There's no denying it: aging may be inevitable, but it is still one of the most frustrating aspects of life. However, aging like fine wine is one's choice, as there are many remedies, ranging from simple creams to surgical procedures. Within this range, one procedure has proven to be a cut above the rest.
Microneedling.
Microneedling has comfortably established itself as one of the most effective skin care treatments in the beauty and cosmetics industry. And there's every reason for that, as it can now be performed at the convenience of your home!
If you're looking to manage the inescapable signs of aging, microneedling should be your go-to procedure. But not before you read this comprehensive guide on the hailed treatment and microneedling after effects when performed at home.
What is Microneedling?
The concept of microneedling may be intimidating in itself, but it is way more fun and simple than it sounds. During the procedure, a handheld device with many tiny needles on the roller head is rolled over the skin. The needles penetrate the epidermis, leaving controlled, microscopic wounds.
The wounds trigger the body's natural healing ability, alleviating a wide array of conditions and any skin concerns you may have.
And although the mere thought of needles coming into contact with the skin is terrifying for some, microneedling might be the key to taking your skincare routine to the next level.
Where Is Microneedling Performed?
This is why it has emerged as a worthy competitor for other skin rejuvenating treatments thanks to its ability to stimulate the formation of healthier skin cells. And not just for the face, it can be used to transform the skin in various body parts, including;
- The neck - It is one of the most affected body parts by aging, leaving the skin to sag and develop an uneven tone. However, microneedling on the neck can dramatically turn the clock by increasing blood flow, stimulating development of collagen, and evening out wrinkles around the neck area.
- Head - Microneedling on the head is slightly similar to face microneedling. However for the head, you can use slightly longer needles to penetrate the scalp, increase blood flow, and rejuvenate hair follicles to produce and sustain healthy hair. The procedure can even be combined with other hair loss treatments to make it more effective and reduce microneedling long term effects.
- Thighs, hips, and abdomen - These are the parts of the body most affected by stretch marks, which are tears in the dermis' collagen that appear when the skin stretches beyond its limits. While stretch marks have no known cure, microneedling has proven its efficiency in making them less noticeable by stimulating collagen production and repairing the stretched skin.
Benefits of Microneedling
Since its introduction to the cosmetic world, microneedling has gone from strength to strength in terms of its versatility and efficiency in reversing or managing various skin defects and conditions. When performed properly, the perks.of a microneedling procedure include;
1. Stimulates Collagen Production
As we age, one of the most noticeable changes includes sagging of the skin. These are caused by inability of the collagen fibers beneath the skin to support the underlying structure.
Collagen strengthens the various skin layers, maintaining elasticity, and keeping it hydrated. However, the level of collagen production decreases as we age, resulting in wrinkles and unusually dry skin.
This is where microneedling comes in, as it effectively enhances blood flow to the skin, increasing cell turnover rate, and ultimately stimulating the production of more collagen.
2. Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Fine lines, deep furrows, and wrinkles may appear around the eyes, mouth, and on the entire face as a result of aging, but effective microneedling strengthens the underlying skin structure, making them a thing of the past.
3. Improves Acne Scars
Active breakouts are frustrating, but the worst thing has to be the scars acne leaves behind. Are you tired of the unsightly dark, pitted scarring left by acne, especially on your light skin tone? Well, microneedling is just the treatment you need.
Rolling a microneedling device over acne scars improves blood circulation to the skin, stimulating collagen production. The collagen promotes cell growth around the treated area and the new cells act as filler and break down scar tissue, making the scars less visible over time.
However, microneedling only works for pitted scarring, as raised scars form when the skin produces too much collagen while healing and it piles up to form a bump.
4. Shrinks Enlarged Pores
Enlarged pores are among the common causes of poor skin health. The openings on the skin allow the skin to secrete sweat and oils, making the skin more vulnerable to external bacteria and dirt.
Luckily, microneedling offers one of the most effective ways to shrink the pores. By increasing collagen production, the procedure narrows down the pores and fills them with new, healthy, skin cells.
5. Boosts Skin's Ability to Absorb Skincare Products
Skincare experts advise to apply select serums and skincare products during microneedling, as the treatment opens up microchannels in the skin so it can absorb serums and skincare products better during and immediately after the procedure.
6. Promotes Hair Growth
Hair loss can be frustrating, but with the advancement of microneedling as an alternative treatment, it will no longer be a problem.
By piercing the epidermis, the needles trigger the skin's ability to heal itself. In the process, it stimulates the release of hair growth factors and redevelopment of hair follicles, leading to regrowth of hair in the various types of alopecia.
Can You Microneedle at Home?
Putting a microneedling device close to your skin sounds like something only an expert and experienced professional should do, but that is far from the truth. Over the years, microneedling has advanced in terms of technique and technology, bringing microneedling products to the consumer level. This means that you can walk into a skincare and wellness store and get a derma roller for at-home use.
However, this does not mean that you should throw caution to the wind, as there are still numerous microneedling long term side effects to be aware of before trying microneedling at home. But before we get into that, why do most beauty enthusiasts prefer to go the do-it-yourself way?
The biggest factor that motivates most people into trying microneedling at home is the cost. After all, an all inclusive microneedling procedure costs anywhere between $200 and $700 while derma rollers are available for an average of $20!
Moreover, microneedling anytime at the comfort of your home is more convenient than going through the arduous process of booking, consulting, and getting a professional procedure.
But microneedling at home also comes with its hassles. However, nowadays, despite its efficiency and convenience, at-home microneedling after effects are too harmful to be ignored.
To achieve the best results and avoid falling victim to microneedling long time side effects, some planning has to go into the process, from getting the right products to following a safe and proven procedure.
Choosing the Right Products for At-Home Microneedling
To reduce microneedling after effects, it is very necessary to choose right products. Microneedling at home is a great alternative if you don't have the time or the money for a professional procedure. However, to guarantee efficiency, it's crucial to put in some extra effort into preparing for at-home microneedling, and it starts with choosing the right products, which include;
- Cleanser - During microneedling, you not only need to have clean equipment, but your skin must also be clean. The most suitable cleansers for microneedling at home should be gentle and pH based. This will prevent infections and irritation of the skin, which are common microneedling long term side effects.
- Always get a serum, preferably hyaluronic acid serum, for at-home microneedling to act as a lubricant and ensure that the microneedling device rolls across the skin smoothly.
- Derma roller - This is the most important product for microneedling, but not just any microneedling device will work. For at-home microneedling, a manual device with short needles, between 0.5mm to 1.5mm, will be effective.
- Roller cleaner - As an extra precaution to prevent cross-contamination, you need to get an alcohol solution or cleaner to sterilize the microneedling device before beginning the procedure.
- Numbing cream - Instead of an anesthetic, which would be more appropriate in a professional setting, you can get a numbing cream to minimize the pain.
Microneedling at Home: Step by Step
Whenever needles are involved, safety must be a priority. Here is our guide to having a safe and efficient procedure that will guarantee you protection from microneedling long-term side effects afterwards.
- Cleanse and Exfoliate
This is the first crucial step during microneedling, as double-cleansing will ensure that the needles get deep into the skin and achieve their intended purpose. Use a suitable cleanser and you stand to reap the full benefits of the treatment without being exposed to microneedling long-term side effects such as scarring and infections. .
- Apply Serum/Numbing Cream
Before microneedling, apply a layer of your favorite serum as it will be absorbed better by the skin during the procedure. Hyaluronic serums are the best because of their hydrating properties, but always avoid Vitamin C, retinoids, and serums that contain acids. If you prefer not to use a serum, this is the right time to apply a numbing cream to reduce pain during the procedure.
- Start Rolling
Sterilize your microneedling device and start by dividing the treatment area into smaller sections. Place the roller head on the skin and gently roll over vertically, horizontally, and diagonally and repeat until you have covered one entire region, then move on to the next.
- Rinse and Wind Up
Rinse the treated area with clean water and pat it dry using a clean pad. You can also apply a layer of serum or moisturizer to improve skin hydration.
Then wash your microneedling device with soap and soak it in an alcohol solution before storing it in its case.
Microneedling after Effects at Home
Microneedling technology has advanced significantly over the years, and it is no longer a treatment that you need to grit your teeth to get through. However, while it is now more comfortable than ever and easier to perform at home, it still comes with various risks and side effects that you must know before going through with the procedure. These including microneedling long term side effects and short term effects such as;
1. Infection
The main side effect associated with microneedling at home is the higher risk infection that it poses. This is facilitated by many factors, including reusing of derma rollers and other microneedling devices without proper sterilization. This is different from professional microneedling, where experts rarely reuse derma roller and other equipment.
At-home microneedling is also cheaper and can be performed any time. This may be convenient, but it is another contributing factor that raises the risk of infection when bacteria enters the body through the tiny punctures left by the needles. Moreover, performing microneedling more than once a week increases the risk of cross contamination and contracting infections.
2. Bleeding
Microneedling is only meant to puncture the upper layer of the skin, so when done right, you should expect very little to no bleeding. However, excessive bleeding can happen when performing the procedure home, especially if you choose the wrong type and length of microneedling device.
Microneedles for home use are supposed to measure around 0.5 and 1.5mm. Using a longer needle increases the chances of piercing the internal parts of the skin and causing severe bleeding instead of microscopic punctures on the epidermis.
3. Irritation and Sensitivity
Everyone wants to reap the benefits of a cosmetic procedure without disrupting their lifestyle, and while microneedling achieves that for the most part, things may not be the same for a few days after the procedure.
The tiny wounds left behind after microneedling are usually sensitive to sun and may cause itching. This means that you may have to stop wearing your usual face makeup and go for sunscreen instead. Moreover, when the procedure is performed on the head to counter the effects of hair loss, you may not be able to wear a cap for some time.
These microneedling long term side effects are more common when the procedure is performed at home, as professionals at beauty clinics prescribe lotions and other remedies to skin itching, irritation, and sensitivity after microneedling.
4. Prolonged Inflammation
It is not uncommon for the skin to become red and start swelling after microneedling. However, the inflammation is worse if the procedure is performed incorrectly at home. If your skin is still swollen three days after the procedure, that may be a sign of a poorly performed microneedling treatment procedure.
Inflammation is not one of the many microneedling long term side effects, but it can also go on for a long time if you perform microneedling on the skin more regularly than a professional would advise.
5. Scarring
Microneedling for scar concealing can easily turn scandalous and achieve the opposite if it is not performed correctly using the right equipment at home.
Skin experts and cosmeticians know the right length of needle to use and how regularly to perform microneedling to hide scars. However, carrying out the procedure without the proper know-how or consulting a professional could lead to more scarring is a recipe for disaster, and no one wants that!
Risks Vs Benefits
Are you looking to restore your skin back to its pristine condition? If so, microneedling is just the procedure for you. Besides being effective, it can also be conveniently performed in the comfort of your home, but the big question is; do the risks outweigh the benefits when it comes to at-home microneedling?
The short answer is yes.
Despite its efficiency and convenience, at-home microneedling long term side effects are too harmful to be ignored, and it is simply safer when the procedure is performed by a professional.
Diaminy derma roller and derma pen are great stools for reducing bad microneedling after effects. At Diaminy, your safety is our priority, and that is why we have all the latest news and useful advice on microneedling products and trends. Reach out to us today for your ultimate all-inclusive store for all things beauty and cosmetics.
