What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a skin treatment that uses tiny needles to prickle the skin. The little wounds caused by the pricking will cause the skin to generate collagen and heal itself, which is why it’s also called collagen therapy. It eliminates fine lines and makes the skin firm and smooth. Although it’s often used on the face, it can also be used in other areas of the body. For example, some use it for treating stretch marks on the stomach, arms, or legs. Below are some of the specific skin problems that it usually treats:
- Age spots
- Acne scars and other scars
- Uneven skin tone
- Low skin elasticity
- Wrinkles and fine lines
If you have tried other over-the-counter or topical remedies to treat the said skin problems but were unsuccessful, microneedling is one of your options. It’s also an ideal solution for those who do not want an invasive procedure or surgery. However, it’s not recommended to some people, including the following:
- Pregnant women
- Those who develop keloids
- Those who recently received radiation therapy
- Those with open wounds
Benefits of microneedling
- It’s generally safe, especially if you get it from a professional dermatologist or aesthetician.
- It has little to no downtime so you can go back immediately to your usual routine after the treatment.
- It can effectively make the skin look firmer and smoother. There is also a technology that combines microneedling with another skin treatment called IPL or intense pulsed light. It is one of the best laser resurfacing treatment Laser and IPL are almost similar skin treatments. However, a laser uses one wavelength, while IPL has different wavelengths. The technology called SmoothGlo combines microneedling and IPL, so you get the effects of the two treatments.
- The side effects are minimal, although they may include redness and irritation.
- It’s a quick process. The microneedling itself takes only about 20 to 30 minutes. However, the entire process from preparation to wrap-up could be 2 hours, which is still faster than surgeries.
Although microneedling is generally safe, it doesn’t go without any risk, including the following.
- If the tools are not sterilized, there is a risk of infection.
- Since there will be minor cuts, an unsanitary environment could also cause infection.
- It may have side effects for those who have specific skin conditions or are taking certain medications.
If you decide to go for this treatment, consult your dermatologist or aesthetician to ensure it’s safe for you, especially if you have other skin or health conditions, and take medications. If you were given a go-ahead signal for the treatment, you can set the schedule or have it right away. The specialist will apply numbing cream on your face, so you will not feel the pain of the microneedles. Once done with the treatment, you may be asked to use lukewarm water or a mild cleanser to wash your face.
Although the process is quick, the effect is not instant. You may need to go back 3 or 4 times before seeing the result. Ensure that you only get the service of a professional for a safe procedure.
