Fine lines, hyperpigmentation, acne scars: our skin has a lot to answer for sometimes. These are the little details that make ‘us’ us, but if you’re trying to hide, or ‘correct’, we do know a treatment that will help you to fall in love with your skin once more. Microneedling, the clue is in the name, uses micro-needles to puncture the skin. Don’t panic, it’s a minimally invasive treatment with visible results. So, if your skin’s proving problematic (and you’re not set on embracing it), here’s what’s involved.
By Rachel Spedding
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1 The procedure
If you’re a needle-phobe, bare with. During a microneedling treatment, the aesthetician will create punctures in the skin (very tiny, FYI), using super fine needles (0.5 – 2 millimeters in diameter). This process triggers the skin’s healing process – production of collagen and elastin – enter, plumped up skin. Once these punctures are made, applied products can penetrate more deeply into the skin, so the likes of hyaluronic acid can get further beneath the skin’s surface, and really get to work on fixing skin woes.
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2 Does it hurt?
The question we know you’re wondering – needles to the face, that’s got to hurt? Sure, the notion of small needles rolled over the skin sounds somewhat torturous, but your face will be anaesthetized with a topical cream at the beginning of the procedure. This is left to seep into the skin for around half an hour; you’ll no doubt feel the needles at work, with more sensitivity in certain areas (the cheeks are typically the deepest level of entry), but it's noted as a ‘tolerable’ pain, and only takes around 20 minutes. Pfft, try us.
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3 Can I do it on my lunch break?
This one depends on your skin’s sensitivity. You may notice slight redness immediately after the treatment, and a little pinpoint bleeding, but a few hours later, your skin will be back to its usual tone. See, nothing too red – just like after a workout (I imagine). The immediate result, however, is major glow. Real talk. Pure highlighted, radiance. You’ll also probably notice pores appearing to be ‘shrunk’ (but remember, pores don’t change in size). That’s the collagen at work.
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4 After your treatment
Post-treatment, it’s important to maintain the moisture. Think of it like dehydration, if your skin’s feeling thirsty, it’s too late (dramatic, but true), keep spritzing hydrating mists, and turning to moisturiser to keep hydration levels up. Skip out on abrasive products, to give your skin time to heal, and avoid gymming or heading to the sauna (the objective is to maintain moisture, not sweat it out).
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5 How often should I microneedle?
We’d recommend around 4-6 treatments, spaced 4-6 weeks apart for best results. Remember collagen is continuously being broken down (boo), so maintenance is the key here. Remember, ageing is inevitable (be proud of those laughter lines), and spots are nothing to shame. But if you do want increased glow, improved skin texture, and to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, it’s a good treatment to try.
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