What Is Microneedling?
Are you looking for an effective method to rejuvenate your skin’s tired and aging appearance? Rather than scouring the beauty aisle for creams and contraptions, disheartened individuals can turn to microneedling. Also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, this relatively new minimally invasive procedure helps stimulate and increase collagen growth, thereby rejuvenating elastin, leaving your skin with a firmer and smoother appearance. The board-certified dermatologists at Short Hills Dermatology have some information about what you need to know about microneedling so you can revel in brighter, tighter, and healthier skin!
Benefits Microneedling Has On Your Skin
Microneedling works by penetrating deep into the dermis, activating collagen production to give your skin a more youthful appearance. Whether you wish to reduce the size of your pores, diminish acne scars, or help delay the aging process, microneedling can adequately improve your skin’s appearance and texture. Even better, microneedling can also help eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, chicken pox scars, and discoloration.
Understanding the Microneedling Process
Still on the fence about microneedling? The National Center for Biotechnical Information considers microneedling a therapeutic procedure, as the needles used during treatment are virtually invisible. The initial step creates miniscule holes in your skin to stimulate and produce new collagen cells. The needles penetrate through the first layer of skin, the epidermis, before reaching the dermis where you find the protein collagen.
Those with an extreme fear of needles shouldn’t dismiss the microneedling procedure. Typically, you can expect a pain-free 15 to 30 minute procedure. While the fine needles range from 0.5 millimeters to 2.5 millimeters long, Dermatologists save smaller needles for the face and use longer needles for other parts of the body.
During treatment, a Dermatologist applies an anesthetic cream, which numbs your skin. Then a small handheld device gently glides across the surface of the skin, creating tiny superficial punctures. The Derma Roller device uses twelve micro-needles. The holes created from the device appear invisible to the naked eye, practically ensuring a fast recovery.
What To Expect Post Microneedling Treatment
During the initial series of treatments, post treatment individuals may experience skin discoloration or feel something similar to sunburn. Over time, these common side effects will subside with each follow up session. Also, using topical creams prior to treatment may become more beneficial post treatment. The majority of these creams can only penetrate the first layer of skin, the epidermis. But any topical creams that you apply post-treatment to the surface of newly treated skin may have a stronger chance of be absorbed into your skin. Microneedling punctures the epidermis and penetrates the dermis layer, which opens up channels and allows for a better absorption.
When Will Results of Microneedling Appear?
Microneedling allows for your skin to experience a natural healing process. But beware; you should not expect dramatic results. Depending on the area, your skin may take anywhere from three to six treatments to see an improvement. Natural collagen growth occurs over several weeks; therefore, it will take time to achieve your desired results. Depending on the severity of the affected area, Dermatologists recommend you seek treatment every four to six weeks to preserve and not over stimulate your skin.
Next Steps To Better Skin
Keep in mind that microneedling is a fairly new skin breakthrough procedure. Therefore, you should seek treatment from a skilled board-certified Dermatologist. As you explore the beauty aisle, don’t succumb to at home kits, which can cause irreversible skin damage. If you feel you may benefit from microneedling, contact a board-certified dermatologist in the New Jersey area today.
