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Are you still not sure what exactly micro-needling does to the skin? Micro-needling is a great option when looking to restore elasticity to the skin and improve complexion. Whether it be acne scarring, skin laxity, or unwanted lines and wrinkles,the collagen boosting effects of micro-needling can be just what you need!
Micro-needling uses tiny acupuncture-like needles to create miniature perforations in the skin. These small pseudo-traumatic perforations stimulate the body’s wound healing mechanisms and the production of the collagen in the skin. Laying down new collagen rejuvenates the skin, restoring plumpness and eliminating fine lines.
Because the micro-needling procedure induces micro-perforations in a repetitive fashion, it is important for patients to remain comfortable during the procedure. Each patient’s skin is numbed with topical anesthetic beforehand, so that minimal discomfort can be expected. A topical gel is then applied to the skin to ensure the micro-needling pen can be easily and smoothly maneuvered over treatment area. These gels are often enriched with antioxidants and other anti-aging elements. Some areas may be more sensitive than others. This is often a result of the location, depth of the needling and thickness of skin being treated.
“A great benefit of the micro-needling procedure is the ability to penetrate the skin and deliver regenerative agents to the areas where they are most effective,” notes Dr. Miriam Hanson, a board-certified Dermatologist and cosmetic skin care expert in Austin, Texas. Other topical products that need to penetrate through all the layers of the skin to be effective. “With micro-needling, the nutrients within the gel are pushed into the skin throughout the treatment, increasing the rejuvenating potential.” Gels enriched with peptides can further help the skin to retain moisture, which can offer a more youthful and full appearance to the skin.
As the micro-needles perforate the skin it will cause some minimal pin-prick bleeding. “The procedure does tend to leave the patient’s face red, but this subsides within 24-48 hours,” says Dr. Adam Mamelak, a board-certified Dermatologist at Sanova Dermatology. “This is actually a good sign, and it ensures that the treatment is making the impact we want to see on the skin.”
Following the procedure, patients may note a feeling of warmth and/or tightness of the skin. “Micro-needling has abilities to improve the elasticity of the skin, which corresponds to the tightness a patient can feel,” Dr. Mamelak says. It is also common that the face will be dry in the week following the treatment. Application of moisturizers when necessary is a great way to combat any minute after-effects of the procedure.