Microneedling has become the trend in the skincare world. If you are just hearing about it, then you must be wondering: what does microneedle do? Microneedle helps to create tiny fragments of wounds to trick the skin into producing necessary proteins for repair.
This procedure uses a derma roller or pen that contains mini-needles that can puncture the skin to create tiny wounds. Once the needle creates the wounds, the body responds by producing more protein fibers to repair the skin.
Read along to find the benefits of microneedling, and how to give yourself a microneedling treatment at home.
SEE: Can You Use Vitamin C Serum After Microneedling? Post-treatment Dos and Don’ts
What Does a Microneedle Roller Do for the Face?
1. Reduces the appearance of wrinkles
Naturally and premature aging is factors that contribute to the appearance of aging signs on the skin. The skin loses its firm texture when there is a breakdown of collagen synthesis in the body.
The collagen breakdown can happen naturally as you age, and can also happen because of excessive exposure of the body to the sun. The tiny wounds that your microneedle causes can help to boost collagen and elastin production in the skin.
Collagen and elastin are protein fibers that help to keep the skin firm and smooth. Once the body begins to produce more of these protein fibers, you can begin to flaunt a youthful look. This will reduce the appearance of aging signs such as wrinkles, fine lines, and so on.
2. Fades scar
The increase in collagen production can also help to address the appearance of scars on your skin. The collagen will help to fill up the scars while making it smooth as well to create an even skin texture. It works even on scars induced by acne.
3. Treats sun damage
Getting a microneedle treatment can help to reduce the appearance of sunspots, sunburn, and age spots on your skin. The collagen and new skin cells will help to renew your look and even out your skin tone.
4. Anti-aging
Wrinkles and discoloration are not the only signs of aging. The skin loses its elasticity as you age and that can cause the skin to become saggy. Saggy skin can result in several beauty flaws like sagging jowls, turkey neck, and so on.
Microneedling can effectively transform your skin from dull to radiant in just 24 hours. The buildup of collagen triggered by microneedles can help to improve the skin’s texture.
According to a study, four microneedling treatments done in the space of 4 months helped to produce up to 400% increase in collagen and elastin within 6 months after they complete treatment.
5. Shrink pores
If you are wondering whether or not the microneedling process will increase the size of your pores? Let me be the one to tell you that it won’t. Instead, it will significantly help to reduce the size of your pores.
6. Improves the efficiency of your skin products
The best time to apply your anti-aging treatments, moisturizer, acne solutions, and other treatments is after microneedling. The holes created by the microneedle will mop up creams and topical treatments rapidly and deliver them to the inner layer of the skin.
7. Reduces stretch marks
Stretch marks appear on the skin after sudden weight loss or gain. It happens due to collagen breakdown and loss of elasticity. Microneedling and its collagen-boosting effect will help to eliminate the appearance of stretch marks on your skin.
8. Reduces rosacea
Rosacea happens due to quick collagen breakdown in the skin. You can use microneedling to correct this skin condition.
Again, the collagen-boosting ability of microneedling is available to rescue your skin. It will stimulate the growth of new collagen to replace the last ones.
9. Support acne treatment
Microneedling before using your topical acne treatment will help the treatment penetrate better into the skin. This will help to improve the effectiveness of acne treatment.
10. Less invasive with no downtime
Unlike other beauty treatments, microneedling is less invasive and without downtime. You can go on with your everyday activities as soon as the procedure is over. The effects of the treatment become visible in 24 hours.
How Does Derma Needling Work?
Microneedling works by puncturing the skin with very tiny needles to create tiny wounds on the skin. If the procedure is done by an expert, you will likely not feel a thing as the skin will most likely be numbed before the treatment begins.
A derma-roller will be inserted into the skin to create micro-wounds on the skin. These wounds will force the skin to build up more collagen for healing and repair. The treatment usually takes between 15 to 20 minutes.
What Does a Derma Roller Do for Beards?
Microneedling has been proven to work effectively to improve skin health. However, some research notes the effectiveness of using microneedling to promote beard growth.
A study found that microneedling can help to treat hair loss, especially when you use it with minoxidil and other hair treatments.
Additionally, the buildup of collagen and keratin triggered by microneedling can help to boost the flow of nutrient-filled blood to the area. Healthy circulation of blood helps to promote hair and skin health.
What to Apply After Using a Derma-Roller on Your Face?
After using a derma roller on your face, there are certain skincare products and ingredients that can help to enhance the overall appearance of the skin.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a gentle skincare ingredient that works effectively to plump up the skin. This skincare acid is a hero among the best after-treatment to apply on your skin as it has no side effects at all.
One must agree that the hydrating formula is the best ingredient to apply to the skin after microneedling. It works as a humectant to provide moisture to the skin, preventing moisture loss. With the right hydration levels, the skincare ingredient will help to plump up the skin.
The formula also protects the skin while stimulating the buildup of collagen in the skin. It does all this without irritating the skin.
SEE: Hyaluronic Acid vs Retinol: Find Out the Best Formula Here
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another commonly used ingredient after a microneedling procedure. This is because vitamin C is an effective antioxidant that can help to even out the skin tone and texture. However, the ingredient is sensitizing and can make the skin subjected to irritation.
Stay away from vitamin C after microneedling if you have sensitive skin. Likewise, ensure that you carry out a patch test before you use vitamin C on your skin.
SEE: How to Effectively Use a Vitamin C Serum for Skincare
How Do You Use a Microneedle Roller at Home?
To avoid unwanted side effects and complications, follow the steps below to use a microneedle roller at home.
Step 1: Disinfect your roller
Start by disinfecting your derma roller. Do this by soaking your roller into 70% isopropyl alcohol for about 10 minutes. Using your roller without disinfecting it first will make your skin susceptible to infections.
Step 2: Wash your face
Cleanse your face thoroughly with a gentle cleanser that works for your skin type. This will help to remove dirt from your skin’s surface. Using a derma roller that has needles longer than 0.5mm requires you to wipe your face with disinfectant before the procedure.
Step 3: Apply numbing cream(optional)
If you are unable to tolerate pain, you can use an anesthetic cream to numb out the pain. Follow the instructions on the numbing cream you want to use. Ensure that you apply it correctly before the microneedle procedure begins.
Step 4: Start rolling
Before you roll, divide your face into 4 sections mentally to make the process easier. Avoid your eye area totally as you do this. Now begin to roll in one direction 5 times. Ensure that you lift the roller off your skin after each pass. Roll, lift and repeat the process.
After rolling on a spot up to 5 times, move the roller slightly and begin to roll again. Do this until you have covered the entire part you want to treat on your skin.
If the previous rolling was done horizontally, now is the time to do it vertically and vice versa. After the whole process, you should have rolled over each area 10 times— 5 horizontally and 5 vertically.
Step 5: Wash your face with water
After completing the microneedling procedure, rinse your skin with water only. Do not use any cleanser or product as that can trigger irritation. Remember, the holes created by the microneedle are still very sensitive for skin products.
Step 6: Clean your derma roller
Use dishwasher soap to clean your derma roller. Alcohol may not be able to dissolve the proteins in the skin that got on the roller. Therefore, a dishwasher liquid or detergent is your best bet.
Step 7: Disinfect your roller
Disinfect your roller again by soaking it in 70% isopropyl alcohol for about 15 minutes before putting it back in its case.
Step 8: Continue your basic skin care routine
Complete the process with a basic skincare routine. Ensure to avoid active ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, retinoids, and so on. You can use a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid to plump your skin.
Is Microneedling Safe?
Microneedling is considered a safe cosmetic procedure as it is less invasive and doesn’t have downtime.
However, you may experience skin irritation and infection after the treatment. That solely depends on how the procedure was carried out and how your skin is reacting to the skincare products you apply after the procedure.
Refusing to disinfect your microneedle roller before and after use can cause infections. Your skin may also be at risk of infections if you don’t clean it properly after the treatment.
Can You Microneedle Every Day?
Yes, you can microneedle every day. However, the length of needles of your roller determines how often you can use it on your skin. You don’t need to microneedle your skin every day for you to get your desired result.
If your derma roller has short needles, you can use it three to four times weekly. However, it is best to space out the treatment procedure by a couple of weeks. According to Dermascope, getting microneedling treatments sessions four to five weeks apart is best to achieve maximal results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can microneedling cause cancer?
No, it can’t. Getting a Microneedling treatment can’t cause skin cancer. However, you need to be careful with the topical treatments you use after microneedling.
Topical treatments that contain paraben can increase the risk of breast cancer. Therefore, avoid using it altogether in your skincare routine.
Can you microneedle after botox?
Yes, you can. You can microneedle after botox but only after two weeks of getting your botox done. It is best to do your microneedling treatment before getting your Botox done.
Getting the two treatments done together can trigger side effects like flaking, dryness, and other skin irritations.
What size derma roller is best?
0.3mm. This is the approved needle length by the FDA. However, your aim and the desired result should determine the size of your derma roller.
Always remember that any roller with needles longer than 0.3mm is not approved by the FDA.
Conclusion
Microneedling is an effective anti-aging treatment that also works to treat other skin concerns like stretch marks, uneven skin tones, and texture. The procedure is safe and less invasive compared to other cosmetic procedures.
While the procedure is safe, you still need to be careful when you are doing it at home instead of going to a dermatologist. Try to research more on how to use a derma roller safely without triggering unwanted infections and side effects.
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