What is Micro-needling?

What is Micro-needling? 

Micro-needling is gaining popularity as the go-to treatment for skin rejuvenation. By now everyone has heard a little something about micro-needling. The Micro-needling Buzz is everywhere on TV, talked about by physicians, aestheticians,  clients, patients, beauty magazines, and everyone loves it! 

I have not heard of one negative remark! Whether you are performing or receiving the treatment you will be very happy. 

Micro-needling, derma-rolling, or dermal stamping has been around for quite sometime. The idea of pricking the skin with tiny needles to induce a wound healing response, using tattoo pistols to treat scars, and then a stamp made to induce collagen as well. 

The first MN device for skin care professionals was the roller. Now we have bigger and better! 

As a skin care professional I have always loved the concept of micro-needling. I knew with the right equipment micro-needling would be a great treatment for my clients. But you know sometimes you just have to wait on the mechanics to work all the bugs out. I have found my favorite micro-needling device and it is called The SkinPen. 


So lets talk about what Micro-needling does!!!!

Micro-needling is most commonly used for fine lines, wrinkles, acne scarring, pigmentation, and stretch marks. 

The premise of micro-needling is to create a controlled wound response in the skin to stimulate growth factors without abrading the epidermis. 

What conditions can be treated or improved with  Micro-Needling?

• Mild to moderate acne scarring
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Loose or lax skin
• Skin texture and pore size
• Stretch marks

What are the benefits of Micro-needling?

• Increases the effectiveness and penetration of topical skin care products
• Stimulates circulation collagen and elastin production
• Cost effective compared to other resurfacing procedures
• Can be performed on all skin types, including ethnic skin

How does Micro-Needling work? 

The practitioner applies a topical serum to assist the device in sliding along the skin, penetrating the upper layers of the skin to a depth of up to 2mm to create tiny micro channels. The treatment induces the creation of new collagen and elastin fibers. The skin plumps, thickens, reduces the appearance of scars, and fine lines and wrinkles.

Does Micro-needling hurt?

The use of a topical numbing cream can be used to keep the client comfortable.

Who can have micro-needling treatments ?

Micro-needling can be used on every Fitzpatrick type (meaning every skin color) without risk of post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation. Your skin care professional will tell you if MN is a treatment that you can have performed. 

How many treatments do I need? 

When treatments are performed for collagen induction 3 treatments are recommend. If you are treating scars, stretch marks, fine lines and wrinkles we recommend at least 6 treatments. The clients skin condition and the response to treatments will also determine how many treatments will be needed. A skin care consultation should be done prior to treatments.  Micro-needling can be performed on most parts of the body face, décolleté, hands, arms and so on.

How often can micro-needling be performed? 

Micro-needling can be performed every 4-6 weeks and should be determined by a licensed skin care professional.

Contraindications:

• Accutane (isotretinoin) within the last three months
• Open wounds, cuts or abrasions on the skin
• Radiation treatment to the skin within the last year
• Have any kind of current skin infection, condition, herpes simplex in the area to be treated
• Pregnant or breast feeding
• History of keloid or hypertrophic scars or poor wound healing

Post Care Treatment:

• Use a gentle cleanser, hydrating serum, moisturizer, and SPF 30 or higher.
• No scrubbing
• No AHA's
• No direct sun exposure
• Use the products that a skin care professional recommends. These post care products will promote healing and have beneficial ingredients for healthy skin.
• Schedule your next treatment within 4-6 weeks with your provider.

•  Always consult your physician or skin care professional prior to having any treatment performed. Safety is always first! Make sure you have a trustworthy source for questions, consultations, and procedures. If you have any questions feel free to message us anytime.