Everyone should have a good skincare routine – dirty, unhealthy skin not only looks and feels unsightly but can cause some health problems. However, with so many products and treatments out there, the very idea of skincare can be confusing and overwhelming.

How does one know what’s right for them? The best thing you can do is start simple with daily cleansing and moisturizing. From there, start learning about different types of products and their benefits, as well as the various tools and procedures available to further enhance the look, feel, and health of your skin.

One popular and versatile treatment is microneedling. This easy and fairly gentle procedure can help deal with various skin concerns and improve its overall condition both short and long-term.

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive skin treatment that uses a series of tiny needles. The needles are sterilized and used to repeatedly prick the skin, causing very small, barely visible wounds.

As your skin works to heal these micro-wounds, your body produces collagen and elastin which rush to the surface. This helps the skin heal while rejuvenating it and giving you a glowing, youthful appearance. Another name for the procedure is “collagen induction therapy.” The treatment is most often done on the face, though it’s possible elsewhere. Other common treatment areas include the stomach and thighs.

Proper microneedling treatment can help with many issues, such as:

• Acne scarring
• Loose or crepey skin
• Large pores
• Dark spots and discolouration
• Scars
• Stretch marks
• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Poor skin elasticity
• And more

How does Microneedling Work?

It may sound simple, but microneedling is a rather involved treatment, especially if you’re targeting more serious skin concerns. Generally, we recommend four to six consecutive treatments over about six months. After this, maintenance is usually only required once every four to six months.

The Procedure

Each microneedling session consists of a few steps. If you’ve never had it done before, the following is what you can expect:

• First, we give your skin a deep cleanse and degrease. This ensures no makeup or other residue is left behind as this can hinder the treatment.
• A topical numbing cream is applied to all treatment areas after cleansing. This makes the experience more comfortable for you as it blocks any sensation from the needles. This must sit for 15-30 minutes before we can begin.
• The treatment area is divided into small sections, and we focus on one section at a time. Each area usually requires two to three passes of microneedling.
• Hyaluronic Acid. To conclude, we treat your skin with a premium hyaluronic acid serum to ensure proper healing, nourishment, and hydration.

Each treatment begins with a consultation to ensure we’re on the same page about your skin concerns. We’ll work with you to choose the best treatment plan for you and your skin so you can meet and exceed all your skincare goals!

Microneedling Aftercare

While microneedling is minimally invasive there are a few steps you must follow to ensure optimal results. Immediately after treatment, you may notice minimal pinpoint bleeding. This is normal and it means the treatment was done correctly!

It’s also normal to experience redness for about two days after treatment, followed by the exfoliation process where you’ll experience some flaking. It’s imperative that you don’t pull or pick at the skin during this time and always wear ample sunscreen. It’s also recommended that you drink at least eight to ten cups of water a day to stay properly hydrated.

Full healing can take up to seven days, after which the redness will disappear and your skin will be softer and dewier than before. 

How to Prepare for Microneedling

In order to get the most out of your microneedling treatment and to see the best results, there are a few things you can do to prepare:

• Avoid as much sun exposure as possible.
• Don’t take any pain medication such as Ibuprofen or Advil before coming. It’s not a painful procedure and the numbing cream will manage any unpleasant sensation you may otherwise feel.
• Don’t use any skincare products with drying agents for about a week before your treatment.
• Don’t use any retinoids for a week before treatment.

These simple tips and steps will ensure the procedure is not only as effective as possible but safe as possible as well.

Microneedling Side Effects and Risks

Although microneedling is not overtly invasive and generally considered quite safe, there are some mild side effects and risks you should be aware of:

• Redness, flaking, and peeling are normal
• You may experience mild irritation or discomfort in the days following treatment
• Microneedling does create tiny wounds in the skin, therefore the risk of infection is small but present. Minimize this risk by choosing an expert practitioner with a sterile environment and clean equipment, and by practicing proper aftercare.
• Deep microneedling may cause mild bleeding or bruising.
• If you already have scarring such as keloids on the skin, microneedling could make it worse.
• If you have active acne, you should wait until it subsides to book microneedling treatments.
• If your skin is currently sunburnt, wait for the burn to heal before any microneedling treatment.
• If you suffer from rosacea or extremely sensitive skin, microneedling may not be the best choice for you. Our experts will work with you to find the best solution and create a customized treatment plan, whatever that may look like!

Enjoy Clearer, Healthier Skin in Just a Few Weeks

Although microneedling is not an immediate fix, it’s quite effective if you’re patient. You’ll begin seeing results just a few days after your first session, with continued improvement over the course of your treatment.

Ultimately, the result is softer, clearer, and healthier skin that looks and feels amazing. Things like acne and discoloration are not only uncomfortable, but they can take a hit on your confidence, too. Get in touch today and we’ll soon have you on the path to looking and feeling your best!