Most of us, if not all of us, have some sort of skincare routine in place (hopefully). But there’s only so much you can achieve with an at home skincare routine. Whether you only include the basics, or go all out with a multiple-step routine, we still need professional treatments every once in a while for optimal results.
Introducing Microneedling. This amazing treatment can give your complexion a new lease of life by promoting new skin cells, reducing the appearance of acne scars and large pores, stimulating blood flow and increasing collagen and elastin production in the skin – we bet you haven’t found a cream that can do all of this yet. Mirconeedling can even help to improve product absorption so you can get the most out of your at home skincare routine.
What is microneedling?
Microneedling is a dermatological procedure that punctures the top layer of the skin using tiny needles to signal to our body that our skin needs to be healed and rejuvenated. And the body being the team player that it is, comes to the rescue with added skincare benefits .
How does microneedling work?
The microneedling procedure will use either a stamp or a microneedling pen to prick the skin with tiny needles (that typically range from 0.1 to 2.5 mm in diameter). These tools are known as collagen induction therapies, meaning that they create micro-wounds on the skin to stimulate collagen production and encourage skin repair.
These small punctures to the top layer of the skin signal to the body that trauma has occurred and encourage new collagen and elastin production. Similar to how your body heals scrapes and cuts, the same is true for these minor, strategically produced wounds.
Stimulate collagen and elastin production
We know what you may be thinking: ouch. Why would anyone want to do that? Well, increased collagen is the main reason. And when we can never have enough collagen, the slightly painful facial is worth every pinprick. As a form of collagen induction therapy (CIT), microneedling increases collagen (obviously) as well as elastin in the skin, which adds volume, elasticity and smooths out fine lines and wrinkles.
Minimise pore size
We all have pores on the surface of our skin to release oil and sweat – they’re basically tiny holes that let our skin breathe. They can vary in size from barely noticeable to you can’t stop staring at them. Large pores can be caused by several factors but the most common reason for them is when they become clogged with excess oil, dirt, or dead skin. And the larger they are, the easier it is for them to collect even more debris. Microneedling can help minimise your pore size by getting in the hard-to-reach places and unclogging them with the help of new collagen and elastin to tighten the skin.
Increase product absorption
By creating thousands of tiny holes in the skin, products can be absorbed through the new wounds and more efficiently through unclogged pores, increasing the number of channels available into the skin and amount of product absorbed. This is why when doing a microneedling treatment we apply powerful serums to the skin when the wounds are open, so you see optimal results.
Reduce the appearance of scars
Microneedling is a super effective treatment for those with scars, especially deep-set acne scars. It helps to restore your complexion by stimulating new skin cells whilst breaking down old scar tissue. The increase in collagen can also help to improve the appearance of scars as it fills out and creates volume in the skin, making them appear less defined with a smoother texture.
Stimulate blood flow
As the small wounds are made, the immune system cleverly increases blood flow in the affected area so it can receive more oxygen and nutrients to help with the healing process. With more oxygen and nutrients in the skin of your face, it’s no surprise it will feel and look healthier with a natural glow.
Does microneedling hurt?
For most people who have tried microneedling, the general consensus is that it can be a little uncomfortable. But hey, that’s why you go to a professional that is experienced, uses numbing cream, and knows how to make you feel cared for – aka anyone from.
But don’t let that scare you. Others say that the microneedling sensation feels very light with only some sensitivity in areas where the skin is thinner, such as the forehead. Truth be told, everyone has different pain thresholds but microneedling is generally bearable regardless of what yours maybe – especially if a healthy, rejuvenated complexion awaits.
Be gentle with your skincare routine
The gentler your skincare routine is before microneedling, the better. This means avoiding over-exfoliation, actives and anything that’s on the harsher side. Microneedling causes micro-traumas to the skin which can feel a lot worse than it sounds if you haven’t been kind to your skin beforehand.