Microneedling has been accepted and applied by more and more people as a hot non-surgical treatment method in the field of beauty and dermatology in recent years.
It stimulates the skin's natural repair mechanisms by creating tiny piercing channels, thereby promoting the regeneration of collagen and elastin.
For most beauty seekers, the most concerned issue is: how deep does the microneedle need to effectively stimulate the production of collagen?
This not only affects the effect, but also directly affects the safety and comfort of the treatment. This article will introduce the working principle of microneedle, applicable scenarios at different depths, the promotion effect on collagen, and actual case analysis. Different microneedle lengths have different facial care effects.
1. The principle of microneedle stimulating collagen
The skin is composed of the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue, which is the main factory of collagen and elastin. As you age, collagen is lost, and the skin will show signs of aging such as sagging, wrinkles, and large pores. The principle of microneedle treatment is to use needles to create thousands of subtle puncture channels on the skin, and this controllable injury immediately triggers the body's self-healing reaction.
During the repair process, the skin releases growth factors, promotes fibroblast activity, and thus accelerates the rebirth of collagen and elastin. This process is called collagen induction therapy (CIT), and is the core beauty value of microneedle.
2. Microneedling depth
The needle length of microneedling pen usually ranges from 0.2mm to 3.0mm, and can reach different skin levels at different depths, so there are also differences in the ability to stimulate collagen. Simply put, the greater the depth, the more it can touch the dermis, thereby inducing collagen production more strongly. But this does not mean that the deeper the better. It also needs to be considered in combination with the type of skin problem, safety and personal tolerance.
0.2mm–0.3mm: shallow surface care
It mainly acts on the stratum corneum and epidermis, and is suitable for promoting the absorption of skin care products and improving skin barrier function. It has very limited stimulation to collagen. Therefore, if the goal is "anti-aging and collagen production", this depth is not enough.
0.5mm–0.75mm: mild collagen irritation
This depth can reach the bottom of the epidermis and the shallow dermis, and begins to promote collagen production. Commonly used to improve skin quality, lighten fine lines, and mildly large pores.
1.0mm–1.5mm: Significant depth of collagen regeneration
This is the depth range most commonly used for anti-aging. It can effectively act on the dermis, stimulate the activity of fibroblasts, and induce the rebirth of collagen and elastin in large quantities. Suitable for improving wrinkles, acne depression scars, and skin sagging problems. Clinical studies have shown that 1.5mm is a generally accepted ideal depth, which balances safety and effectiveness.
2.0mm–3.0mm: Deep collagen reconstruction
For deep skin damage such as severe scars, stretch marks, burn scars, etc. This type of collagen remodeling is more intense, but the risks and discomfort are also greater, usually requiring professional doctors and must be combined with anesthesia.
3. Clinical case sharing
Many clinical trials have confirmed that microneedles can indeed significantly improve collagen levels. For example, one study showed that after three consecutive treatments with 1.5mm microneedle, the collagen density in the patient's dermis increased by more than 200% after 3 months. Another study on acne scars found that treatment with 2.0mm microneedle combined with growth factor solution significantly improved the skin depression and texture after 6 months.
Case 1:
A 35-year-old woman with initial fine lines and sagging face was treated with three treatments of 1.0mm microneedle, each time interval was 4 weeks. The results show that the depth of nasolabial folds is reduced by about 20%, the skin is firmer and the facial contour is clearer.
Case 2:
A 28-year-old male with moderate acne scar problems. The doctor used 2.0mm microneedle combined with repair essence, once a month, for a total of 4 times. Half a year later, the acne scars have obviously smoothed down and the skin texture has improved.
These cases show that different depth selections need to be accurately matched according to the skin state, thereby maximizing collagen regeneration effects.
4. How to choose the right microneedling depth
For people who want to promote collagen production through microneedles, here are some reference suggestions:
Daily anti-aging and fine lines improvement: Recommended 0.5mm–1.0mm, relatively safe operation and short recovery period.
Moderate wrinkles, improved skin quality, large pores: 1.0mm–1.5mm is recommended, this range is the most common.
Deep acne scars, stretch marks, severe sagging: 2.0mm–2.5mm is recommended, but must be done under the guidance of a doctor.
Home beauty device: Most home microneedle rollers have a depth of 0.25mm–0.5mm, which is more suitable for daily skin care introduction rather than collagen regeneration.
5. Operation frequency and recovery period
Microneedle does not accomplish collagen reconstruction in one go, it requires a continuous process. Usually recommended:
0.5mm–1.0mm: Once every 2–3 weeks.
1.5mm–2.0mm: Once every 4–6 weeks.
>2.0mm: Usually once every 2–3 months to avoid excessive damage.
After treatment, the skin will have redness, swelling and slight bleeding, which is a normal reaction. The recovery period is generally 3–7 days, and moisturizing and sun protection are required during this period.
6. Things to note and risks
Although microneedles are relatively safe and minimally invasive projects, improper handling may still lead to side effects, such as infection, pigmentation, scar hyperplasia, etc. In order to ensure effectiveness and safety, the following points should be paid attention to:
Sterilization of the operating environment: It must be operated in a clean environment to avoid bacterial infection.
Individual differences: Deep microneedling is not suitable for people with thin skin, sensitive skin or skin lesions.
Postoperative care: Avoid direct sunlight, avoid using irritating skin care products, and use more repair products.
Professional guidance: Operations with depths exceeding 1.0mm are recommended by professional doctors, rather than at home.
7. Professional tool recommendation: Diaminy Derma Pen
Safety and accuracy are crucial when choosing a microneedle tool. Compared with traditional microneedle rollers, professional microneedle pen equipment is more efficient and comfortable. Here is the Diaminy Derma Pen, which is a widely recognized professional-grade beauty instrument on the market, and is particularly outstanding in collagen-induced therapy.
Advantages of Diaminy Derma Pen:
Adjustable depth, precise control
The needle depth is adjustable from 0.25mm to 2.5mm, meeting different skin types and needs, and is especially suitable for stratified treatment for collagen production.
Evenly insert the needle, better effect
The straight up and down electric microneedle method is adopted to avoid pulling from the rollers, puncture is more even, and effectively stimulate the rebirth of collagen in the dermis.
No cross infection, safe and reliable
Use disposable sterile needles to eliminate the risk of cross infection and meet medical-grade safety standards.
Short recovery period and high comfort level
Compared with the roller, the pain and bleeding volume are smaller, and the redness and swelling recover quickly after the operation, making it more suitable for regular use by urban women.
8. Microneedling combination treatments
Currently, microneedles are not only used for induction of collagen alone, but are often used in combination with other therapies. For example:
Microneedle + PRP (platelet-rich plasma): Use growth factors in platelets to further promote collagen regeneration.
Microneedle + radio frequency (RF): Combined with radio frequency energy, achieve a stronger tightening effect.
Microneedle + drug introduction: promotes the absorption of active ingredients such as whitening, anti-aging, and light scarring.
These combination therapies greatly enhance the application value of microneedles in the fields of collagen production and anti-aging.
Summary
Microneedling is a safe and effective non-surgical anti-aging method, and its core value lies in stimulating collagen production. In-depth selection is a key factor affecting the effect:
- 0.5mm–1.0mm: mild anti-aging, suitable for improving fine lines.
- 1.0mm–1.5mm: Ideal depth, promotes collagen regeneration, and has significant results.
- 2.0mm–3.0mm: used for severe scars and stretch marks, requiring professional operation.
Only by correctly selecting depth, controlling operating frequency, and paying attention to postoperative care can you gain firm and smooth skin under the premise of safety. For those who pursue natural and young beauty, the scientific application of microneedles is undoubtedly a sustainable anti-aging path.
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