advanced skin treatments: what is microneedling and is it for my skin?

advanced skin treatments: what is microneedling and is it for my skin?

Microneedling (or skin needling and collagen induction therapy) has fast become a sought-after skin treatment. So why is this minimally invasive procedure one of the most requested skin treatments globally? Put simply, it’s the profound results and the multitude of skin challenges this advanced procedure can treat.

We’re going to uncover how it works, who will benefit form a microneedling treatment and what to expect when you invest in microneedling.

how does microneedling work?

Microneedling works by triggering the body’s wound healing process. Fine needles create tiny punctures in the skin, to create a controlled injury at a specific depth. These channels trigger the body’s natural wound healing process. This activates the production of collagen and elastin, to help rebuild the skin’s structure, giving long lasting results. Additional benefits include skin resurfacing and hyperpigmentation management.

will my skin benefit from microneedling?

As already mentioned, skin needling is a highly versatile treatment with lots of benefits on offer.

Firstly, microneedling has been proven to stimulate the production of collagen, making it a standout service for anyone looking to improve skin firmness, maintain a youthful appearance and reverse damage.

Microneedling has also demonstrated incredible results for those who have depressed scars from acne. Again, because of the increase in collagen the ‘pitted’ skin is raised, helping to even out skin texture. In fact, skin needling is one of the most effective professional treatments for this type of acne scarring.

We also know microneedling has been shown to be effective in evening skin tone, as it’s able to regulate the production of pigment. When we experience uneven skin tone or dark spots (hyperpigmentation), it’s due to an over stimulation of pigment, so microneedling helps to restore pigment production to a healthy level.

Lastly, it’s tightening benefits makes microneedling not only ideal for skin rejuvenation, but also an excellent treatment for reducing enlarged pores.

enhancing microneedling with skin actives

You can see there are many improvements in skin health to be gained from a series of microneedling treatments. But there is more...the very fact this treatment creates small ‘channels’ in the skin means there’s an entry point for skincare actives, such as Hyaluronic Acid, to get down deep into the skin for superior results.

Who can’t have microneedling?

The good news is most people can have this treatment. Unlike many advanced skin treatments, such as laser, all skin tones can have this treatment because it doesn’t involve the delivery of heat. However, those with active inflammation such as acne, eczema, psoriasis or cold sores will not be able to receive microneedling. It’s also vital your skin is healthy, and you have a good, consistent daily homecare routine in place. You’re professional skin therapist will be able to assess your skin and create a programme to prep your skin for microneedling.

what downtime can I expect with microneedling?

There’s no significant downtime needed for this minimally invasive procedure. You may experience some mild redness and irritation for 2 – 3 days after microneedling, but this will subside.

To give the best possible results with minimal downtime, Dermalogica has created a specialised professional product for use in advanced skin treatments, such as microneedling: PRO Restore. This recovery and firming serum helps significantly decrease downtime, improve skin recovery and amplify results. What’s more, PRO Restore is designed for use in your microneedling service, but also as part of your post-care, to continue accelerating skin healing and results at home.

An industry first, PRO Restore features a number of advanced ingredients that focus on three key benefits to work specifically with micro-injury skin treatments, like skin needling:

Strengthen:

  • Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) improves hydration and helps to decrease skin damage.
  • Mushroom Extract helps to soothe skin.
  • Hyaluronic Acid helps hydrate the skin.

Restore:

  • Omega-3 from Algae helps calm skin to address post-treatment redness and irritation.
  • Bacillus Ferment helps balance skin’s microbiome to maintain a healthy barrier.
  • Oat Beta Glucan forms a protective film that prevents dehydration and helps skin to restore back to normal.

Amplify

  • Plant derived Oligopeptide-1 Epidermal Growth Factors improve skin's texture and resilience.
  • Olive Stem Cells smoothes skin and improves skin firmness
  • Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) helps fade the appearance of dark spots for a more even skin tone.

Your Dermalogica skin therapist will give you two tubes of PRO Restore to use at home for a week, along with some post-treatment skincare essentials. It’s vital you follow post-care instructions - what you do after your microneedling service is equally important as the treatment itself for both results and recovery.

You post care treatment kit will likely include a calming cleanser and moisturiser such as UltraCalming Cleanser and Calm Water Gel, along with a physical sunscreen. It's important to wear a physical sunscreen after having an advanced treatment like microneedling, as physical sunscreens are more comfortable for sensitive or tender skin. Chemical sunscreens, although suitable for most skin types and conditions, transforms the sun’s rays into heat within the skin. Invisible Physical Defense SPF30 is a physical sunscreen featuring a unique ultra-sheer Zinc Oxide that blends easily on all skin tones. It also contains a blend of botanical soothing ingredients, Hyaluronic Acid to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier and Matcha Green Tea, a potent antioxidant to help repair skin.

does microneedling hurt?

We won’t lie. It can be uncomfortable in certain areas of your face. However, the treatment is fairly quick, and your professional skin therapist will work with your skin and skin’s experience – progressing the treatment over time, as you and your skin become more familiar with microneedling.

how many microneedling treatments do I need?

With any advanced skin treatment, a series of treatments is recommended for long lasting, visible results. It will always depend on your unique skin and goals, but generally, a series of 3 – 6 microneedling treatments is recommended, having them every 4 – 6 weeks.

home needling vs professional microneedling

Not all microneedling devices are created equal! Firstly, at home treatments won’t give you the same level of results as you would get in a professional environment. A skin treatment that involves a controlled microinjury should be performed by a trained professional. If the needles don’t penetrate the skin properly, it can lead to infection and trauma. What’s more, at home needling devices can be hard to clean and sterilise after use - another risk of infection. 

does dermalogica offer microneedling?

As mentioned, Dermalogica has its own professional microneedling service, PRO Microneedling, which is performed by a Dermalogica quailed skin therapist. This advanced treatment combines two powerhouse services: Dermalogica’s PRO Power Peel and microneedling, supported by PRO Restore to improve results and decrease downtime. This minimally invasive service is designed to minimise the appearance of uneven skin tone, pores and wrinkles. To speak to a Dermalogica skin therapist about having a series of PRO Microneedling treatments, visit our store locator.

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