What is Microneedling?

Curious about what microneedling is and what microneedling does for the skin? You’ve come to the right place! Microneedling has taken the professional skin care industry by storm and quickly become one of the most popular treatments for targeting fine lines, acne, uneven skin tone, and so much more.

As self-proclaimed ‘skin nerds,’ we’ve eagerly delved into the world of microneedling and its transformative effects. Join us as we dive deep into the science behind microneedling, uncovering its astounding benefits that go beyond the surface.

What is a Microneedling Facial?

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive skin treatment that uses tiny, sterilized needles to create controlled, superficial micro-punctures in the skin. These tiny pricks trigger the body’s natural healing response, leading to the reorganization of old collagen (scar reduction) and the production of new collagen, elastin, and capillaries. In addition, microneedling effectively resets or reboots other cellular functions, leading to normalization of pigment production, oil production, and skin cell regeneration.

Microneedling is increasingly recognized for its versatility in addressing various skincare concerns, such as reducing wrinkles, diminishing acne scars, improving skin texture, and promoting overall skin rejuvenation. 

To understand how microneedling works, let’s further explore the science behind this innovative procedure with real clinical evidence.

The Skin Science of Microneedling

As mentioned previously, microneedling harnesses the body’s natural ability to heal and rejuvenate. When microneedles penetrate the surface level of the skin, a wound healing response begins:

First, a mild inflammatory reaction occurs, triggering the release of growth factors that promote healing. Growth factors enable cell-to-cell communication and play a prominent role in activating new tissue formation. (This release of growth factors is the primary goal of a microneedling facial!)

Next, fibroblasts, the cells that are responsible for the production of collagen, become active and produce new collagen and elastin fibers. These two essential proteins play a crucial role in maintaining the skin’s structure, elasticity, and strength. Over time, the newly synthesized collagen replaces old, damaged collagen, resulting in improved skin texture and firmness.

Skin Fact: Microneedling and the micro-channels that the needles create also allows for deeper penetration of active ingredients into the skin. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (Iriarte, 2017) found that microneedling can increase the absorption of topical Vitamin C by up to 40 times compared to traditional topical application alone. However, to avoid adverse complications, use of active topicals after microneedling should only be administered by licensed estheticians with specialized training in collagen induction therapy.

What are the Benefits of Microneedling for the Skin?

There are numerous benefits that microneedling facial treatments offer to help with skin goals, for both short-term and long-term skin health. Some of these benefits include:

• Collagen Production. Microneedling stimulates the synthesis of collagen, a protein that helps support the skin’s structure. Increased collagen helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles and acne scarring.
• Product Absorption. Microneedling helps facilitate improved absorption of skincare products. This helps active ingredients in these products to penetrate deeper into the skin, optimizing their effectiveness. 
• Increased Circulation. Microneedling increases the blood flow to the area being treated, which improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells.
• Improved Skin Texture and Tone. By minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, and roughness, microneedling can help improve skin texture. It can also address hyperpigmentation and age spots.
• Safe for Various Skin Types. Microneeding is generally safe for a wide variety of skin types and can be performed for individuals of varying skin colour. We recommend consulting with your Skin Therapist to determine if microneedling facials are right for you and your skin.

Does it Work for Scars? 

Microneedling has been shown to be safe and effective for treating a variety of scarring conditions, including acne, burns, and surgical scars. A clinical review conducted in the UK (Iosifidis & Goutos, 2019) highlighted the application of microneedling in managing thickened scars, also known as non-atrophic, with significant findings indicating improved skin texture, reduced scar depth, and diminished scar size.

When to Schedule a Microneedling Facial

Achieving optimal results with microneedling facials requires careful consideration of when and how to schedule treatments. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Special Event Planning. It is generally recommended to schedule a microneedling facial at least a week before any important event or special occasion. This timing allows the skin to heal and for any potential temporary side effects, such as redness or mild swelling, to subside.
• Sun Exposure. Avoid excessive sun exposure before and after a microneedling session. Sunburned or tanned skin can be more sensitive and prone to adverse reactions. >We strongly recommend regularly applying sunscreen to protect the skin from unwelcome pigmentation stimulation. In fact, as a precaution, we pause offering Microneedling Facials during the hot summer months.
• Frequency of Treatments. The frequency of microneedling sessions depends on your individual skin type, lifestyle, and skin goals. In general, we recommend a series of 3-6 sessions twice a year, scheduled 2-4 weeks apart. However, your specific treatment plan may vary based on factors such as the condition being treated, preparatory services, and how the skin responds to treatment. Some of our clients love the results of microneedling so much that they make Microneedling Facials part of their monthly personal care routines. 
• Post-Treatment. To promote optimal healing and maximize the benefits of the treatment, maintaining good skin care practices after a treatment is mandatory. Most reputable microneedling providers will recommend specific post-care products, including gentle cleansers, hydrators, and barrier-recovery moisturizers, and of course, physical sunscreen.  

While microneedling is generally considered safe, it is important to be aware of potential risks and side effects. Some individuals may experience temporary side effects such as redness, swelling, or mild discomfort following the procedure. In rare cases, there is a risk of infection or scarring if proper post-care instructions are not followed.

Wrapping it Up

In the dynamic realm of skincare, microneedling emerges as a true hero, harnessing the power of your body’s own healing mechanisms to revitalize your skin. As you’ve explored the science behind microneedling and its remarkable benefits, we hope you’re as excited as we are about its potential to rejuvenate your complexion.

Remember, your journey with microneedling is unique to you. Whether you’re on a quest to smooth out fine lines, bid farewell to acne scars, or simply indulge in the luxury of healthier, glowing skin, microneedling holds a key to unlocking your skin goals.

Don’t hesitate to consult with our dedicated Skin Therapists – your trusted guides through the world of skin science. From demystifying microneedling 101 to personalizing a routine that aligns with your skin’s needs, we’re here to make your skincare journey a confident and rewarding one. Get in touch with us today and discover a world of healthier, more vibrant skin that’s uniquely yours. 

Citations

Iosifidis, C., & Goutos, I. (2019). Percutaneous collagen induction (microneedling) for the management of non-atrophic scars: literature review. Scars, burns & healing, 5, 2059513119880301. https://doi.org/10.1177/2059513119880301

Iriarte, C., Awosika, O., Rengifo-Pardo, M., & Ehrlich, A. (2017). Review of applications of microneedling in dermatology. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 10, 289–298. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S142450