Microneedling also known as Collagen Induction Therapy is a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that involves puncturing the skin with sterile needles to trigger your skin's repair process and create new collagen production. If you're new to the idea of this treatment and want to learn more about it and some of its benefits then definitely keep reading.
SO WHAT IS MICRONEEDLING EXACTLY ?
If you're new to the word "Microneedling", Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure designed specifically to invoke the healing response in your skin by causing micro trauma in a targeted way.
Using a pen with a small head that contains 10+ sterile needles, it vibrates at high power, and at a certain depth, to pierce the superficial layer of your skin thousands of times over a few seconds.
These small and controlled pinpricks go into your epidermis and even the upper layers of the dermis to stimulate the healing response in your skin which in return results in increased collagen formation and elastin formation.
Your skin over time becomes more plump, tight, and smoother in the process.
But beyond these benefits, Microneedling also offers several other very beneficial side effects that your skin can take advantage of.
These range from healing acne scars, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, diminishing hyperpigmentation and pore size. Overall creating an even, glowing skin tone that will turn heads and bring back confidence in your self and your skin.
7 MICRONEEDLING BENEFITS FOR YOUR SKIN
(#5 is my Favourite)
#1. IMPROVES THE QUALITY AND TEXTURE OF YOUR SKIN
The Microneedling procedure takes about 1 hour long and in order to get the best results should leave the skin with some pin point bleeding (yes Some blood is a GOOD thing).
Even with the pinpoint bleeding and slight redness that may occur for up to 2 days afterwards, you can notice an immediate improvement in the texture and quality of your skin.
How does this happen?
The pinprick needles actually stimulate remodelling of existing collagen and promote formation of new collagen and revascularization (blood vessels) in the skin.
Collagen and elastin are the two components of your skin that give your skin that "plump" look all us woman want.
Unfortunately as early as our 20's our collagen starts to decrease, and other factors can play a role in our collagen decreasing even more quickly (smoking, sun, pollution, genetics, diet, stress, etc).
Thankfully Microneedling turns back the clock with a series of treatments and the good news is that the healing process starts almost immediately after the procedure.
After you receive your treatment, you'll experience redness for 24 hours as your skin cells repair over the next week or two. Although patients can see visible changes after one procedure, it is recommended to do a series of treatments spaced out every 4 to 6 weeks to see desirable results, and the under eyes typically take four to six treatments over three to six months to achieve desired results.
The day of your procedure you will be numbed for full comfort and leave with a sensation of a sunburn and tight skin that fades over a few hours. The following morning the majority of the redness has subsided and you just need to be protecting your skin with SPF.
#2.FADES ACNE SCARRING AND OLD POCK MARKS
Another huge benefit is Microneedling helps reduce acne scars which can be very difficult to treat.
When you have any sort of scarring on your face (or anywhere on your body) your body naturally undergoes a process known as fibrosis. This is good when healing, because this is what makes everything stick together, but beneath the skin the glue is so strong that it can and will pull the skin down and create the scarring or pock mark on the surface of the skin.
Microneedling helps to "break apart" all of the glue and fibrosis underneath the skin which allows the skin to "let go" of the tenting and release the surface of the skin. Naturally this results in a more smooth surface to your skin.
#3.REDUCES PORE SIZE
Although enlarged pores are not a medical condition, enlarged pores can be a concern for those wanting to achieve smooth, flawless-looking skin. Pores are the tiny dots we see on our skin texture which release sebum (oil), and can often become larger with age. While they do serve as an important function in our skin, large pores create a noticeable texture to the surface of the skin, and can make the application of makeup uneven in appearance.
Enlarged pores are usually more visible on the nose, cheeks and chin regions, and can stem from a number of causes. One factor is sun damage and aging, causing the skin to lose its elasticity and strength, so pores become more dilated. Hormones and acne can also be a contributing factor, causing an excess production of oil and blocked enlarged pores, as can environmental pollutants.
Microneedling can be an effective and safe method for the reduction of enlarged pores due to their ability to completely rejuvenate the skin. Each session will activate our natural wound healing response, producing and distributing new collagen in the complexion. This plumps up and tightens the appearance of enlarged pores, effectively making them smaller.
#4. REDUCES HYPERPIGMENTATION (SUN DAMAGE) AND EVENS SKIN TONE
Hyperpigmentation is a common condition that makes some areas of the skin darker than others. Extra melanin creates spots or patches that look more brown than the rest of the skin.
Microneedling increases expression of matrix mealloproteinases which reduces hyperpigmentation.
Microneedling does an amazing job of lightening and reversing hyperpigmentation and sun damage. This is due to the power of collagen production and it's ability to repair and restore your skin. There's some research that suggests that Microneedling is the most effective therapy for sun spots.
Microneedling is actually preferred over laser treatments of hyperpigmentation in women with darker coloured skin ( Fitzpatrick IV and V skin types ). The reason is because some women react with worsening pigmentation if using lasers and Microneedling doesn't have that effect.
#5. PRODUCES NEW COLLAGEN PRODUCTION
The fact of the matter here is yes we all want to grow old and wise but at the same time we want to look and feel our best. Unfortunately with aging comes the loss of collagen in our faces and neck. But now with the help of Microneedling, it will increase the production of collagen and other healing factors by causing a controlled trauma to the skin. Collagen is an essential protein that helps keep the skin looking youthful, with a firm, smooth, and stretchy texture. As we age, collagen production naturally begins to slow down which can lead to signs of aging (wrinkles, sagging skin, etc).
The controlled skin injuries produced by Microneedling send the skin into a repair mode that triggers the body to produce new collagen as well as elastin, which is another protein found in the skin that provides our skin with desirable elasticity. Microneedling also encourages the growth of fibroblasts, epithelial and endothelial cells, which can equate to a more even skin tone and healthy glow.
According to a 2008 study, skin treated with four Microneedling sessions spaced one month apart, produced up to a 400% increase in collagen and elastin six months after completing treatment. #6. REDUCES ROSACEA
Microneedling can improve conditions such as rosacea.
It may seem counter-intuitive at first that stimulating the skin with micro-fine needles can actually calm the symptoms of rosacea, but it does exactly that.
Rosacea produces redness and blemishes on the skin. Microneedling may be beneficial for treating rosacea because it can help reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation.
Microneedling works by stimulating collagen production in the dermal layer of your skin which strengthens and thickens both the dermal and epidermal layer.
Microneedling stimulates growth factor which increases the density of the epidermis, lessening beneath the skin and overall redness.
The treatment strengthens collagen in both vessel walls and connective tissue that supports the vessels.
This means that the skin is more resistant to the triggers that cause the redness and flushing normally associated with rosacea. Over time it also reduces the rough and bumpy texture that some forms of rosacea produce.
#7. MICRONEEDLING CAN BE DONE DURING SUMMER MONTHS
It might be hard to believe but it's true! Microneedling can be done all year long because it doesn't cause inflammation to the skin. My advice for all those out there including myself who do it in the summer months is to be more attentive to your face and neck when out enjoying the warmer weather and by doing so applying your SPF every 2 hours when you are in direct sunlight and wearing a fashionable hat ;)
Seeing Results with Microneedling/Collagen Induction Therapy
Depending on your skin, genetics, and goals for your skin, the number of treatments you may need will vary. Typically, you can begin to see improvements two to four weeks after your initial Microneedling treatment session. If you have deep scarring or wrinkles, you may need additional treatment sessions spaced 4 weeks apart in order to obtain optimal results.
But in my opinion Microneedling is a treatment that is here to stay and I can't talk about it enough to my friends and patients. With barely any downtime and the results you achieve over time are so impressive it is my favourite treatment to do not only on myself but for my patients as well.
IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO IMPROVE YOUR SKIN WITH MICRONEEDLING YOU CAN VISIT THE WEBSITE LINK BELOW TO BOOK YOURS TODAY AT SKIIN