What To Expect from Skin Needling
The world of skincare is extensive and constantly evolving. One treatment that is becoming continuously more popular is skin needling. This is sometimes known as collagen induction therapy or microneedling. By using needles to create controlled micro-injuries on the surface of the skin, the treatment stimulates the skin’s natural healing process and helps resolve common concerns. If you’ve considered skin needling, you should know what to expect before going in for the procedure.
What Is Skin Needling?
This procedure involves a device that has several very fine needles that penetrate the skin at different depths. The purpose of this treatment is to stimulate elastin and collagen production. These proteins are the ones that keep skin elastic and firm at the same time. By creating controlled injuries, the skin begins to heal itself. This improves the tone, texture, and appearance of the skin.
What Happens During the Procedure?
At the beginning of the microneedling process, the technician will begin with a double cleanse, skin analysis and skin prep solution.
Next, the practitioner moves the device over the areas that the patient wants treated, creating tiny puncture holes in the skin. How deep the needles pierce depends on what skin concerns are being addressed. At this point, you may experience a mild pricking or tingling feeling.
The duration of the treatment depends on how large the treated area is and the type of needling device used. A session may last anywhere from half an hour to an hour.
Here at Lavish Skin & Body we offer two different needling devices. Dermafrac is used for product penetration into the deeper layers of the skin and is best for addressing superficial lines and wrinkles, acne scarring and sun damage. Dermapen 4 is a more advanced device utilising micro-punctures into the skin to create a wound healing response and is generally used for targeting fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, stretch marks and pigmentation.
How Long Is the Recovery Period?
After the skin needling session, you may experience some mild redness and swelling. It may look similar to a sunburn and could last up to two days. You should avoid direct sun exposure and use sunscreen when going out.
The recovery period itself is fairly short. As the skin heals, the area may feel sensitive and tight, but as the skin heals, these symptoms disappear.
We will apply a post-treatment serum and moisturiser to help calm, soothe and mask any redness. SPF is applied to protect your skin as you leave the clinic.
What Are the Benefits of Needling?
There are many benefits associated with microneedling.
Elastin and Collagen Production
One of the main benefits of this treatment is that it enhances collagen and elastin production. This is a natural and long-term solution to fight against signs of ageing.
Better Skin Texture and Tone
People with uneven skin tone or texture can benefit from skin needling thanks to its collagen-boosting effects. It helps to minimise the appearance of enlarged pores, acne scars, and irregular pigmentation.
Enhanced Product Absorption
The micro-channels created by the needles can help skincare products absorb more easily, making topical skin treatments more effective.
Less Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Microneedling helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by promoting collagen production. In the long term, patients will have smoother skin and a younger-looking complexion. It’s an effective anti-aging treatment.
More Versatility
This procedure is very versatile and can treat a wide range of skin issues, from stretch marks to hyper-pigmentation to scars. Several problems can be resolved at the same time, making it one of the most sought-after skin treatments available.
Are There Side Effects to Microneedling?
Skin needling tends to be well-tolerated by most individuals; however, there are a few possible side effects to the procedure.
The most commonly seen side effects are swelling and redness. These are common and should subside within a day or two. Some patients may experience bruising if their skin is extra sensitive or if the needles penetrate deeply. This, however, is not a cause for concern and should resolve on its own. We always ensure a thorough skin consultation before any treatment to reduce the chances of any adverse effects.
Some individuals may see some peeling or flaking. However, this is the skin regenerating itself and healing and is a normal part of the process.
After the treatment, patients should avoid touching their face without washing their hands first, avoid applying makeup before the skin has healed, and keep the treated area clean. We recommend using a mineral based makeup such as Jane Iredale which can be used directly after the treatment if you wish. We can also offer a light application in-clinic before you leave.
What Type of Aftercare Does Skin Needling Require?
Microneedling requires adequate aftercare in order to heal correctly and give the best results possible.
The area should be kept clean, and you should avoid sun exposure and hot baths or saunas for 48 hours after the treatment. You should avoid using makeup and should work to stay well-hydrated. We also recommend you steer clear of skin care products containing AHA’s and BHA’s, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids until the skin is healed. Our therapists will advise you of the appropriate aftercare for your skin.
When Do Patients Typically See Results From Microneedling?
Treatment results vary from person to person, but you are likely to see skin tightening almost immediately. Other benefits develop in the weeks after your treatment as your natural skin cell turnover works from the inside out to produce tighter, firmer, more even skin tone and texture. The skin needling treatment produces a natural body response to increase collagen production and revive the cells, resulting in a host of skin benefits over time.
Generally, several weeks after the skin needling session, people may see improvement in skin tone and texture. Then, after a couple of months, the changes are more noticeable as the skin becomes firmer and more elastic. After three months or so, the collagen will continue to develop, and skin tone and texture will keep improving as time goes on.
With patience and a proper skincare routine, most people see long-term benefits from their needling procedures. The results may vary by individual, depending on their skin type, age, and the types of concerns they want to address.