What is Microneedling and What Does It Involve?

Your skin significantly contributes to your overall appearance, so it needs to be healthy and beautiful. While having a skincare routine helps, it often does not address issues like acne scars, enlarged pores, fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and skin elasticity. Thanks to cosmetic dermatology Forest Hills at Adult and Pediatric Dermatology, you don’t need surgery to attain younger-looking skin. Minimally invasive procedures like microneedling can help you achieve smoother and tauter skin without the risks of going under the knife.

What is microneedling?

 

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that involves pricking the skin with tiny, sterilized needles to create small wounds that cause your body to make collagen and elastin. Although it may sound like a painful procedure, no thanks to the word “needle” in its name, it is not as intimidating as it may sound; providers use numbing cream during the procedure to lessen discomfort. The process is minimally invasive and comes with many skin-boosting benefits beyond a basic facial.

How many sessions do I need?

This depends on the severity of the skin imperfection you are looking to fix. If your skin is generally fine and you care for it, you can microneedle every three to six months. However, if you have severe acne scarring, you may need one session each month for at least four to six months. Afterward, you can plan on going in once a year for touch-ups if your skin needs a reboot. Regarding other body areas, four to six sessions can do the trick.

What does microneedling aftercare involve?

After microneedling, the treated skin will be red and sensitive, so slather on a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Do this during the weeks following your treatment and always. You also need to avoid retinol and acids like salicylic and glycolic. These ingredients will be too strong for your sensitive skin after microneedling.

It is also vital to keep your skin hydrated by using a mild cleanser and applying a gentle hydrating serum. You want to avoid exfoliating scrubs in the first several days after treatment. Ideally, you should also not put makeup on for the rest of the day, but it is safe to wear the next day.

How effective are at-home dermarollers?

Microneedling devices are available for purchase, meaning people can perform the procedure at home. However, there are various downsides to using at-home dermarollers. These devices have shorter needles and don’t penetrate your skin as deep as professional tools. So, while they are safe to use, they don’t offer the same results as you would get with in-office microneedling.

Visiting your dermatologist for a microneedling treatment compares to working with a trainer, whereas a dermaroller is like working out at the gym alone. You can work out independently, but you will have dramatic results and a better workout with a trainer. If you choose to use an at-home dermaroller, ensure you sterilize it and use it on clean skin to avoid getting an infection. Applying serum on the skin after your home routine also helps.

Consult your Adult and Pediatric Dermatology specialist to know how you can benefit from microneedling.

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