Microneedling 101: The multipurpose treatment sweeping the beauty industry

Microneedling 101 

Microneedling has become indispensable for both the professional beauty  industry and the at home cosmetic treatments. Microneedling promises smooth and clear skin and a younger appearance, that lasts and does not break the bank. All things considered, it is surprising that so few people are aware of microneedling.

What is microneedling?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive practice that only dates back to the ‘90s and is usually done by a dermatologist or beauty doctor. The technology uses hundreds of incredibly thin needles, which are just long enough to puncture the surface of the skin.

The cosmetic procedure activates a “healing process” in the skin, which encourages the natural production of the protein, collagen. Collagen is a substance which kind of binds your tissues altogether. In fact, the word comes from “kólla,” or “glue” in Greek.

The procedure takes between 30 and 90 minutes and should only be done in a certified beauty clinic or at an experienced dermatologist. The procedure will look like this:

1. To prepare for the procedure, your physician will apply a topical numbing agent.
2. Using a pen-like tool, the physician will make little “pricks” in your skin evenly across the targeted area.
3. The physician will use a “calming” agent to reduce irritation.

What are the benefits of microneedling?

Stimulating collagen can have a fast impact on the look of your skin, enhancing elasticity. This change allows your skin to take on a fresher, more youthful appearance.

This change in skin texture allows you to reduce unwanted wrinkles, age spots, uneven skin tone, lines, enlarged pores, stretch marks, and scars – both acne and otherwise.

Research demonstrated the effectiveness of such procedures for this purpose, however there is no evidence that microneedling can help with balding.

Whether or not the procedure is permanent will depend on which blemish you targeted. While microneedling can be a permanent solution to “damages” such as stretch marks or scars, it cannot permanently stop your skin from developing new wrinkles.

Is microneedling safe?

Microneedling is a rather simple procedure that comes with minimal risk. Although patients may look a little bloody during the application – it’s hardly painful at all. The needles themselves penetrate only 0.5-1mm (some doctors do treatments up to 2mm) deep into the skin, reaching the epidermis.

Many beauty clinics, dermatologists and doctors use numbing creams or anesthetics to help alleviate any of the pain you might endure during or after the procedure.

While these superficial insertions draw quite a bit of blood, they are thin enough that you don’t need to worry about scarring or blood loss. Although you may experience some minimal skin irritation for a couple of days after the application, you need no downtime whatsoever to recover!

Something you do need to keep in mind is that these safety estimations are for the average, healthy person visiting a licensed location. If you suffer from a preexisting condition, you should talk to your physician.

Regardless of your health status, it would be best if you NEVER had the procedure performed outside of a certified clinic. Certified dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and sometimes aestheticians are the only professionals allowed by law to carry out the process.

What about microneedling at home?

This news may come as a surprise as many products advertise an at-home version of microneedling. While these are typically safe and cost-effective, they rarely work. Most experts agree that the shorter needles used in “home” rollers can’t compare to tools used in official office procedures.

Results from home procedures will take much longer (if they even work at all).

If you do decide to use at-home rollers, make sure to follow disinfection procedures to reduce the chance of infection. If you contract an infection from the procedure – you risk developing noticeable scars.

Although home procedures may be tempting, it makes more sense to invest in a proper office procedure in the long run.

 

How much does microneedling cost?

The price of microneedling sessions varies between procedure goals and offices. Generally, you can expect to pay between 100€ and 1000€ per session, depending on the area of the treatment and the clinic. You should also keep in mind that most physicians recommend multiple sessions to achieve the desired results.

The most significant determining factor of price tends to be the size of the targeted area. Larger areas mean more effort and a higher cost.

Unfortunately, the procedure is not typically covered by insurance policies, so you will likely need to pay out of pocket. Many offices work with patients to design a payment plan or financing.

Should I get microneedling done? 

If you are looking for a safe and quick cosmetic procedure to enhance your appearance – microneedling may be right for you. It’s a simple way to regain your confidence and build your self-esteem.

Of course, always discuss the procedure with your physician before making an appointment. A medical professional can determine if the practice is safe for you – or even offer advice on other ways to improve the look of your skin.

What are microneedling patches?

AND SHINE Microneedling Patches are small patches that consist of self-dissolving microcones of active ingredients that diffuse into the epidermis to improve the skin from within. Our patches range from 300 to 900 microcones and from 7mg to 17mg of active ingredients per patch and have an 80% delivery rate of the skin improving ingredients, the highest in the market. The patches are easy to use, just apply them on the desired skin area before you go to bed and they will do their magic overnight.

Our first product, the AND SHINE YOUTH PATCH reduces expression lines, hydrates and plumps skin from the first application and improves skin over time with weekly application. All our products have been clinically and dermatologically tested and show proven results.

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Sources:

Journals, Healthline Collagen, Healthline Microneedling