Every few months, we are inundated with the latest “super-” something. These things claim to improve and revolutionize our lives.

Not the least of these comes from the beauty industry. If you’ve been on the internet in the last two years, you’ve no doubt heard of microneedling.

But what is it? Most important, does microneedling work?

Keep reading to find out.

What is Microneedling?

With the strength of social media, microneedling has gained mainstream attention. Though it’s trendiness has deemed it a “fad”, the procedure has been around for more than 20 years.

Other names you’ll hear for microneedling are:

• Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT)
• Percutaneous Collagen Induction (PCI)
• skin needling

Microneedling involves the use of a device with hundreds of micro needles. This small, handheld device passes over the skin creating tiny fissures. The natural healing of these fissures stimulates collagen. Collagen is a structural protein found in skin and other connective tissues of the body.

After creating fissures, a professional spreads a serum over the skin. This serum has nutrient benefits to help the skin heal.

Does Microneedling Work?

Microneedling treats skin conditions such as:

• atrophic acne scarring
• large pores
• fine lines
• loose skin
• stretch marks
• hyperpigmentation

In a 2013 study, 23 of 30 participants experienced an improvement in atrophic acne scars. When combined with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), the results were more pronounced.

Platelet Rich Plasma comes from the patient’s own blood. The plasma is full of the body’s natural healing properties and also stimulates collagen production.

Your body’s natural collagen production can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks.

The typical size of a needle is 0.5mm to 1.0mm and longer. The treatment is more painful the larger the needle is with the .5mm being almost painless.

Side Effects and Drawbacks

Immediately after treatment, your skin may feel a bit sore and sunburned.

After treatments, patients experience swelling, redness and scabbing. Healing from needling can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. For the highest benefit, plan for 3 to 4 sessions.

Micro-needling has trouble making a noticeable improvement to ice-pick acne scars. It improves the looks of rolling and boxcar acne scars, however.

Allergic reactions and infections are a concern with poor cleaning practices. The creams and serums can also cause allergic reactions.

This procedure is not recommended for people who have a history of keloid scars. This is because of the potential for scars to worsen from the treatment. In these cases, one might try laser resurfacing. Laser resurfacing gets similar results with a different procedure.

Microneedling is not recommended for:

• Pregnant and lactating patients
• Patients with a history of keloids
• Patients on anticoagulant blood therapies or with a history of bleeding disorders
• Patients with active acne sores
• Patients with active skin infections, herpes infections, bacterial infections, warts
• Patients on oral steroid therapy

The Needle Point

The answer to the question ‘does microneedling work?’

Yes, but it depends.

It is ideal for most people interested in improving the look of their skin. However, some with special circumstances may need to seek additional treatments.

If you decide that microneedling is for you, seek out an experienced professional.

Check out our services to discover how we can help you be the best you.