As June is Acne Awaress Month, we take a look at Microneedling which is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that’s used to treat skin concerns by stimulating collagen production. Also known as collagen induction therapy, this treatment creates micro-punctures in the skin using miniature, sterilised needles. The micro-injuries created stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, resulting in increased collagen and elastin production, which is the key to new, youthful-looking skin.
Benefits of microneedling can include:
- Reducing the appearance of scars, including acne scars
- Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Reducing enlarged pores
- Reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, or dark spots
- Smoothing uneven skin tone
- Improving skin elasticity
- Reducing the appearance of stretch marks
- Reducing the appearance of scars
- Promoting hair growth in people with alopecia
Does Microneedling hurt?
Microneedling might sound like it should be very painful but it reality most people only experience slight discomfort. The needles used in the procedure are very small and the wounds are extremely shallow, meaning you’ll feel very little and the wounds heal quickly. It is this healing effect that gives your skin the vital collagen boost that causes the rejuvenated skin and reduced imperfections.
When to expect results from Microneedling
You’ll likely see results from microneedling almost immediately, because as soon as the micro-wounds are created within the skin, the body’s wound-healing processes respond to heal them. Your skin may look plump and radiant for up to two weeks following the treatment but the best results, however, can take six to eight weeks to appear. That’s when the increased collagen effects become evident.
How often should you have Microneedling?
In order to see results, you should get at least 3–4 microneedling treatments that are spaced out every 4–6 weeks. Due to the nature of the treatment, your skin needs ample time to heal between treatments. For the average person, that will be around the one month mark. You’ll likely notice some immediate improvements after your first treatment, but for best results you should get a total of 3 or 4 treatments.
To maintain the results of your initial series of microneedling treatments, you should get treatments 2 or 3 times a year. These maintenance appointments will refresh your skin and help maintain the amazing results you’ve hopefully seen! These appointments, combined with a top-notch skincare routine, will help maintain the results of microneedling.
Side effects of Microneedling
You can lower your risk of minor side effects by taking a few precautions. Drink plenty of water before the treatment and don’t wear makeup to your appointment. After treatment, don’t exfoliate or use skin products containing alcohol and avoid excessive sun exposure and limit strenuous physical activity.
Here at Sanctuary Aesthetics we use SkinPen Precision, the first FDA approved microneedling device. For more information on our Microneedling treatments please click here or contact us here.