The buzz word of beauty and top of the tables in popularity for results driven facials, Microneedling is everywhere now. But what’s it all about?
Microneedling is an aesthetic facial and body treatment used for skin rejuvenation and to treat a range of skin concerns.
The tool itself comes in different types. A derma roller is a manually operated tool similar in appearance to a rolling pin, only smaller and covered in tiny needles. The practitioner holds the handle of the tool and rolls it across the area to be treated causing superficial puncture wounds in the skin.
An alternative to a manual roller is the skin pen. A battery operated ‘pen’ with the ‘nib’ being a cartridge of needles which vibrates across the skin for a faster more thorough treatment. Both tools are sterile and the needles disposed of to avoid cross contamination.
So why would we want to puncture the skin?
Imagine a cut, when the skin is damaged it cleverly knits itself back together by forming a scab before eventually revealing fresh, healed skin underneath. The principle of microneedling is the same.
Microneedling produces microscopic puncture wounds to stimulate the skins collagen. A youthful, radiant skin has lots of collagen and elastin making it plump and when stretched it quickly retracts back to its original position. As we age our collagen levels deplete and fine lines and wrinkles start to appear. Microneedling stimulates the production of collagen which in turn, over time will make ageing skin appear more youthful.
The same applies to skin that suffers from acne scarring, crepey skin and stretch marks. A course of micro needling treatments can help to reduce the appearance of these skin concerns and offers rejuvenation to the area being treated.
Microneedling can also be used to improve the appearance of pigmentation and sun damaged skin. Pigmentation is a very common skin concern and can be caused by a variety of different factors. Acne or trauma to the skin can cause Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH), pregnancy and hormonal changes can lead to Melasma or ‘pregnancy mask’ and skin exposed to UV rays can show tell tale signs of sun damage and premature ageing.
Microneedling can be a very useful modality in treating these conditions but don’t expect results immediately. A course of treatments will usually be recommended by the practitioner alongside the appropriate homecare.
The results achieved in the salon must be supported with treatment at home. This will include using prescribed products to target your skin concerns.
Although not an overnight cure, micro needling can produce incredible results if you’re committed to the treatment and aftercare.