What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a gentle skin resurfacing treatment, also known as “Collagen Induction Therapy.” Collagen is a major structural protein that is the building block of our skin. It is what gives our skin strength, durability, and its youthful appearance. After age 25 we begin to lose about 1.5% of our collagen each year, and after age 40 our production of collagen slows considerably. In other words, we are producing less collagen at a time when we need more! This leads to loss of elasticity and skin that is prone to wrinkling and sagging.
One of the most efficient ways to increase collagen production is to simulate an injury to the skin. This triggers a natural healing response in which the skin creates new, healthy collagen to repair the injury. Microneedling treatment is based on this concept and was developed to deliver controlled micro-injuries to the skin by the use of tiny sterile needles.
Notable Benefits of Microneedling
Microneedling Treats a Wide Variety of Conditions
Aside from stimulating collagen and promoting younger-looking skin, other microneedling benefits include significant improvement in overall skin texture and tone. Microneedling can be performed anywhere on the face or body, and is particularly effective for the following conditions:
• Wrinkles and fine lines, including those that are “etched” into the skin
• Enlarged pores
• Acne scarring
• Stretch marks
Wrinkles & Fine Lines
Microneedling is beneficial for addressing wrinkles and fine lines as the treatment triggers collagen and elastin production in the dermal layers of the skin which helps strengthen and tighten the skin. Therefore, microneedling helps alleviate the appearance of existing wrinkles and helps prevent the formation of future fine lines.
Enlarged Pores
Following and during the microneedling treatment, the area around the pores plumps after stimulating the collagen around it which helps minimize the appearance of pores.
Acne Scarring
Since microneedling boosts collagen and elastin production in the skin, microneedling can help reduce the visible depth of acne scarring. Multiple sessions of microneedling treatments are extremely beneficial for those looking to address the appearance of acne scars. Multiple microneedling treatments are beneficial because the treatments continue to stimulate collagen production and improve the look of scarring.
Stretch Marks
Another one of the benefits microneedling offers is that it can be extremely beneficial for improving the appearance of stretch marks. Microneedling improves the colour and texture of stretch marks, and helps the scar blend into the surrounding skin. Similar to treating acne scars, multiple sessions of microneedling are often recommended to treat stretch marks.
Why Patients Love Microneedling:
Aside from the numerous conditions that microneedling treats, there are many advantages that make microneedling one of the most popular treatments out there:
• It’s safe – Treatments are performed by an experienced Medical Aesthetician
• It’s personalized – Each microneedling treatment is customized to the individual’s skin concerns
• Treatment appointments don’t take long
• Minimal recovery time
It’s Safe
One of the most standout microneedling benefits is that microneedling is exceptionally safe and suitable for all skin types. Compared with other aesthetic treatments such as laser, side effects are few and extremely rare.
It’s Personalized
Before your first microneedling procedure, your medical aesthetician will perform a thorough analysis of your skin and determine the best treatment plan based on your concerns and desired results. If you are using retinol, you may be instructed to discontinue using it a few days prior to your microneedling treatment.
It Doesn’t Take Long at All
One of the microneedling benefits that people love most is that it’s time Microneedling treatment takes approximately 30 minutes. Before the microneedling procedure, a topical numbing cream will be applied to the treatment area to ensure a comfortable experience for you. Once the skin has been thoroughly cleaned, a hyaluronic acid serum will be applied, and your technician will glide the microneedling device vertically over the skin in a precise pattern. The tiny needles will rapidly enter the skin, creating an appropriate number of micro-injuries to stimulate maximum collagen production.
It Has Minimal Recovery Time
You will need to refrain from wearing makeup for 24 hours; however, you can resume most of your other normal activities after microneedling treatment. Even though there is minimal downtime after microneedling, it is important to remember that your skin will be healing. Therefore, we will provide you with instructions on how to best care for your skin at home.
Long Term Benefits of Microneedling:
The Results
Although most patients report their skin looking immediately better, results from microneedling are gradual, occurring over several months. Best results are typically achieved with a series of 5-7 microneedling treatments, spaced one month apart.
Boost Collagen, Improve Texture, and Reverse Signs of Aging
In our 20’s we are often dealing with post-acne scarring. In our 30’s, we may be seeing the first signs of aging, and seeking a proactive approach to skin health. At 40 and older we may be looking for ways to “age gracefully” or diminish the lines and wrinkles that have already appeared. Whatever your age or skin concern, microneedling can offer significant benefits and play a major role in any skincare regimen.
In the high-tech world of cosmetic lasers, microneedling is often overlooked and underestimated. But its secret lies in its ability to boost collagen and restore youthful skin as good (or better) than many high-profile laser treatments – and without the downtime!