Microneedling isn’t new in the world of aesthetics, but it has grown tremendously popular in recent years among those seeking minimally invasive skin care treatments. And, like any popular skin care procedure, there’s plenty of misinformation and rumors circulating around the treatment.

 

At Arijai Aesthetics, we’re here to set the record straight. Read on to learn what you should know about microneedling before giving the treatment a try.

 

How Microneedling Works

SkinPen microneedling induces micro-injuries in the skin, which boost collagen production and skin regeneration. These injuries immediately stimulate your immune system’s natural healing response, increasing blood flow to the treatment area and bringing in an influx of healing nutrients and growth factors.

 

You Should Schedule a Consultation With a Licensed Skin Care Professional

A licensed skin care professional understands the potential risks of microneedling for various skin types and conditions. That’s why scheduling a pre-treatment consultation is so important. During your consultation, your provider will fill you in on what you can expect from the treatment based on your unique skin and any issues you’re looking to treat.

 

If you go to a practitioner who’s ready to do the procedure without a consultation, it’s in your best interest to find someone else. No one should be poking needles into your face without conducting a full consultation and skin analysis first. 

 

The Treatment Isn’t Painless, But Any Discomfort Is Short Lived

Your treatment provider will use a numbing cream on your skin to minimize discomfort during the procedure, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be totally painless. Rather, you’ll likely feel slight discomfort, both during and after the treatment, but it shouldn’t last long. Most people find any lingering irritation goes away within a few hours, but your skin will be sensitive for about a day after the procedure.

 

Microneedling Isn’t a DIY Treatment

Unless you’re a trained skin care professional, you should not attempt DIY microneedling. Just a little too much pressure or an unsanitary working environment or tools can seriously injure your delicate facial skin. You also risk collagen breakdown when you perform the treatment on your own, which is exactly the opposite of what the procedure is designed to achieve. 

 

The Treatment Can Help Improve a Number of Skin Conditions

Microneedling can help improve a wide variety of skin conditions from acne and hyperpigmentation to wrinkles and fine lines. It’s also good for:

 

●        Sun damage

●        Age spots

●        Large pores

●        Scars and stretch marks

●        Skin laxity

 

Your Skin Needs Plenty of Post-Treatment Hydration

Microneedling leaves behind micro-injuries, which means your skin will be sensitive and more vulnerable to dehydration immediately after the procedure. To soothe and nourish your face after a microneedling treatment (and give it the best environment for rapid healing) apply moisturizer liberally.

 

If your skin feels like it’s starting to dry out, re-apply. Skip the exfoliants and harsh skin care products until your skin is completely healed, too.

 

You’ll Notice a Difference Almost Immediately

You’ll notice your skin looks a little red after the treatment (after all, it did just endure a bunch of needle-induced micro-injuries). But aside from the redness, you’ll also notice a near-immediate change in the way your facial skin looks.

 

With a day or so, you’ll start seeing positive skin changes, like a more dewy, plump complexion, and a healthier appearance overall. Your skin will continue healing under the surface for several more days, and it’ll also continue pumping out more collagen.

 

The result? A fuller, younger-looking, more vibrant complexion. Opting for PRP injections to complement the procedure will yield even more dramatic results.

 

Your Skin Needs Downtime After Microneedling

After a microneedling session, your skin needs at least 24 hours of downtime to start healing. That means you’ll need to skip your gym session, sauna session, or anything else you’d normally do that might cause your face to sweat excessively. If you don’t, you’ll likely end up triggering inflammation, which can be both uncomfortable and unsightly.

 

You’ll also need to stay out of direct sunlight and heat while your skin heals. This should go without saying, but don’t forget to wear sunblock, too — not just immediately after the treatment, but every day.

 

Is Microneedling Right for You? Schedule a Free Consultation Today

If you’re considering microneedling, get in touch with our team at Arijai Aesthetics! Our cosmetic dermatologists specialize in a wide variety of skin care treatments for younger-looking skin, including SkinPen microneedling, platelet-rich plasma injections, dermal fillers, botox, and more.

To get started, schedule a free virtual consultation online or call our Burnsville, MN office today at 952-435-0605.