Types of Microneedling + Which Is Right for You
Microneedling is one of the most efficient ways to treat multiple skin care issues. This multitasking skin care treatment is safe for people with all different skin types and concerns, making it a great option for nearly anyone.
With multiple ways to incorporate microneedling into your skin care routine, we’ll help you pick the most effective option to give your skin a much-needed boost.
Types of microneedling
All types microneedling begin with the same basic treatment: using a specialized tool to create controlled punctures on the skin. Why punctures?
It all comes down to collagen production and how the amount of collagen in the body impacts the skin. The more collagen your skin contains, the more firm and radiant it will look. Unfortunately, as we age, the amount of collagen our skin produces starts to slow down more and more.
At Skin Pharm, we offer different types of microneedling — the standard microneedling treatment and microneedling with platelet-rich plasma. Both options start with applying a numbing cream to ensure you’re comfortable during treatment. While microneedling isn’t painful, numbing cream can help ease any potential discomfort (especially in more sensitive areas of the face).
Standard microneedling
With standard microneedling, your skin care provider will use a microneedling device with very fine needles to create controlled punctures on the skin in the areas of treatment. These punctures are designed to stimulate the body's collagen production, speeding up healing and improving the overall look and feel of your skin.
Microneedling with PRP
For even more benefits, microneedling can be combined with platelet-rich plasma.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a game-changing add-on from your own blood. While that means you’ll need to have your blood drawn in the clinic, the results you can achieve from harnessing the power of your body’s own healing abilities are unmatched!
When combined with a microneedling treatment, we’ll microneedle your PRP into the skin. Instead of just sitting on the surface of your skin, microneedling helps the PRP go even deeper into your skin so it can make even more of an impact.
If you’re looking for even more potent results, this is one of the most effective types of microneedling available.
What are the benefits of microneedling?
Out of all the treatments out there, microneedling is incredibly multi-faceted and offers some of the most benefits. It can help improve the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles, counteract dull, lax skin and sun damage and even help with hair loss.
The results of a microneedling treatment are usually noticeable between one and two weeks after your appointment. However, more significant concerns (like hyperpigmentation, melasma and deeper lines and wrinkles) will likely require more than one treatment (often between four and six) to experience the most benefit.
For melasma and scarring, we recommend spacing treatments four to six weeks apart. For age management concerns, treatments every 12 weeks are recommended for best results. These results are considered permanent, especially when you follow your appointment up with a supportive skin care routine.
Is there any downtime associated with microneedling?
Because we're creating controlled micro-injuries with microneedling, there is some downtime associated with the treatment. Although this downtime is far less than other treatments, like chemical peels, it’s essential to know what to expect so that you can plan your appointment accordingly.
The main side effects of all types of microneedling include redness, soreness and swelling in the areas that were treated. While these side effects are temporary, you may want to give yourself at least a few days before any important events to make sure your skin has time to return to normal.
To help minimize any potential downtime, we’ll send you home with our post-procedure kit, which you’ll use in place of your regular skin care routine for three to five days. Cleanse with our Gentle Foaming Cleanser in the morning and at bedtime. Keep your skin moisturized with our extra hydrating Recovery Lotion.
We also recommended waiting 24 hours before wearing makeup and staying away from exfoliants (including alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids and retinol) for a few days until your skin is no longer as sensitive.
In addition, avoid touching your skin as much as possible. Your skin is in a vulnerable state while it heals, leaving it more susceptible to infection. To minimize that risk (especially for those prone to breakouts), only touch your face with clean hands when necessary.
Other ways to support your skin
Microneedling can be combined with other skin care treatments and products, depending on what your ultimate goals are.
For example, are you using microneedling to treat fine lines and wrinkles? Why not add Botox or dermal filler to your appointment? While microneedling can help support collagen production in the areas you need it, Botox and dermal filler (like Juvederm) can help smooth and plump the skin.
However, as effective as cosmetic treatments can be, they’re nothing if they aren’t followed up with an appropriate skin care routine. Specifically, the skin craves hydration.
Without it, your moisture barrier can break down, leaving you more susceptible to environmental stressors and a loss of hydration. Over time, this moisture loss can lead to the development of fine lines and wrinkles and a loss of radiance and firmness.
But it’s not just outside factors that can make an impact. Drinking enough water is just as important for the inside of your body as the outside. If you want truly healthy, glowing, radiant skin, you have to focus on hydration — it’s a true non-negotiable.
In summary…
Although there are different types of microneedling, the basic concept remains the same. This cosmetic treatment is one of the best ways to promote collagen production and treat a variety of skin concerns.
We offer this effective treatment along with many other options, like Botox, dermal filler and chemical peels. Book a consultation today — we’d love to help you find the perfect combination of treatments and skin care options to help you reach your goals.
Peer review
This article was medically reviewed by Madeline Stoffer, MSN, NP-BC, a board-certified nurse practitioner with 6 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology.
SOURCES:
Collagen Structure, Synthesis, and Its Applications: A Systematic Review | PMC
Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons | PMC
Platelet-Rich Plasma: New Performance Understandings and Therapeutic Considerations in 2020 | PMC
