Putting needles in your skin doesn’t sound like a way to improve your skin health. The truth is that microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure for your skin. Using thin needles to make tiny holes in the top layer of your skin stimulates your skin’s natural healing process. The damage caused by the punctures stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. These are the proteins that keep your skin firm and smooth.
The procedure can help reduce the appearance of skin blemishes like acne scars, stretch marks and wrinkles. With in-office treatments averaging anywhere from $200 – $700, the price is out of reach for many people. That’s particularly true when you consider that the average treatment requires multiple sessions.
At-Home Treatments
Professional quality microneedling pen are available for both professional and home use. These are preferred over inexpensive rollers that rarely penetrate deep enough to give substantial results.
Modern high-tech pens have digital displays with intuitive interfaces. They let the user adjust settings with the touch of a button, adjusting the depth to allow uniformity of penetration.
Skin Preparation
Cleaning your skin with a pH-balanced cleanser is critical. You should clean your skin at least twice before starting the procedure.
There are professional compounds you can use to ensure your pen glides smoothly across your skin and supplies nutrients deep into the skin. Apply to one section at a time as you go, to avoid the product drying out.
If you’re sensitive to pain, you can use a numbing cream after washing your face. You will definitely want to use a numbing compound if you have advanced to using longer needles.
Most people use microneedling on their face, but you can also use it on your legs, back, neck and other areas where you have damaged or ageing skin.
How to Use
Guide your pen in a steady and even motion across the skin. Start with an up and down motion, then switch to side-to-side and lastly diagonally to ensure the area is thoroughly and evenly treated.
Repeat this on all sections that you want to treat.
You can use home microneedling between visits to a clinic to boost the results of professional application. You do have to allow time for your skin to recover before performing another treatment. A waiting period of 7 – 10 days is recommended between treatments.
Cautions
Whether you do microneedling at home or in a clinical setting you will be puncturing your skin, so it’s unlikely the treatment will be totally pleasant. The pain level will depend on how aggressive your treatments are.
Pinpoint bleeding always occurs and is to be expected. After the treatment your skin will be open so only use bland non-irritating products on your skin for at least 24 hours after treatment.
Follow and adhere to any precautionary warnings from your pen manufacturer. It is also recommended to consult a skin care specialist or doctor prior to using the procedure at home.
You want to ensure that you are a good candidate and will see results.
