Microneedling, Benefits and FAQs Answered

WHAT IS MICRONEEDLING?

Also known also as CIT (Collagen Induction Therapy) is a minimally invasive treatment in which a needling pen is used to create micro wounds in the skin at a controlled depth. Each puncture creates a channel that triggers the body to fill these micro wounds by producing new collagen and elastin. These exist in the dermis, the deeper layer of our skin. The epidermis (outer layer) is parted, without being damaged, and it doesn’t “burn” your skin as do some chemical peels and laser treatments. This triggers the body’s repair process until the desired level of skin rejuvenation is achieved. The depth of the needles are chosen by your esthetician (me), depending on the area of the body and the condition being treated.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

  • Improves texture

  • Stimulates circulation and collagen production tor reduce lines and winkles

  • Firm, hydrates, and plumps the skin for a healthy and radiant glow

  • Lightens pigmentation (hyperpigmentation, sun damage/age spots, melasma)

  • Reduces appearance of pore size

  • Diminishes acne scars

  • Increases penetration of serums and other products that contain active ingredients

WHAT IS THE PROCESS AND WHEN DO YOU SEE RESULTS?

DAY 1 (of treatment) - You are numbed, cleansed, microneedled with a serum, then sent home with SPF. Your skin will be red, inflamed, and feel very tight as if you had gotten a sunburn. However, your skin will feel very soft and with have a plump look to it.

DAY 2 - Your skin still feels a bit raw and sensitive. Most of the initial redness from day 1 will have subsided.

DAY 3 - Your skin will start to have slight bit of texture because now it’s going into that scab-like process of healing.

DAY 4 and on - Your skin will keep healing and everyday that passes, it will look better and better. Results for this treatment are pretty immediate, but the peak is about 2 weeks and still up to 3 months after.

Depending the severity of your conditions, *3-6 treatments* only up to 1x a month is recommended, but you will see a 50-70% overall improvement after only 3 treatments.

ARE THERE ANY RISKS?

First, it’s important to mention that a sterilized cartridge is used and disposed for treatments, so there is no cross contamination risk. There haven’t been reports of long-term, adverse effects or permanent damage to the skin with microneeedling. These tiny channels of micro wounds close within hours of the procedure, reducing the chance for infection.

The wonderful thing is that it can be done anywhere on the body (except lips and eyelids) and is safe for anyone of any skin type.

If you suffer from herpes, to not stimulate an outbreak it’s suggested to pretreat yourself with an anti-viral up to 2 days prior and 2 days post treatment.

WHO CAN’T GET THIS TREATMENT DONE?

There is an extensive list of contraindications, which I will go over with any candidates that are interested in the treatment.

To name a few that are more common: anyone who is pregnant/breastfeeding. If you have active breakouts because this will cause ruptures and the spread of bacteria. You can’t have been on Accutane in the last six months. Also anyone with auto-immune/skin diseases.

IS THIS BETTER THAN LASER TREATMENTS

Although most laser treatments are highly effective, they usually require more downtime and are more costly. Unlike lasers, this is safe for ANY SKIN TYPE. There is a “burn” factor when it comes to lasers and can potentially cause scarring. With microneedling, it much more gently stimulates the skin’s natural healing process, meaning there is almost no risk of any post-inflammatory damage.

IS THIS THE SAME THING AS DERMA ROLLING AT HOME?

Long story short, ABSOLUTELY NOT. Derma rollers are much riskier to use due to the potential of cross contamination. They also puncture the skin an uncontrolled depths which may cause skin trauma. Mcironeedle pens are more precise and can treat hard to reach areas.

Mabel Lopez