Microneedling
Are You Up For Some “Needling?”
If you haven’t heard of micro-needling and you do hear it entails sticking 1000 needles into you face you might think, “Yikes - no way!” But when you find out this painless office procedure can make you look younger, the natural reaction is, “Tell me more!”
The term micro-needling is actually a kind of handy nickname. The official name for the procedure is collagen induction therapy. And it actually works by initiating a controlled injury to the skin’s surface, creating microscopic breaks in blood vessels. That may sound counter-productive, but here’s the scoop: those tiny needles work to trigger your skin’s natural defense mechanism. When it kicks in, it create platelets that release growth factors; this, in turn, boosts the production of collagen and elastin, a protein that generates new cells and helps skin keep its youthful elasticity. Another bonus? The miniscule channels made by micro-needles allow the top layer of skin to absorb topical gels and creams more effectively. As a result, all those costly products you’ve invested in are able to penetrate down to skin’s deepest layers, to literally “drink in” all the benefits and leave your complexion glowing. Like getting twice your money’s worth from every moisturizer and night cream!
There are actually two ways to micro-needle: In the medical spa, and at home. The professional procedure is, of course, more intricate. Your spa practitioner puts a numbing cream on your face, then uses a special set of longer needles that penetrate into your skin’s uppermost layers to do their magic. Responding to the needle’s stimulus, skin will thicken and plump up—minimizing the appearance of fine lines and scars, and leaving your complexion with a smoother, more dewy texture. For maximum effect, the treatment should be repeated every 4-6 weeks. That way, skin has a chance to completely heal and regenerate before the next micro-needling procedure.
You can also supplement these professional sessions by “rolling” on your own¾more specifically, using an in-home micro-needling tool called a “derma roller.” The device is expressly designed for this purpose: the needle is shorter, but still effective at building new collagen and helping skin absorb topical moisturizing products. Most often, you would use a derma roller with 0.2 to 0.25 length needles. Your practitioner at our spa can advise about the best option for you so when you’re ready to needle and roll, we’re here to help!
What size derma roller is recommended?
I recommend 0.2 to 0.25 mm needle lengths to make the skin receptive to better product absorption.
How many times a week should I ‘roll’?
With either the 0.2 and 0.25 needle lengths, it’s fine to “roll’ every day, if desired. This daily routine will boost your skin’s ability to absorb your favorite topical solution.