen and elastin production into the resulting open wounds.
The collagen protein is then absorbed by the body and used by skin cells to help repair damaged areas, giving you an immediate burst of collagen that will result in radiant, more youthful-looking skin.
After microneedling, your skin will look firmer, healthier, and younger due to the increased production of collagen and new skin cells.
The resulting tiny columns also make the skin much more pliable. They allow deeper hydration in the skin and open up channels to deliver this moisture throughout.
As it turns out, the body produces less collagen with age, besides the sun breaking down collagen. Therefore, any procedure that works to stimulate collagen production will make your skin feel and look younger.
The main microneedling benefit is the increase in collagen production. Have you ever thought about where your collagen goes?
Let us dig deeper into some of these benefits.
The appearance of lines and wrinkles are closely linked to our social environment. As we grow older, the effects of sun exposure and some medical conditions take their toll on our skin.
One of the most effective methods to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and stretch marks is through the use of Microneedling.
In turn, it results in several benefits which include reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, reduction of acne scars, improvement in overall skin complexion and texture, firmness, and elasticity of the skin.
A popular treatment for acne scars, the thin needles inject small amounts of product and sometimes a topical anesthetic into the skin.
It can create new collagen production, improve texture, and remove acne scarring and surgical scars.
Microneedling can also repair discoloration and sun-damaged skin, including the hyperpigmentation caused by melasma.
Melasma is the most common form of a dark spot or skin discoloration. It can cause dark circles under the eyes due to stress, genetics, or hormonal imbalances.
It is often associated with skin damage caused by exposure to UV rays and has lost elasticity and flexibility due to a lack of collagen synthesis.
By restoring the production of collagen and elastin, microneedling helps to keep your skin young and tight. Elastin provides structure and support. This way, it helps rejuvenate skin and tightens loose skin in older men and women.
By targeting inflammatory markers in the skin, microneedling can help to calm down fine wrinkles and pigmentation.
Microneedling shrinks pores by stimulating collagen synthesis in and around your pores, making them plump up and appear shrunken, if not closed.
Research also suggests that microneedling, through the tiny particles, could be more effective at targeting bacteria and swelling fast enough to be effectively removed.
According to Angelique Bassi, LE, a licensed aesthetician at Skin Deep Med Spa, patients experience a 20% decrease in the bacterial count after microneedling.
Another benefit of microneedling is that it increases product absorption.
This involves placing various skincare products on your face and probing carefully with a needle. The microneedling process can create subtle changes in skin texture, tone, and color.
The multiple invisible holes made by microneedling make your skin ready to absorb products in contrast to clogged pores.
As with any other cosmetic procedure, microneedling also has potential side effects. However, they rarely last long enough to be bothersome.
Nevertheless, it is important to note these potential side effects so you can decide whether the procedure is right for you.
These side effects include:
Microneedling treatment may not be for everyone, especially for those with sensitive skin. You should seek proper consultation before going through with the treatment if you have these conditions:
It is also not recommended for people who have had radiation treatment within the past year or are pregnant.
Microneedling is, of course, an invasive skin procedure, meaning it shouldn’t be tried without proper consideration beforehand.
At-home microneedling treatments are very risky and dangerous, therefore, you shouldn't undergo the procedure at home by an inexperienced dermatologist.
At-home tools have their advantages such as being affordable, enhancing exfoliation, and helping products you apply afterward to penetrate deeper into the skin. You may get deeper into the skin’s surface, with long needles that can treat deeper skin conditions but it must only be done by a skilled professional.
While at-home needling devices have come a long way recently, there are still some risks to consider. With stainless-steel needles, there is a risk that you might overuse the device and overstimulate the skin.
Also causing an infection is possible without proper sterilization in between treatments.
Being a popular treatment for various skin conditions, ranging from rejuvenating aging and scarred skin, reducing hyperpigmentation, to shrinking pores, microneedling is an aesthetic treatment worth considering to make your skin look and feel younger!
You need a professional aesthetician to make sure you get the best outcome from your procedure. At Skin Deep Med Spa we have professional aestheticians at your service who can guarantee your satisfaction.
We strive to help our clients achieve their skin care goals, and we look forward to providing you with glowing, vibrant skin. To learn more and book an appointment, call us at (617) 944-5112 at Skin Deep Med Spa today.
Bachelors of Science in Nursing
Michelle Cory, R.N. worked in emergency medicine for eighteen years before developing a passion for aesthetic nursing and has now practiced for over seventeen years. Cory is an expert injector with extensive training in neuromodulators and dermal fillers, specializing in non-surgical facial aesthetics while understanding the importance of combination therapy. Her expertise is in listening to her patients and customizing an individualized treatment plan based on the clients needs.
All content are reviewed by Nichole Starr, R.N., owner and founder of Skin Deep Med Spa.
