Microneedling is a collagen-induced procedure which entails the use of a derma roller to puncture the skin repeatedly with needles in order to induce the growth of new a skin tissue for a smoother skin. Microneedling is considered to be a harmless procedure. Pregnant women are advised against undergoing this procedure; also, individuals who use certain kinds of acne medications should avoid microneedling. The aim of microneedling is to get the skin to produce more collagen. Collagen contains the highest amount of protein in the body, and it is part of the components that make up the ligaments, skin, tendons, and muscles. Collagen also makes the bones stronger and helps increase skin hydration.
What does Microneedling Treat?
Acne Scars
Acne scars can be embarrassing, especially when they’re on the face. Acne scarring occurs when acne cysts are formed on the spot acne used to be. An acne cyst is a space filled with pus. The cyst usually kills skin tissue which does not regenerate while the acne was supposed to heal. When the acne finally heals, it leaves the acne scar on the face. Acne scar can also be seen on the back and on the chest.
Here are Different Types of Acne Scars
• Keloid Scars
• Red Acne Scars
• Mixed Acne Scars
• Rolling and Depressed Acne Scars
• Ice Pick Acne Scars
• Box Car Acne Scars
Wrinkles
Wrinkles are creases that appear on the skin as a result of aging. Wrinkles are beloved to be an indication that one is getting older. They can be eliminated by microneedling.
Large Pores
Ideally, pores should be small in size; they are small holes that let out sweat and oil from the skin. Skin pores may appear larger because of sun damage to the skin and increase in sebum production. Microneedling can help reduce the size of the pores.
Age Spots
Age spots can also be called sun spots or liver spots. It is common with older people. Age spots are caused by excess melanin production. Tanning beds, ultraviolet light exposure, exposure to sun and aging are possible causes of age spots. They usually appear on parts of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun. These spots may seem harmless, however, they may be symptoms of skin cancer. So it is advised to have a doctor take a look at it to know whether or not there is more to the spots. If they are just harmless, they can be removed by microneedling.
Other Scars
Wounds sometimes do not heal properly; they grow tissue instead to replace the skin lost during the injury. Microneddling is used to improve the appearance of such scars. Scars could be gotten from chicken pox, surgery incisions, or burns.
Reduced Skin Elasticity
This is a situation whereby the skin loses elastic tissue called elastin. The skin becomes loose and more transparent. Exposure to sun may increase the risk of having loose skin, losing a lot of weight within a short period of time can also cause the skin to lose elasticity. Aging can also cause the loss of elastin in the skin. Microneedling is an option when considering procedures to undergo to correct this condition.
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks can be a nightmare. They can be black or red, depending on the skin tone. Microneedling could help reduce, if not eradicate these marks.
Uneven Skin Tone
This is when there are irregularities in the darkening of the skin. Melanin is produced to regulate the pigment of the skin and hair color, but when it is overproduced, it can cause uneven skin tone. Sometimes, dark patches appear on the skin, but this can be corrected by microneedling. Studies show that microneedling has proven to be quite effectual in restoring the skin’s color to its original state. This procedure ensures one gets a smooth and right skin.
Benefits of Microneedling
Improves Skin Texture and Quality
Microneedling involves the use of needles, and these needles stimulate collagen in the skin and trigger the production of more collagen. Collagen gives the skin a natural and more youthful look. The production of collagen reduces with age.
Reduces Blackheads
Microneedling is capable of banishing blackheads. Blackheads are quite stubborn and can cause scars if one is not careful. So removing blackheads by pinching and peeling them off is not a good idea. Blackheads occur as a result of clogged hair follicles. Irritation of the hair follicles, high body oil production, hormonal changes and the use of some medications can cause blackheads.
Exfoliates the Skin
Microneedling removes old and dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. This makes the skin smooth, radiant and healthy. Microneedling also increases the production of matrix proteins to achieve a smooth and healthy skin.
Treats Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition in which one has a constantly red face and pus-filled bumps that look like acne. This condition is incurable as it keeps recurring but can be managed. One may notice that the cheeks, chin, nose, and forehead are constantly red. The neck, head, ears, and chest can in some cases red too. The symptoms of rosacea come and go, and if care and proper treatment are not received, rosacea can become permanent. Microneedling can help reduce drastically the symptoms of mild rosacea. Rosacea becomes severe and incurable if it goes a long time without being treated.
Promotes Hair Growth
Studies show that microneedling can help induce the cells in the scalp that is responsible for hair growth. Microneedling has been proven to be effective in the treatment of alopecia areata. Alopecia areata is a condition that causes hair loss, leaving the patient with circular bald patches that may sometimes overlap.
Exfoliates the Skin
Microneedling exfoliates the skin, thereby removing dead cells and allowing skin products to penetrate the new skin cells, hence they work better.
It’s not Restricted to the Face
Microneedling is not restricted to the face region, so any part of the body can be the target of this procedure.
Are There Side Effects to Microneedling?
Inflammation of the Skin
The skin is most likely to become inflamed because of the collagen inducement. The use of a cooling mask will help reduce the inflammation of the skin, giving great relief to the patient. This is not an uncommon side effect of microneedling.
Itchy Skin
Patients may experience itching after microneedling. This is due to the now hypersensitive skin. Hives may break out all over the skin after the procedure, so seeing a doctor once this is noticed is highly important.
Sensitivity to Sunlight
The skin has been punctured, the dead skin cells that protected the good skin cells have been removed, so the skin is now raw and exposed, and of course, exposure to sunlight is not a good idea.
Risk of an Infection
The skin is not as protected as it used to be immediately after microneedling. It is fragile such that sweating from the pores soon after microneedling may cause the skin to be infected. The derma roller should also be disinfected before use, it could spread bacteria across the skin and cause an infection.
Tender and Tight Skin
The skin is tender, of course, hundreds of tiny needles just punctured it severally. Give it time, the skin will become more smooth and soft soon after the procedure.
Final Words…
Microneedling can be beneficial in so many ways, and as beneficial as it is, it has its downsides. Some people cannot have this procedure for medical or health safety reasons. Consult with a doctor to know if microneedling is a safe procedure you can have.
