Getting a cosmetic procedure that helps to heal your skin while making it look smoother and younger can be exciting. However, it is important to find out if the treatment is safe for you before going in for it. Microneedling is an effective treatment but is microneedle safe for you?
The good news is, microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that is generally safe for all. However, it may come with risks of complications like other procedures.
The procedure is also called collagen induction therapy, as it causes the body to produce more collagen and elastin to heal and repair the skin. Read ahead to find out more information on getting microneedling done at home and how frequently you should do it.
Is Microneedling Safe?
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure also known as derma rolling. The procedure uses a derma roller, which has tiny sterilized needles to prick the skin. The procedure is safe but not without risks.
You may be subjected to skin irritation and infections after the treatment. This could happen due to an allergic reaction to creams or skincare products that you apply to your skin after microneedling. If you do not clean your skin properly afterward, you can also get infections.
Using equipment that hasn’t been cleaned properly for the procedure also gives infections access to your skin. That is one of the reasons it is best to visit an expert rather than having it done at home.
The procedure itself is harmless, but the circumstances surrounding the post-procedure may incur risks and side effects. Microneedling is less invasive and doesn’t require any downtime, which is why it is considered safe for you especially if you are in overall good health.
The purpose of microneedling is to trigger collagen and elastin production in your skin for smooth and even skin tone and texture.
Is It Safe to Microneedle at Home?
Getting your microneedling procedure done at home is generally considered safe as long as you are careful. You also need to use the correct tool and needle length to avoid hurting your skin accidentally.
The needles in a derma roller are just 0.25 millimeters in-depth, which is safe to be used on the skin without risks. It only becomes unsafe if you apply too much pressure while doing it. Moreso, keeping and using an unclean roller can cause skin infection.
Using microneedles at home won’t be as effective as the professional procedure. This is because the needles in DIY derma rollers do not go deep enough into the skin. However, it will effectively improve the absorption of skincare products.
Therefore, the best way to enjoy your microneedling experience is by getting the help of a professional. This will reduce the risk of using unsterilized needles and unwanted accidents.
Is It Safe to Microneedle After Botox?
It is safe to microneedle after Botox, but only after about two weeks of getting your Botox done. It is usually best to do the microneedling before going in for Botox.
Botox and microneedling are popular anti-aging treatments that you can opt for instead of surgical aging treatments. Both treatments work to significantly reduce aging signs when done properly by a professional.
Allow your Botox to work for about three weeks before microneedle. Doing both together, or immediately after each other can cause flaking and skin dryness. However, you can combine both treatments instead of choosing one. Combining both treatments will help you achieve optimal results.
It is also safe as long as you space the treatments by two weeks. This is enough time for the injectable from your Botox treatment to settle down before the microneedling procedure.
SEE: Having It All With a Minimal Skincare Routine
Is It Safe to Microneedle Every Day?
The safety of microneedling depends on how often you use it. Meanwhile, the length of the needles on your derma roller and your skin’s sensitivity determines how often you can use it. However, too much of a good thing can turn it bad.
If the needles of your derma roller are short, you can microneedle every other day—three to four times weekly. If your needles are longer, you need to space out the treatments by a couple of weeks.
According to Dermascope, spacing out complementary treatments like microneedling four to six weeks apart will help you achieve optimal results.
Don’t microneedle too much because you want fast results. Instead, you can add other skincare treatments on days when you are off microneedling sessions. Other Treatments like Ghu Sha can help speed up the effects and results of your microneedling procedure.
However, be careful while considering that, as your skin may not be able to tolerate combining other treatments with microneedling.
Is Microneedling Safe for Hair Growth?
According to research, microneedling is safe for hair growth while being a good hair growth stimulator. Researchers found that using microneedling in minoxidil therapy will help to treat hair loss refractory.
Microneedle helps to incur controlled injury into the dermis. This injury won’t cause any pain or scarring as the purpose is to help stimulate repair. The same growth factors that help to heal the skin are the same ones that stimulate hair growth.
The trauma that the needle triggers will help to stimulate growth in the stem cells and will help new hair strands to grow.
Using microneedling as a therapy for hair loss will help to increase hair density, length, and thickness. You can also combine it with oral and topical treatments for hair growth for optimal results.
SEE: How to Make My Hair Grow Fast: The Secrets to Healthy, Fuller, Longer Hair
Is It Safe to Microneedle Under Eyes?
The skin around the eyes—including under the eyes—is known to be thin and very sensitive. The under eyes happen to be delicate and develop aging signs more quickly than other parts of the skin.
While cosmetic procedures are good for removing unwanted blemishes under the eyes, one needs to be careful not to hurt their eye in the process. You will be happy to know that it is safe to microneedle your under eyes.
Microneedling is an effective treatment that can help to reduce common skin concerns under the eyes. To get rid of eye bags, dark circles, and aging signs, you can consider microneedling yours under your eyes.
The procedure helps to stimulate collagen production for reduction of aging signs, repair and production of new skin tissues, and skin tightening.
How to Microneedle Yourself
Start by choosing the right derma roller for your skin. Get yourself a derma roller of 0.15 to 0.25 millimeters needles. Starting with longer needles increases your risk of hurting your skin.
Sterilize your derma roller by disinfecting it. You can soak the roller in a bowl that contains 70% isopropyl alcohol for about 10 minutes before you use the roller. Doing this before using your derma roller will help to prevent infections.
Proceed to wash your face with a cleanser and tone your face before you start rolling. This will help to remove every trace of dirt and prevent infections. You can also use a numbing cream before microneedling if you have sensitive skin.
Start rolling your face while avoiding your eye area completely. Start with the upper left then to the upper right side of your face before moving to the lower left and right. Gently roll over an area two to three times and lift the roller before each roll.
Rinse your face with clean water and pat it dry with a clean, soft towel. Then sanitize your derma roller before putting it back in its case.
SEE: Can You Use Vitamin C Serum After Microneedling? Post-treatment Dos and Don’ts
Frequently Asked Questions
How does microneedling work?
Microneedling works by causing small wounds on your skin to signal your skin cells to correct themselves. Once your skin gets the signal, it aims to repair the skin by producing more collagen in the skin.
This makes up collagen-rich tissues in your skin, causing it to become even and smooth. Normally, the skin loses collagen as you age or get skin damage. Nevertheless, having more collagen will help to repair skin damage, aging signs, and hyperpigmented skin.
Can microneedling cause cancer?
No, it can’t. Microneedling cannot cause cancer to develop. However, using a derma roller together with topical treatments that contain parabens can increase the risk of having breast cancer.
Even though parabens are considered safe in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, it is known to contain very high toxicology levels. Therefore, avoid it altogether when microneedling.
Is it safe to derma roll while pregnant?
Yes, it is. Even though derma rolling is safe, you should consult a dermatologist before you think of microneedling while pregnant.
Microneedling comes with risks of infections and allergic reactions that can endanger the fetus. Sepsis is a blood-borne infection that may occur, and that makes microneedling and any similar procedure unsafe for pregnant women.
Conclusion
Microneedling is safe, whether it is done by visiting a professional or by yourself at the comfort of your home. However, do it correctly to avoid unwanted infections or side effects. Ensure that you choose the right treatment and topical products to use after microneedling.
Pregnant women should forget microneedling until after birth, as this will prevent the risk of endangering their fetus.
Thanks for reading.
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