80% of men and 90% of women say they have experienced skin-related insecurity at some point in their life. The widespread discontent with skin texture, tone, and general appearance has led to a boom in the skincare solutions sector.
According to a Grand View Research analysis, the global microneedling market was estimated to be worth USD 472.34 million in 2020 and from 2021 to 2028.
Like most aesthetic procedures, microneedling is a successful endeavor. However, a common query with this popularity surge is: does microneedling hurt? What precisely is it? Is it secure? Does it fulfill its promises? So let’s answer these questions and many more about microneedling.
What is Microneedling
A lot of people liken microneedling to controlled skin micro-quake. It is a subtle and deliberate attack that awakens skin cells to repair themselves and become fresher and less susceptible to damage. It is best described as the face telling you to get back on track, leaving much smoother and younger skin in its wake.
How Microneedling Works
With microneedling, you must first keep things comfortable with a topical anesthetic. Then, your skin gets a microneedling makeover. Picture a tiny roller or a pen with super fine needles – they create micro-channels in your skin at customized depths depending on your concern. Deeper wrinkles? Deeper needles! Want to shrink those pores? We've got a needle size for that, too.
Even though these tiny punctures are invisible to the unaided eye, they start a series of skin-healing reactions. The following are the phases you’ll undergo with the initiation of micro-needling:
- Inflammation Phase: Mild inflammation follows microneedling and aids in clearing the wound of germs and debris. A few days pass during this phase.
- Proliferation Phase: New blood vessels and a transient collagen matrix are developed when new tissue forms.
- Remodeling Phase: This last stage produces tighter, smoother skin due to the maturation and rearrangement of collagen.
The Microneedling Procedure
Preparation
Is it suitable for you to undergo microneedling? It's crucial to speak with a dermatologist or skincare specialist before having the operation. Usually, they will go over your skin type, medical history, and any underlying disorders that could interfere with the course of treatment.
Steer clear of specific drugs and products: To lower the chance of irritation, it is wise to stop using retinoids, exfoliants, and anti-inflammatory medications a few days before the surgery.
On the day of the treatment, you’ll thoroughly clean the skin to eliminate all pollutants, oils, and makeup.
Aftercare
Proper aftercare is essential to minimize adverse effects and get the best outcomes. The following are some general rules to abide by:
- Following microneedling, your skin will be more susceptible to UV radiation. Avoid the sun for at least a week and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
- To calm your skin, use moisturizing, mild cleansers, and moisturizers, and avoid harsh products for a few days.
- Wait at least 24 hours after treatment before putting on makeup to prevent irritation and infection.
- Keep yourself hydrated. To aid in the healing process of your skin, sip lots of water.
Benefits of Microneedling
Apart from the highly valued aesthetics, it is essential to note that microneedling is the epitome of a solution for many skin-related issues. Conducting the genius of rejuvenation begins on the molecular level and extends up to the sheet of your skin.
Microneedling ensures a smooth surface and reduces the effects of time’s naturally delicate carve on the face. Hence, acne scars and other skin pigmentation issues fade away, and the skin regains equilibrium.
Also, it provides passage for skincare products, guaranteeing that their effective ingredients are enabled. Not even the sun's scorching can be a problem anymore, with microneedling bringing out the youthful and even skin tone.
Sun damage? No problem. Sun damage and hyperpigmentation can fade away with microneedling, which works on dead skin.
Limitations of Microneedling
Does microneedling hurt or sound like a lot of fun to you? Good skin that shines and even has the look of youthful skin is all thanks to tiny needles. However, only some are good for microneedling, and every superhero has flaws. A summary of its limitations is as follows.
Gradual Improvement
Patience is a virtue; don't count on instant miracles—microneedling promotes your body's slow-moving, natural healing process. Although one can see some effects after some sessions, planning schedules over weeks will yield the best results.
Not a One-Size-Fits-All
Although microneedling treats various skin conditions, it is not a panacea. Deep scars or extensive sun damage may call for an alternative strategy. You can always get insight from
Potential Discomfort
Since the procedure involves tiny needles, you might experience some discomfort. Luckily, a numbing cream can lessen the sensation of pickling or irritation.
Only for Some
Microneedling might not be ideal for those with certain skin diseases, such as rosacea or eczema. Additionally, it is not prudent for those who take blood thinners or have blood clotting issues. Always get competent advice before making a decision.
Does Microneedling Hurt?
The degree of pain associated with microneedling is a common issue. The treatment area, the depth of the needle's entry, and the patient's pain threshold can all affect how microneedling feels. Here are some things to consider before going for microneedling:
- Topical Anesthetic:Most medical practitioners administer a topical anesthetic to the skin before the treatment to minimize discomfort. Patients frequently describe the experience as somewhat prickling or resembling sandpaper movement across their skin.
- Treatment Area: Compared to thicker-skinned areas like the forehead or cheeks, thinner-skinned areas like the lips or around the eyes may be more sensitive.
- Needle Depth:While some treatments require shallow penetration and the utilization of topical anesthetic, deeper penetration might be more painful since the dermatological conditions being treated are usually more severe, such as deep scars.
Are you now done with your microneedling session? Well, expect a touch of redness and a feeling akin to a mild sunburn. It should not worry you. It will fade within a short while.
Who Should Consider Microneedling?
Microneedling is perfect for most skin types and concerns. However, some people may benefit from the procedure more than others.
So, microneedling is an answer to most skin conditions. It is also safe for most skin types. However, it is always wise to seek advice from a dermatologist before applying it to confirm whether it complements your plan.
Besides, it is beneficial for sunspots, melasma, and other types of hyperpigmentation. It might help achieve a more equal skin tone by fading and dissolving these dark spots.
Who Should Avoid Microneedling?
People experiencing active infections or acne outbreaks should avoid microneedling since it can spread bacteria and worsen their situation.
Also, be careful if you are prone to keloid scarring; microneedling may worsen the situation.
Since there isn't enough research on the safety of microneedling in pregnant and lactating mothers, it's generally wise that these women refrain from getting microneedling.
How Many Sessions Do You Need?
The quantity of required microneedling procedures is objective. Here's a breakdown:
To address fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, or enlarged pores, people generally notice the results of the dermatological treatment after 4-6 sessions with intervals of 4-6 weeks in between.
For deeper concerns like acne scars or stretch marks, you are likely to need 8-12 sessions. To achieve the best results, the successive treatments should be done at approximately equal intervals of four to six weeks.
What do the Results of Microneedling Look Like?
Results from microneedling won't happen instantly, but with insistence and proper aftercare, you can anticipate improvements in the look of your skin. Below is a summary of what you could see:
Right After
- Redness: You'll probably have red, flushed skin that looks like a moderate sunburn. It usually goes away in a day or two.
- Swelling: A minor swelling could happen, but it should go away in a few days.
- Tightness: Your skin may feel parched or constricted like it feels right after a facial.
In a week
As your skin heals after microneedling, you might experience some peeling or flaking. It is a normal part of the renewal process and nothing to worry about!
Weeks and Months at a Time
Here's what to anticipate in the weeks and months that follow microneedling as your skin transforms beautifully:
- Your skin will progressively get smoother and have a more equal tone as collagen synthesis increases.
- Bid farewell to those bothersome wrinkles! Fine lines and wrinkles will be less evident as the skin becomes more supple.
- More profound and less noticeable shallow scars like acne might provide a more equal surface.
- You’ll have reduced hyperpigmentation. As dark patches and sun damage disappear, a more uniform skin tone will emerge.
- Your skin will appear brighter and increase radiance due to enhanced texture, tone, and decreased blemishes!
Microneedling vs. Other Skin Treatments
Microneedling is one among many. Let's contrast it with a few other well-liked therapies:
Microneedling and Laser Resurfacing
Resurfacing using lasers and microneedling has the same objective of revitalizing and refining the skin's canvas. The methods differ, but you will need laser resurfacing for more significant results. Laser resurfacing employs heat to remove the outer layer of skin. While this makes your skin look good, it may result in pigmentation changes and extended recovery times.
On the flip side, with microneedling, you’ll have tiny holes made in the skin. And this ensures that you get new collagen without losing your outer skin. As a result, you will experience reduced invasiveness, downtime, and chance of complications.
Microneedling vs. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels and microneedling ensure you have enhanced tone and texture. They just do these things in different ways. While microneedling makes microscopic punctures to encourage collagen development, chemical peels employ acids to remove the top layer of skin.
So, chemical peels may not be appropriate for all skin types and can be more severe with a lengthier recovery period. In general, microneedling is milder and requires less recovery time, and your doctor may customize it for various skin types.
Botox and Fillers and Microneedling
Botox, fillers, and microneedling are all perfect for treating wrinkles. Their methods are different, though. To address particular issues like wrinkles and volume loss, fillers and botox offer faster, more focused outcomes.
Conversely, microneedling is perfect for promoting collagen formation. Microneedling is frequently regarded as a prophylactic measure, although Botox and fillers offer a more remedial approach.
Microneedling and Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion and microneedling both include physically exfoliating the skin. Dermabrasion requires a more extended recovery period because it is a more intrusive process that uses a revolving brush to remove the top layer of skin. As mentioned, microneedling, on the other hand, punctures your skin. Because of this, microneedling is typically less aggressive and has a decreased chance of problems.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) Therapy Vs. Microneedling
Skin regeneration or collagen treatment? You can try out PRP and microneedling. But they go about doing this in various ways. Your platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can be applied topically to enhance the treatment further. This concentrated solution, derived from your blood, is rich in growth factors that can supercharge the skin's rejuvenation process after microneedling.
Well, now you already know what microneedling does to start collagen production. Many patients choose a combination method for best outcomes, such as applying PRP to the skin to increase the benefits of microneedling.
Which Treatment is Right for You?
Your ideal therapy depends on your budget, goals, and skin conditions. Age, skin type, and the intended result will affect the choice. Still, you should consult a professional dermatologist or aesthetician to determine the best action.
Devices for Microneedling
Microneedling is about causing injuries on the skin. So, the tools align with this. Below is a review of the two primary kinds:
Derma rollers
These portable gadgets have hundreds of tiny needles affixed to a cylindrical surface, giving them the appearance of tiny rolling pins. The needles are available in lengths from 0.25mm to 3.0mm. The particular skin issue of treatment determines the proper needle length.
The Diaminy Derma roller's needles form tiny channels in the skin as it is rubbed, encouraging the body to produce collagen and initiating the healing process.
Microneedling Pens or Derma Pens
Compared to rollers, derma pen provide more accurate control over the depth of needle penetration. They use a throwaway cartridge with fast-vibrating minor needles to generate specific tiny holes in the skin. Radiofrequency (RF) energy can also be added to some microneedling pens for added skin-tightening effects.
Rollers and pens are usually medical-grade titanium or stainless steel for the highest safety and hygienic conditions. When using microneedling pens, disposable needle cartridges are utilized to maintain sterility and stop the spread of infection.
In summary
Because of its extraordinary capacity to accelerate collagen creation and skin regeneration, microneedling has captured the attention of skincare fans and experts alike. So, if you want to guarantee the most outstanding outcomes, it's crucial to know the possible hazards. Also, you must be familiar with the aftercare needs and select a trained practitioner, just as with any cosmetic operation. At-home treatments or professional sessions, microneedling got you.
As a derma rollers and pens producer, Diaminy is dedicated to enhancing and launching new models. If you'd like to apply microneedle therapy at home and save even more money, you can get a derma roller online.
