Collagen is an essential component needed to maintain skin elasticity and a youthful complexion. However, collagen production naturally decreases as an individual ages, and it can be challenging to increase collagen levels at home.
Microneedling is an in-office service that can help eliminate textural skin concerns like acne scarring or stretch marks.
It uses tiny needles to poke the skin and encourages your cells to heal and renew themselves, promoting collagen production and creating a more toned appearance for the skin and muscles.
While a lot of tiny needles going into your skin may sound scary, it is considered a minimally invasive procedure that has little downtime.
But is microneedling permanent? Unfortunately, microneedling results don’t last forever, and a patient will need to conduct these appointments every once in a while to maintain results. It can last for a couple of months with proper skin care.
While you may be tempted to reach for an at-home microneedling device, it would be wise to visit a dermatologist instead. At-home microneedling devices can increase the risk of harm or skin damage. However, professional microneedling can offer a whole host of benefits for your skin.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling can treat various skin concerns and increase collagen production. For example, it can treat acne scarring, signs of aging, and even stretch marks with tiny needles. In addition, microneedling is used to create a smooth, even, bright, firm, and toned complexion.
According to an article from Healthline, “the idea is that pinpricks from the procedure cause slight injury to the skin and that the skin responds by making new collagen-rich tissue. This new skin tissue is, in turn, more even in tone and texture.”
If you’d like to see the process of microneedling in action and hear about the benefits from dermatologists, here’s a great video from U.S. Dermatology Partners on YouTube.
The Benefits Of Microneedling
Surprisingly enough, microneedling can help a wide range of people. For example, it can aid in reducing the appearance of discoloration, regardless of age spots or acne scarring. It will also create a youthful appearance by boosting collagen.
Eliminate Scarring
Scarring can plague your skin long after your wound or acne heals. It can feel as if your blemishes never left. However, microneedling has the potential to reduce the appearance of various types of scarring.
Yale Medicine states that “because microneedling does not deliver heat to the skin like lasers do, people who have melasma and hyperpigmentation can undergo microneedling without the risk of worsening pigmentation problems.”
Boost Collagen Production
One of the benefits of microneedling is its ability to promote collagen production. Unfortunately, collagen can quickly deplete as we age, and there aren’t many at-home treatments that can be as effective as microneedling.
Healthline claims, “the purpose of treatment is to generate new collagen and skin tissue for smoother, firmer, and more toned skin.” Overall, microneedling is ideal for treating signs of aging and tightening skin for a youthful outcome.
Even Skin Tone
Microneedling can improve textural concerns like scarring, discoloration, wrinkles, and more. Once all these prominent imperfections slowly start to fade away, you may notice that microneedling produces a brighter and more even skin tone.
It can be challenging to achieve a smooth and even complexion. However, microneedling followed by the proper aftercare will allow you to enjoy your brighter results for longer. In addition, microneedling can potentially cause a lifted effect.
Anti-Aging
Finally, microneedling can be ideal for those looking to turn back the clock. We’ve mentioned that collagen is essential to maintaining skin elasticity and youthfulness. So, if you’re worried about fine lines or wrinkles, microneedling may be able to help.
According to Healthline, “it’s normal for the skin to lose collagen via age or injury. By encouraging the skin to make new tissue, there may be more collagen to help make the skin firmer, too.”
Cons Of Microneedling
Microneedling is considered a minimally invasive treatment, especially compared to going under the knife. However, like all beauty treatments, microneedling does have its downsides and risks that should be known.
Microneedling will create minor injuries on the skin with multiple tiny needles. These minor injuries can still take a few days to heal. In addition, some skin types may be more sensitive to the procedure than others.
Some common cons or side effects of microneedling include swelling, redness, and more.
Swelling
Tiny needle pricks may not sound very comfortable. While you may not feel discomfort during the procedure, you might feel an increase in sensitivity post-procedure. For example, the skin may appear puffy and slightly swollen.
Swelling is a common side effect of microneedling, but it shouldn’t last for more than a few days. In addition, during this time, it may be challenging to see any changes from your microneedling treatment.
Keep in close contact with your provider to ensure you’re on the road to recovery.
Redness
Another sign of irritation caused by microneedling is redness.
Redness is relatively common, so it doesn’t pose as much risk. However, there is still a chance it may stick around longer than usual. Regardless, it can be expected when you leave your appointment.
Microneedling will improve collagen production and cell turnover, but the tiny incisions made by the needles can appear red. However, redness can quickly fade, especially by implementing the proper aftercare regimen.
Peeling
The skin’s surface layer will undergo minor injury during microneedling. Is primary purpose is to bring tighter, brighter, and more youthful skin to light, but in order to see your newly brighten skin tone, a few skin cells may be shed.
Peeling skin is also a common con or side effect. If this occurs to you after your microneedling appointment, it’s crucial to avoid picking as it may hinder your results. Instead, let your skin run its course when it peels.
Infection
Microneedling is considered a generally safe service, especially if you maintain overall great health. However, you may still be at risk for infection. Infection can occur if your provider doesn’t properly sterilize tools or keep your skin safe.
In addition, an infection can occur if you have a more challenging time recovering or neglect an aftercare regimen. Infections can also worsen other symptoms or side effects like swelling, redness, and peeling.
So, it’s crucial to seek out a professional, licensed, and experienced doctor who specializes in microneedling.
How Long Does Microneedling Last?
Unfortunately, microneedling doesn’t provide results that last a lifetime. However, microneedling results may last longer than other beauty treatments. In addition, many factors can determine how long microneedling lasts, like a proper skin care regimen.
Microneedling can last anywhere between 4-6 weeks or 3-5 months. Your medical provider, skin characteristics, and aftercare regimen can impact how your results stay or look after leaving your in-office treatment.
In addition, you may need to stay consistent and complete multiple microneedling sessions.
How Often Should You Get Microneedling Done?
How often you need to get a microneedling session done will also vary by person. Again, your medical provider, skin characteristics/concerns, and aftercare can all determine the best timeline for another microneedling appointment.
According to Yale Medicine, “Three to five monthly or biweekly treatments are recommended to achieve desired results. Through a series of sessions, microneedling can increase elastic skin fibers.”
In addition, it will be wise to consult with your doctor to create a timeline for your skin’s needs.
Who Should Avoid Microneedling?
How do you know if you’re an ideal candidate for microneedling? One of the most helpful things to help prepare for microneedling is scheduling a consultation with your desired clinic or dermatologist. This will ensure your and your skin’s safety.
However, not everyone may not be a good candidate for microneedling. For example, if you’re pregnant, have a specific skin condition, or have active acne, microneedling may pose a risk.
Acne Medications
While microneedling is designed to treat acne scarring, it may adversely affect those consuming acne medications. In addition, those with active acne may also want to stay clear of getting microneedling done.
Active acne can pose a risk because it can worsen your skin’s current condition.
Specific Skin Conditions
Your dermatologist may also advise you against microneedling if a specific skin condition is present. For example, those with psoriasis or eczema may not be a good choice for microneedling.
Similar to how microneedling can worsen active acne symptoms, the same can occur for eczema and psoriasis. It affects the outermost layer of the skin, which can also increase irritation if any of these skin conditions are present.
Scarring
Microneedling should be able to treat or reduce the appearance of scarring. However, it can vary by person and skin type. For example, those with keloid scarring or skin that is more prone to scarring may want to avoid a microneedling treatment.
The micro-injuries that microneedling performs on the skin may worsen the appearance of scarring or trigger new ones to arise. This is especially true if aftercare is neglected.
How To Prepare For Microneedling
Consultations are a crucial step for any beauty service.
So, if you’re planning to prepare for a microneedling service, you may want to talk in-depth with your provider. Then, your doctor can provide step-by-step instructions to get ready for your treatment.
However, a general guideline is to avoid exfoliating or cell turnover products. For example, BHAs, AHAs, vitamin C, or retinoids may increase your skin’s sensitivity if you use them before your appointment.
Instead, it will be wise to avoid these products a week or two before microneedling.
Microneedling Procedure
What can you expect during a microneedling procedure? First, Microneedling may be virtually painless because most providers will apply a numbing cream to the skin to help you avoid any discomfort.
According to Healthline, “during the procedure, your doctor makes small pricks under the skin with a pen-like tool. The pinpricks are so small that you likely won’t notice them after the procedure.”
In addition, microneedling can be a lengthy procedure, so you can expect that your appointment will last a few hours. However, double-check with your provider.
Microneedling Aftercare
Following your procedure, your doctor will provide a list of aftercare instructions. These instructions are crucial to execute to ensure you have a safe, healthy, and proper recovery. In addition, each patient may have a different process.
Regardless, there are two crucial factors to look out for when you’ve completed microneedling. For example, Sunscreen is a vital step in any routine, especially in a service that affects the outermost layer of the skin.
Sunscreen
It’s no secret that microneedling will increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. You’ll need to preserve and protect your skin with sunscreen (we love Elta MD’s dermatologist-recommended zinc oxide face sunscreen) regardless if you’ve completed this service or not.
Applying sunscreen alone can reduce scarring and discoloration. Also, you may not see any results or a difference in your skin post-microneedling if you don’t religiously use SPF.
Avoid Exfoliants
Another helpful tip will be to avoid exfoliants altogether; this also includes retinoids. Exfoliants will also affect the surface of the skin and may cause an adverse reaction when used after microneedling. This will cause discomfort and sensitivity.
Applying these products may hinder your results, and you won’t be able to reap the benefits of microneedling.
When Will You See Results?
Again, everyone may notice results at a different point during their recovery. On average, you can notice results four to six weeks following your initial appointment. However, it may take up to a few skin cycles to see accurate results.
Of course, several factors can impact your results, like your provider, follow-up appointments, or aftercare regimen. However, you can also discuss with your doctor what expectations to have before, during, and after microneedling.
Related Questions
You may be wondering, can’t I just purchase a home roller and gain the same effects as an in-office treatment. While multiple brands sell microneedling rollers, it may not be wise to buy one because you can harm yourself or your skin.
What’s the difference between microneedling and home rollers? Professional microneedling will be able to penetrate the skin deeper and is powered by an electronic device, while home rollers are powered manually.
According to Yale Medicine, “these are very unlikely to have any benefit for dermal remodeling, but they may have benefits such as exfoliating the skin, which would allow topical medications to penetrate better, says Dr. Suozzi.”
Home devices may sound entertaining but they won’t provide the same outcome as professional treatments.
Consult A Dermatologist
If you plan to get or are interested in microneedling, it will be wise to consult a dermatologist. A derm can analyze your skin and tailor a service to meet your needs. In addition, they may recommend a more beneficial treatment for the skin.
Takeaway
While microneedling may not last forever, you can preserve its results for at least a few months. However, you may need multiple sessions to achieve your desired outcome. Ask your dermatologist if microneedling is right for you.
Microneedling can provide numerous benefits to the skin. However, a primary reason why many people gravitate towards microneedling is that it can boost collagen production.
Collagen is essential for maintaining youthful and elastic skin. In addition, microneedling can reduce the appearance of scars, aging, and stretch marks. However, each beauty service also has its risks.
Overall, microneedling is a generally safe beauty treatment. However, it’s crucial to conduct an in-depth consultation with a dermatologist to prepare for microneedling and what’s to come following your appointment.
What are your thoughts on microneedling? Are you willing to try this beauty treatment?
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