Microneedling 101
A roller ball with needles that you run across your face for more youthful skin. What? What if I told you that’s the newest trend in skin care, would you give it a try? The practice is an old one, dating back to 1905 by a well-known dermatologist in Germany and has recently regained popularity in the skincare world.
Micro-needling is small hand-held rollerball with tiny thin needles to pierce your skin creating micro wound to regenerate new skin cells. Think of getting a small cut on your harm and your body heals it by producing collage and making new skin; that is micro-needling. The goal of the procedure is to promote the growth of new skin cells and to help better absorb skin care products. It helps with acne scarring, hyper pigmentation, wrinkles, rough skin and large pores.
Micro-needling is said to be safer for people of color because it doesn’t have the chance of discoloring your skin like other known facial procedures (facials or peels.) The process is a simple one; the rollerball is run across your face in a few different directions (think of a lawn mower) creating tiny micropuncture wounds in your skin. Watch this how-to video for the proper technique.
You’re essentially creating little holes in the first layer of skin (epidermis) and sometimes even your second layer of skin (dermis) depending on the length of the needle. The needles often vary in sizes, anywhere from 0.2 and 2 mm, depending on the patients’ needs and how thick their skin is. You’re probably wondering if it hurts, yes, it does, but if you visit your dermatologist’s office they can offer you numbing cream.
Once the treatment is over, your body begins to heal the wounds. It sends red blood cells to the surface (so you do bleed a little) creating fresh collagen, so new skin tissue begins to form revealing smooth- glowing skin. This procedure can also be used in other areas of the body to help with any scarring or skin tightening.
Micro-needling is a procedure that can be done at home or a dermatologists’ office. If you decide to visit your dermatologist, they can offer you a more personalized visit. Your doctor can examine your skin and give you professional advice on the steps you need to take for the best results. If you visit a doctor or a specialized esthetician, it will cost you a pretty penny, but some locations can offer packages where you can snag a deal.
There is also the option to micro-needle in the comfort of your own home. Dermarollers that are sold online have smaller needles, and won’t pierce your skin as deep; so you won’t see office grade results, but your skin can still receive major benefits. The only downside to at home procedures is a minor chance of infection because of the reuse of the dermaroller. It’s suggested that dermarollers are repurchased every two months due to the dulling of the needles, and you must clean the roller since it is piercing your skin.
If you’re a skeptic of the whole process, I would try out the at-home method to give it a fair chance. The benefits outweigh the protentional cons. You can purchase the dermarollers here. Have you tried Micro-needling, were you happy with the results? Let us know below.
Photo by Noah Buscher
