Like Millennials, dentists and cheesy 90’s music, needles have got an unfairly notorious reputation. Sure, the thought of piercing your skin may seem torturous, but if you think about it, most of the time they serve a vital purpose. Vaccinations, acupuncture – even tattoos, according to those loyal to them.
Step forward Microneedling: A minimally invasive cosmetic practice that has been steadily growing in popularity ever since its first recorded use in 1905 by a German dermatologist (true story!). The holy grail of skin rejuvenation, the microscopic punctures made as part of the treatment offer maximum benefits. Vitally, the pin-pricks – which we make using an innovative pen called the Dermapen – are not only tiny but also only penetrate the surface level of the skin, resulting in a ‘trauma’ which causes the dermal layer to rebuild and renew. That means – you guessed it – less pain, lots of gain.
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Determining the right solution for your skin in a world where beauty treatments are everywhere can be like finding a needle in a haystack – pun very much intended. And although we strongly believe in the impressiveness of Microneedling results, we wouldn’t be doing our Dermal CIT treatment justice without delving into its plethora of benefits. So, without further ado, here is your guide to the hottest ticket in skin rejuvenation today:
Uses of Microneedling
1. Improving skin elasticity
Probably the most popular reason for the treatment, it does wonders for the skin as during the repair phase it triggers the production of collagen and elastin – great for both treating and preventing those pesky signs of aging. An added benefit is that the resulting plumping of the skin also makes pores appear smaller, too – win-win! But don’t just take our word for it – a study from 2008 found that four sessions spaced one month apart produced up to a 400% increase in both collagen and elastin six months after treatment was completed. Say goodbye to fine lines and wrinkles, instead welcoming a youthful, firm, toned, smooth and stretchy texture? Yes please!
In case you needed more reasons to invest in your face, it’s also said to improve the absorption of skin care products (which, with a reported tiny 4-8% of your expensive serum penetrating your face, clearly needs all the help it can get!).
2. Treating acne scarring
It’s bad enough having to suffer from acne as a teenager – living with the scars afterwards is just adding insult to injury. Unsurprisingly, therefore, Microneedling for acne scars is another much- loved use of the treatment – especially as it can signify the difference between hiding away at home and living your best life. A 2009 study resulted in almost 100% of the subjects reporting a marked improvement in the visibility of their acne scars – sounds good to us! It also works on most other types of scarring, too, such as stretch marks.
3. Other skin conditions
From melasma (skin damage) to rosacea, it’s also a promising treatment for various conditions of the skin.
Important aftercare is key. Image by Luke Lehrfeld on Flickr
Separating fact from fiction
Like most cosmetic procedures, there is a ton of information out there – not all of it accurate. So, here’s what you need to know before taking the next step:
Microneedling is safe. Absolutely true – when left to the experts.
I can do it at home. While yes, you can do this in theory, it’s not a practice we recommend. Aside from the risks that can accompany any at-home medical device, the cheaper DIY alternatives have shorter, blunter needles, do not fully penetrate the skin – meaning limited results, are difficult to clean and can increase the risk of side effects.
I can have it done as much as I like. Again, you can do whatever you want – in theory – but indulging in Microneedling treatment too frequently can lead to broken capillaries and give you that undesirable plasticky look. Just another reason why it’s best to leave it to the experts (luckily for you, we know just the people!).
It’s a quick fix! Absolutely not. Like most things in life, good things are worth waiting for, and because the procedure relies on the growth of new skin, it can take several months before you see the full benefits.
Anyone can have it. Unfortunately not, and we wouldn’t be doing our jobs properly if we treated certain people, such as those who are pregnant or those with an active skin infection, active acne or keloid scarring. Once again, the beauty – and importance – of having this done by the professionals is the wealth of information and guidance that comes with it.
It’s great for those with dark skin. Very true, due to the fact that it doesn’t involve peels or lasers, which can cause pigmentation.
There can be side effects. True – like with any cosmetic procedure. You may experience swelling, discomfort, redness, bruising and dry skin. Bleeding is uncommon but more of a risk in those with bleeding disorders, which is why it’s always important to disclose any medical history to our qualified Dermal Therapists before undertaking any treatment.
I must treat my skin gently afterwards. Ding ding ding! Gentle but powerful products are the way forward here (you may even want to check that what you use has been specially formulated with Microneedling aftercare in mind.). Sunscreen is another absolute must as your skin will be more sensitive to the sun.
Recovery time is minimal. Fortunately, thanks to the non-surgical nature of the treatment, most people require very little recovery time – if any at all.
Virtually painless, incredibly effective and with a whole host of benefits – BOOK NOW!
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