Microneedling is one of those one-stop solutions for a myriad of skin conditions. There’s a reason why dermatologists and other skin professionals cannot stop touting the benefits. Microneedling is legitimate and it also does not discriminate — it’s beneficial for basically all skin types.

Whether you’re looking to simply brighten dull skin, minimize acne scarring or reduce fine lines and wrinkles, you can rely on the microneedling procedure. So, how exactly does this revolutionary skin treatment work? This guide highlights everything you need to know.

Microneedling Explained

Contrary to what many people think, microneedling is not actually that ”new” to the world of skincare. The practice itself dates back 116 years to 1905. It was first developed to treat severe acne, skin scars, birthmarks, and hyperpigmentation.

The practice has come a long way in recent years and is far more effective than its ever been before with the help of new, streamlined technologies.

So, what is microneedling exactly?

It’s a non-invasive treatment that focuses on the power of controlled skin damage. It uses this controlled damage as a way to boost skin renewal, cell turnover, and skin healing at every level of the skin.

What it actually does is remodel the underlying layer of collagen beneath the surface of the skin. This is why microneedling is also sometimes called collagen induction therapy (CIT).

Just some of the most popular purposes of microneedling include:

• Minimizing the look of superficial wrinkles and fine lines
• Reducing dark spots and areas of melasma on the skin
• Reducing the appearance of acne scars
• Minimizing your pores
• Plumping up the hydration and elasticity of the skin

By remodeling those underlying layers of collagen, you can also restore the volume of your skin and its elasticity. All-in-all, it’s one of the best ways to restore the health of your skin in general.

How Does the Microneedling Procedure Work?

With all of the above in mind, how does one simple procedure offer so many different benefits? The key to the success of this skin treatment is the microdamage it causes. It sounds like a contradiction, right? But the skin is designed to respond to this type of stimulation (or injury).

In a nutshell, microneedling creates miniature or microscopic puncture wounds across the skin. The procedure involves an instrument fitted with very fine, short needles. They either roll over the skin or puncture the skin in a rhythmic way. This creates the microdamage that the skin responds to.

What Makes It So Effective?

The primary reason why microneedling is a treatment you can rely on is because of the body’s innate, natural ability to heal itself. The results of microneedling are supercharged because of how the skin immediately reacts.

Your body kickstarts the healing process as soon as your treatment is over. And in 1-2 days you may start to see noticeable changes in skin texture and brightness. Yes, certain areas of your skin might be irritated or inflamed after the procedure, but your body is already working on healing these areas.

Microneedling is also brilliant with therapeutic products. In short, it allows these products to penetrate the skin far more efficiently. This feeds the skin vital nutrients that it could be missing, offering even better results.

The Undeniable Benefits of Microneedling

Now that you know how this procedure works, here’s why you should choose microneedling over other skin procedures:

• The procedure guarantees almost immediate results — you will see physical changes in your skin just 24-hours after the procedure. And you can expect the results to last a few weeks
• Microneedling encourages healthier skin over an extended period of time. According to research, 4 microneedling sessions (a month apart) can stimulate a 400 percent increase in collagen over 6 months
• You can really boost the hydration of your skin by combining microneedling with hyaluronic acid serums
• It’s also beneficial for stimulating the growth of new hair follicles due to increased blood flow

To add to this, microneedling assists with the penetration of topical skin treatments, as mentioned. Not only on the day of your treatment but in the weeks that follow as your skin recovers. It allows your products to better penetrate the deeper layers of the skin and truly soak up those active ingredients.

How To Prepare for Microneedling

If you’re heading in for your first microneedling treatment, you’ll also need to prepare your skin for the procedure beforehand.

• Avoid intense topical products for a few days before microneedling — especially retinol products
• Stick to a milder, calming face wash and products in the lead up to your procedure
• Stay out of the sun for 48 hours before your treatment — avoid sunburn at all costs
• Don’t use any chemical exfoliating acids on your skin for at least a week before microneedling

Before you arrive at your appointment, make sure to clean your skin well. Do not apply any products to the skin, it must be as bare as possible. However, if you have to head to your appointment with makeup on, your skin technician can clean your face for you.

A Run Down of the Experience

Before your microneedling session begins, your skin technician will assess your skin to ensure it’s as clean as possible. They might use a cotton swab to wipe off any excess makeup or oil from the skin.

After that, they apply a topical numbing cream to the top layer of the skin — you’ll have to about 20 minutes for it to take effect. Most of the time, this numbing cream just dulls the sensation of the skin on the cheeks, chin, and forehead. Don’t fret, you’ll still be able to move your face!

Depending on the type of microneedling device, your technician will proceed to draw lines across your face with a handheld, pen-shaped microneedling tool. These tools are most effective because of how controllable they are. They allow your technician to control the depth of penetration across different areas of the face.

According to your personal treatment focus, your skin technician will focus on certain areas, more than others. After each section of the face is complete, you’ll receive an application of topical hyaluronic acid serum to that area.

Once the skin barrier is open, this is the best time to penetrate the underlying areas of the skin with beneficial products. This is a crucial part of the microneedling process.

Depending on the focus on your treatment, the products applied to your skin could vary. For example, if you’re looking for an anti-aging effect, your technician may use retinol or vitamin C-based products. If you’re looking for skin brightness and plumping, a hyaluronic acid serum is popular.

Speak to your skin technician about your key problem areas and what you’d like to address. From there, they can formulate the best plan of action for your microneedling session(s).

Post-Procedure Care

Because it’s a non-invasive procedure, there is very little downtime with microneedling. In fact, you can even go back to work if you’re comfortable with slightly red, inflamed skin. Within a few hours, this skin irritation will settle, anyway.

However, there are a few aftercare recommendations you want to keep in mind, such as:

• Avoid harsh exposure to sunlight for a few days post-treatment and wear sunscreen
• Avoid rigorous exercise that will inflame or irritate your skin post-microneedling — give it 1-2 days
• Do not use harsh face products or face wash on the skin for at least 3 days — avoid acids and retinol
• Try to keep your shower or bath water temperature mild so as to not worsen redness or inflammation

You can wear makeup after your procedure if you have to head back to work. But ideally, you want to avoid this immediately after your microneedling session. If you want to wear makeup the following day to cover up any lingering redness, just keep it light!

Expert Microneedling With Atlanta Face and Body

If you’re considering a microneedling procedure to boost the look and feel of your skin, look no further than Atlanta Face and Body. With the thorough expertise of Dr. Elizabeth Whitaker, you are in the best hands when it comes to full skin rejuvenation.

Want to know about our range of non-surgical skin treatments? Explore here for more.