Does Microneedling Work? Learn more About Microneedling and its FAQs

Micro-needling is also called collagen induction therapy, used to rejuvenate your skin and make it look fresh and young. It is a little invasive method in which tiny holes are made in your skin with the help of microneedles. It increases the production of collagen and improves skin texture.

Collagen is a protein that is found in the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, hair, and muscles. It helps to keep your skin fresh and young and reduces wrinkles.

Micro-needling is used to treat many types of skin conditions such as wrinkles, fine lines, sunburns, stretch marks, acne, acne scars, dark spots, open pores, and alopecia to increase the growth of hairs.

Micro-needling on the face is common but some people also get it done on the neck, back, and legs to minimize the early signs of aging.

Does it really work?

Yes, micro-needling really works. It is a safe and effective procedure if you are looking to freshen up your skin.

Micro-needling is effective in treating sunburns, wrinkles, acne, and acne scars by producing collagen in your skin.

How does it work?

Micro-needling is a simple and effective method that works by stimulating the production of collagen. When your skin is punctured by sterilized microneedles then your body tries to recover from these wounds and boosts the healing process by stimulating the production of collagen & elastin. These proteins help to keep your skin’s texture smooth and firm. In that way, old collagen is slowly removed and new collagen takes its place.

How to perform micro-needling?

Before performing micro-needling always check that

• All tools are available and ready-to-use
• All the devices are sterilized with sanitizer.
• Microneedles are sharp enough to penetrate the skin.

A step-by-step guide on performing micro-needling is as follows

1. First of all, wash your skin with the help of a cleanser and pat it dry.
2. Apply some serum and numbing cream if you are pain sensitive.
3. Always apply numbing cream for 30 minutes to start the procedure.
4. Gently start rolling from the upper areas of your face such as between the eyebrows and forehead.
5. Roll vertically and then horizontally starting from the forehead, cheeks, upper lips, and chin, avoiding eye areas completely.
6. Repeat this procedure 2-3 times.
7. Wash your face and pat it dry.
8. Apply moisturizer, while your skin may become red and swollen, use an ice pack to cool it down.
9. Keep applying moisturizer and sunscreen regularly to avoid skin damage and injury.
10. Skin takes 4-5 days to get back to normal.

Facial mapping for micro-needling

Facial mapping is a very ancient technique used to determine the overall health of the face skin. The goal of facial mapping is to determine certain issues of your skin and find the relevant remedies. It also helps in assessing patterns of acne on your face.

Different research studies also claim that by facial mapping we can find out that acne and other problem occur at specific parts of your face.

It is a very important aspect while doing micro needling.

During micro-needling, it’s important to know that one area of skin is different from the other. Some areas are thicker than the thinner ones.

Needle depth is also changed according to the texture of the skin.

Some areas such as cheeks, can withstand deep depths and produce wonderful results whereas some areas such as around the eyes do not require deep needling.

Facial mapping involves certain steps:

1. Start between the eyebrows because this area has wrinkles and a crisscross motion is done using a microneedle.
2. Then go to the forehead area and hold firmly as this area is pretty sensitive.
3. Under the eye is the most delicate area of your skin.
4. Use a lot of serum to help glide the pen easily.
5. Then go to the chubby areas such as cheeks, starting from the area close to the nose and going aside to the other sides of your face.
6. The ideal motion is crisscrossed for the chin area.
7. The same procedure is followed for the jawline area.
8. The upper lip contains flesh and is also a sensitive area as that under the eyes, should move the micro-needling pen gently.
9. Finally, at last, move the micro-needling pen upwards crossing the area between the eyebrows.

Who should avoid micro-needling?

Following people should avoid micro-needling

1. Active acne which oozes out
2. Cancer patients
3. Who have blood disorders
4. Skin rashes & allergies

Micro-needling at Home vs Professional service

Benefits

Home micro-needling

Home micro-needling is only effective when you use the right tools that perfectly suit your skin.

Micro-needling at home demands necessary safety measures to avoid infections and injuries to your skin.

The following are the benefits of home micro-needling:

1. Reduced acne scars and marks
2. Improvement in wrinkles and stretch marks
3. Skin texture rejuvenation
4. Enhance the product penetration into your skin.
5. Improve the glow and tone of the skin

Professional micro-needling

This micro-needling procedure is done under the great supervision of professionals or dermatologists. It is effective and produces faster results. Multiple sessions are required to produce desired results.

It helps to treat

1. Acne, acne scars, dark spots, and stretch marks
2. Uneven skin tone
3. Open pores
4. Hyperpigmentation
5. Hair loss (Alopecia)
6. Sun damage 
7. Delays the aging process

Home micro-needling

There are certain risks associated with micro-needling at home.

1. A lack of knowledge on; how to use the microneedle at home then it will be a total waste of money and time.
2. The use of unsterilized microneedles can lead to infection.
3. Usage of less sharp microneedles that don’t penetrate the skin deeply.
4. Micro-needling at home can cause skin injury and open wounds.
5. Overdoing micro-needling makes it less safe and effective.

Professional micro-needling

The risks associated with professional micro-needling are:

1. Allergic reactions
2. Infections if unsterilized devices are used
3. Negligence
4. Redness, swelling, and scaling of the skin

Costs

Home micro-needling

Micro-needling at home is much cheaper than professional micro-needling.

The affordable devices that are available in the market and you have to spend only 20-160$ and can use them repeatedly for 2 to 3 times.

Professional micro-needling 

Professional micro-needling is costlier than home micro needling. Dermatologists use expensive devices in their settings. You cost more than 700$ per session or even more than that.

If the dermatologist is an expert then it will cost you more than 1200$ per session as well.

Side effects

Home micro-needling

Side effects associated with micro needling at home are less severe and eventually go away over time.

Redness, swelling, itching, and bruises are some of the temporary side effects.

But if it leads to infection then it becomes worst and takes time to get your skin normal. High precaution and safety measures are required while doing micro-needling at home. 

Professional micro-needling 

Professional micro-needling often produces side effects such as allergies and skin sensitives to certain micro-needling techniques that go unchecked.

Conclusion

Micro-needling is a safe, simple, and effective procedure in the treatment of certain medical conditions such as acne, acne scars, dark spots, wrinkles, fine lines, stretch marks, sun damage, and a variety of hair loss conditions.

If someone wants budget-friendly micro needling then should not consider seeking professional micro needling as there are many devices available in the market to perform micro-needling at home.

Micro-needling at home is as effective as micro-needling performed by experts.

There are pros and cons of micro-needling at home but if you take strict safety and precautionary measures then it would be as beneficial as professional micro-needling.