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Everything You Need to Know if You’re Clueless About Skincare Treatments
Are you new to the world of skincare treatments? Curious about microneedling but unsure what it is, what it does, or if it's right for you? Don’t worry—I’m here to break it all down for you in simple terms.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a popular skincare treatment where a device (a bit like a tattoo pen) with tiny, fine needles is glided over the skin. These needles create very small, controlled punctures (tiny holes) on the surface of your skin. Now, before you get freaked out by the idea of needles on your face (or any other body part), let me explain why this is a good thing!
When these tiny injuries are made, your body goes into healing mode, producing more collagen and elastin—proteins that keep your skin firm, smooth, and youthful. Think of it like a workout for your skin; it gets a little stressed, but in the process, it becomes stronger and healthier.
What Does Microneedling Do?
Microneedling is a versatile treatment that can address a variety of skin concerns:
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles: It helps smooth out your skin, making those lines less noticeable.
Improves skin texture and tone: It makes your skin feel softer and look more even.
Minimises scars: It’s especially good for fading acne scars or other types of scars.
Shrinks large pores: It can make your pores look smaller.
Improves stretch marks: It can reduce their appearance over time, making them less visible.
Does It Hurt?
This is a fairly common concern. Microneedling can be a bit uncomfortable at certain depths, but it shouldn’t be too painful. Before certain treatments, I can numb your skin beforehand so you won't feel a thing! You might feel some tingling or a prickly sensation during the treatment, but most people don’t.
What Will I Look Like Afterwards? And for How Long?
Right after microneedling, your skin will probably be a bit red, kind of like a mild sunburn. It might feel a bit tight or warm, and there could be very slight swelling. In some cases, there might be a very tiny bit of pinpoint bleeding, but that’s completely normal. More often than not though, your skin is fine and looks normal the next day.
Here’s what you can expect:
For the first 1-2 days: You might be a bit red. Your skin may also feel a bit rough to the touch.
By day 3-5: Your skin might start to peel or flake a little as it heals, but this can be minimised with regular use of facial oil – my fave is my very own Miracle Worker Facial Oil!
By day 5-7: Most of the peeling should be gone, and your skin should start looking and feeling better.
How Long Will It Take to See Results?
Microneedling isn’t a quick fix—it’s more of a long-term investment in your skin. You won’t see the full effects immediately because it takes time for your body to produce new collagen and elastin.
Initial improvements: You might notice your skin starting to look brighter and smoother within a week.
Full results: These usually appear after 4-6 weeks, as the new collagen has had time to build up and improve your skin.
For the best results, multiple sessions (typically 3-6) spaced about 4 weeks apart are often recommended.
Who Can Have Microneedling?
Microneedling is suitable for most people, regardless of skin type or color. It’s a great option if you’re dealing with issues like fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, large pores, or stretch marks, and you really don’t want to try mesotherapy. However, there are some exceptions.
My Secret to Glowing Skin: Derma 2.0 Medical Grade Skin Boosters
To take microneedling to the next level, I use Derma 2.0 medical grade skin boosters. These are specially formulated products designed to be applied during the microneedling process to enhance the treatment’s effectiveness. What’s great about Derma 2.0 is that there are different products tailored to address specific skin concerns, such as hydration, anti-aging, brightening, and scar reduction.
My personal favorite is microneedling with Derma 2.0 Bio—this combination is absolutely amazing for making the skin glow! The Bio formula is packed with ingredients that boost hydration, improve elasticity, revitalise and give your skin that radiant, dewy look that everyone loves. Oh, not to mention it makes you look more radiant and younger!
Risks, Side Effects, and Contraindications
While microneedling is generally safe, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and side effects. These can include:
Temporary redness and swelling: As mentioned earlier, this is normal and should subside within a few days.
Peeling and dryness: Your skin might flake as it heals, but this is part of the process.
Infection: There’s a small risk of infection if the procedure isn’t performed in a sterile environment or if you don’t follow post-treatment care instructions properly, but it’s pretty rare.
Hyperpigmentation: In rare cases, some people may experience darkening of the skin, particularly if they have a history of hyperpigmentation, but I’ve never experienced this with any of my clients.
Contraindications (AKA Precautions):
Active skin infections or acne: If you have an active breakout or skin infection, it’s best to wait until your skin is clear before having microneedling. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t have it done – I do actually sometimes treat skin with spots as it can help improve them.
Certain skin conditions: Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or severe rosacea may be aggravated by microneedling, so it’s important to consult with a dermatologist first. But generally speaking, if this is done at a very shallow depth it can actually improve these conditions.
Pregnancy: While microneedling is generally considered safe, it’s best to avoid it during pregnancy due to the body’s altered healing response.
Recent use of certain medications: If you’re using certain medications like Accutane, you may need to wait several months after stopping them before undergoing microneedling because it significantly affects your skin’s healing process.
What Not to Do After Microneedling
After a microneedling session, your skin is in a delicate state and needs time to heal properly. To ensure the best results and avoid complications, here’s what you should avoid: Do not expose your skin to direct sunlight for at least a week, as it can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation. Avoid applying makeup, harsh skincare products, or active ingredients like retinol or acids for 24-48 hours, as these can irritate your freshly treated skin. Steer clear of swimming pools, saunas, and intense workouts that cause excessive sweating, as this can introduce bacteria to the tiny punctures and lead to infection. Finally, resist the urge to touch or pick at your skin to prevent scarring and further irritation. Proper aftercare is crucial for achieving the glowing, smooth results microneedling can provide.
Final Thoughts
Microneedling is a fantastic treatment for anyone looking to improve their skin’s appearance, whether you’re dealing with wrinkles, scars, or just want a smoother, more radiant complexion. It’s a procedure that requires a little patience but can lead to noticeable, long-term improvements. Just make sure to check if it’s right for you and follow all aftercare instructions for the best results.
So, if you’re ready to give your skin a workout and boost its natural glow, microneedling might just be the treatment you’ve been looking for!