What is Microneedling? – Overview
If you are active on social media, chances are that you have heard of microneedling a couple of times. It seems like more people are endorsing the procedure but sometimes, such treatments are overhyped just to get people to spend on them.
How about then, you educate yourself on micro needling and the benefits one stands to gain from it? Let us begin by defining it.
Microneedling is a procedure that involves puncturing the skin with a pen or roller that has extremely fine and short needles. It can be done on both men and women and its benefits include:
*Allows topical products to penetrate the skin better
*Reduces acne scars
*Improves skin texture and reduces pore size
*Boosts collagen production
*Brightens skin
Now, the procedure is usually referred to as micro-needling but you may also hear it being referred to as percutaneous collagen induction (PCI), collagen induction therapy (CIT), and skin needling.
5 Benefits of Microneedling
If you are wondering if it is worth trying this procedure, our answer would be to get into detail about the aforementioned benefits so let us get right into it, shall we?
1. Boosts Collagen Production
Collagen is a protein produced in the body and it is responsible for making your skin elastic. However, as you age its production diminishes and this then leads to wrinkles and fine lines on the face. This is where microneedling comes in as it is thought to boost the production of collagen, which consequently leads to a youthful look.
A study on collagen induction therapy revealed that people who got the treatment over six months saw a positive change in their elastin and collagen levels.
2. Reduces the Appearance of Scars
Microneedling is also believed to improve the appearance of scars especially those caused by acne. This is a welcome outcome for most people seeing as it doesn’t necessitate the need to undergo surgery or use topical treatments over a long period.
Allows Better Penetration of Skin Products
Puncturing the skin opens it up so it better absorbs any products applied to it. The needling of the skin improves how it reacts to the compounds in topical products for the face. This also helps in preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), a common aging issue.
3. Improves Skin Texture
Many people have attributed their softer skin to microneedling. They include bloggers, celebrities, and media personalities. The thing is that with acne, even if it is treated, it is likely to leave rough patches on the skin, which can be quite unflattering.
People who have undergone the procedure claim that they even stopped using makeup to cover their imperfections because they no longer had them.
4. Slows Down Aging
As you age, your skin tends to lose its elasticity and therefore sags. It may also look dull. Microneedling builds up collagen and improves the structure of the skin hence reducing sagging. Moreover, your skin will look brighter just 24 hours after a microneedling procedure.
5. Shrinks Pores
You would think that because microneedling involves puncturing holes in the skin, it makes pores appear larger, but the opposite is true. During microneedling, collagen is stimulated hence making the area surrounding your pores plumps.
This shrinks the size of the pores to the extent that they sometimes appear non-existent.
Can the Procedure be Done at Home?
Yes, microneedling can be done at home. All you would have to do is purchase a derma roller and the skincare products you will need before and after the procedure. However, it is important to get the procedure professionally done to avoid injuring your skin.
What is the After Care Like?
After a microneedling session, you will realize that your skin feels sensitive. The skin will be a bit swollen and red and it will appear like severe sunburn for about two days.
You may also experience some discomfort in the treated area as well as some flaking or bruising. In some rare cases, there is a bit of bleeding.
For these reasons, you want to use products that will be gentle on your skin until you are healed.
Bottom Line
Microneedling can help you eliminate skin issues like scarring, hyperpigmentation, and sagging. It is a better option compared to skin regimens that are designed to counter such skin issues mostly because it takes an average of 3-4 sessions to notice positive results.
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