Written by Kassi Wizner, Reviewed by Dr. Justin Harper, MD
My skin has been something that I’ve been hyperaware of for as long as I can remember. From deep, cystic acne as a teenager, to scarring, hyperpigmentation, and rough texture as an adult – I’ve pretty much seen it all.
When I was finally able to get my acne cleared up, I was ecstatic… until I noticed the splatter of pigment and indented scars across my cheeks. Sure, makeup is always an option to cover unwanted pigment, but post-acne issues are often overlooked, despite their power to affect your confidence.
So, what exactly is Microneedling?
To put it simply, Microneedling is a process in which a trained and skilled provider glides a small wand that contains multiple fine-tipped needles across your skin. These needles create tiny pricks in your skin, which your body recognizes as trauma. In turn, your body then immediately starts the repair and recovery process of your skin.
Listen, I know what you’re thinking. “How in the world will poking my face with needles make my skin look any better?!” I get it. I thought the same exact thing. All it took was the experience of one Microneedling session myself and I got it.
As we age, our skin loses some of its natural collagen, which can lead to loss of firmness, elasticity, and volume. With Microneedling, more of your own collagen is stimulated, thus leaving you with an overall softer, smoother skin texture. Who doesn’t want that!?
As your tiny wounds heal, your skin actually becomes stronger in the process. You’ll likely notice a significant decrease in fine lines and wrinkles, which is a huge reason why this treatment is so popular among people of many different ages. Since I am in my mid-to-late twenties, now is the time I’m starting to notice more of those pesky little fine lines – and doing what I can to prevent more of them. Microneedling is a great option for this, since preventing is just as important as treating.
We all know how annoying blackheads are, and – let’s be real – those pore clearing strips don’t do a dang thing. When hair follicles on the face are clogged by excess oil, they oxidize, causing what we know as blackheads. If you experience an overabundance of blackheads, this can, unfortunately, lead to enlarged pores and fine lines.
Microneedling essentially opens the pores, which allows blackheads to be released. With consistent treatments, you’ll notice less and less blackheads over time. Win!
If you’ve ever suffered from acne, you know how frustrating the dark spots that are sometimes left behind can be. Even without acne, hyperpigmentation can affect just about anyone. Microneedling can actually reduce the damage caused by hyperpigmentation, leading to a clearer, more even complexion.
Post-acne marks, rough texture, deep scarring – it’s all too familiar. These things become more common as we age and can be exasperating to deal with. Collagen and elastin are the primary proteins responsible for the structure of the skin, and when the two are stimulated, you’re left with smoother, vibrant skin.
Now that we’ve covered some of the benefits of Microneedling, let’s talk about a couple other things you should know before scheduling a treatment.
As with any type of treatment involving your skin, there can be a few side effects, however, this does not mean they are guaranteed to happen. After a Microneedling procedure it’s common to experience some minor skin irritation, redness, and dryness. If you start to notice more severe symptoms, such as bleeding, bruising, or infection, contact your clinic right away.
The downtime after a Microneedling treatment is minimal, so most people can expect to go back to work the next day. Keep in mind, it is advised not to wear makeup for a full 24 hours post procedure. In the following days, your face will feel almost like a sunburn.
Be sure to keep it hydrated and use an SPF as you will be more sensitive to the sun as the skin heals.
Here’s the round-up: Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment with little to no downtime that can significantly help minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, large pores – and the list goes on.
Different skin issues can occur from a multitude of things, but if these are the types of things you deal with on a daily basis, Microneedling is a game changer. Seriously. From thinking that I would just have to deal with deep acne scarring and hyperpigmentation for the rest of my life to being able to watch the tone and texture of my skin improve before my eyes is something I am so grateful for. You’ll love it!
Schedule your free Microneedling consultation today!
