Why Microneedling should be a part of everyone’s skin rejuvenation journey
Any time of year is great to microneedle, but the end of summer is ideal because you can zap sun damage in the bud and quickly. And with the help of microneedling, you will have autumn-ready skin in no time.
Microneedling is an effective way for your skin to help itself and can be summed up in one simple word: Collagen. It is what makes us look younger. Adequate collagen makes our pores less noticeable, wrinkles and lines less deep, and our skin tighter and texture smoother. The body’s collagen production starts decreasing in our early to mid-20’s and oral supplements really won’t provide much benefit. Microneedling, however, triggers a wound healing cascade of events, with the end product being — you guessed it — more collagen!
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling can look and sound scary (no one loves needles right!), but the process is minimally invasive and practically painless. Some equate it to the same feeling as Microdermabrasion.
It really is as simple as it sounds: tiny needles are used to induce micro-injuries on the skin to stimulate the body’s wound healing process and in turn boost - guess what? Collagen! The boost in collagen and elastin is the perfect treatment for so many skin concerns from everything listed above to loose skin, texture, scars, pore sizes and hyperpigmentation. Cell turnover creates new capillaries which in turn increases collagen and elastin production in the dermal layer of the skin.
Microneedling is most popularly performed on the skin of the face, neck, and décolletage. But it can also be used on the hands, arms, legs, scars, stretch marks, abdomen and back for skin tightening and rejuvenation.
We love seeing our patients walk out of microneedling treatments with plump, radiant skin that is healed naturally through the body’s own mechanisms. This treatment really is all about boosting and emphasizing your natural perfect. In simpler terms, by turning on the body's natural healing process, skin becomes firmer, lifted, vibrant, smooth, and youthful.
Let’s talk about the Benefits of Microneedling for a moment
Without getting too deep in nitty gritty science, the benefits of microneedling ultimately breaks down to two major categories:
1. Microneedling encourages your body to produce collagen and elastin. As we age, we naturally produce less elastin and hyaluronic acid, and we begin to lose our collagen by up to 50%. Hello, wrinkles and saggy skin. Studies have shown that with four microneedling sessions, spaced one month apart, it can produce up to a 400% increase in collagen and elastin six months after completing the treatment. Additionally, collagen growth can reverse sun damage, reduce discoloration, and plump up the skin around pores so that they appear tightened. Instead of welcoming in wrinkles, say hello to elastic, rejuvenated, even and plump skin. Now that's aging-well!
2. Microneedling opens the skin to allow better penetration of products.
Not only does microneedling boost collagen and elastin production, but it also opens the skin to allow topical products, like Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, to penetrate deeper and work more effectively. Products like these are critical to maintaining collagen production and targeting cells that affect skin pigmentation. This is how microneedling ultimately can affect acne scarring and hyperpigmentation in the long run.
When your products work better, your skin looks better.
Downtime: how much and how bad?
Here’s the quick answer that applies to most people but know that your cooperation and adherence to instructions after the procedure make it much easier. The first few days there will be redness decreasing to a pink and some mild swelling that is followed by slight peeling. Expect to see visible improvement at the end of the first week. Microneedling is not something you need to take time off for. The aftereffects are like having a sunburn.
Prior to Microneedling
If you do not have any previous issues with healing, keloids or any active lesions or infection, you can receive this treatment. Just be sure to use SPF and moisturizer in the days leading up to the service (which we always recommend!).
During Microneedling
Prior to the treatment, you will be provided with a topical numbing. Once this numbing agent has been applied, most people feel little to no pain during the brief treatment. Many even find it relaxing!
Post Microneedling
Most patients experience a sunburn-like redness immediately following the treatment for 1-2 days. Then some areas of “bronzing” where the skin can darken, dry and slough as well. We encourage our patients to stick with the post treatment regimen provided to them for the 4 days of recovery following the treatment.
You should also avoid excessive sun exposure for 72 hours and any exercise for the first 12 hours to prevent additional inflammation and discomfort.
On day 5, normal makeup and skincare routines can be resumed. You can even apply makeup the next day after the procedure if you must. But please choose a healthy makeup that will not clog your pores. Mineral based makeup is best! Our ZO Daily Sheer SPF 50 is a great pairing as well.
Once this all subsides, you’ll notice a dewy, glowing complexion. We refer to it as the “day 10 glow."
How often should I get microneedling?
If you're stacking a series of treatments, the ideal timing is 4 weeks apart.
If you’re between ages 25-35, we recommend 3 treatments per year. Following this age range, dermatologists recommend 3-6 treatments per year.
Boost Your Microneedling with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) aka Vampire Facial
On its own, microneedling can produce beautiful, skin-transforming results but Microneedling with PRP can increase skin volume and tone, resulting in more ‘glowing skin' post treatment and beyond.
PRP treatments utilize your blood’s platelets, which by the way are loaded with growth factors that initiate the healing process in the body. By combining Microneedling with PRP, we are stimulating the body's healing process and supplying the skin with one of the most effective healing agents in the body. One of the growth factors released from platelets has been proven to have a dose dependent effect on inhibiting the enzyme that creates melanin, therefore decreasing melasma and making Vampire Facials loved for their effect on discoloration.
It just so happens for the month of August we have an end of summer promo for a package of (3) “Vampire Facials” for $1,500 (savings of $300). Just in time to be Fall ready!
We think Microneedling with PRP is worth the hype and buzz, but always make sure you have a professional perform the treatment.
For some patients microneedling may be a better option than lasers in terms of skin rejuvenation. When done properly, we would tend to agree. However, to achieve the best results, you need to follow your provider’s treatment recommendations to a T. Achieving more dramatic results always requires adequate pre- and post-skin regimen. In this situation, you truly get what you pay for. So, if you are not on the microneedling train, hop on! You are going to love the ride.
Call us at 804.378.7443 to schedule an appointment with our Licensed Medical Aesthetician Franki to begin your journey of skin rejuvenation.
