No doubt you’ve seen many Instagram influencers talking about microneedling over the last year or so. You may have even seen them brandishing their own at-home devices, talking about how it’s changed their skincare routine forever. But, what exactly is this new skincare trend? Is it safe, does it work, and should you consider it?
You can find the answers to all of those questions in today’s post!
What is microneedling?
Essentially, microneedling is a form of collagen induction therapy. This is a fancy way of saying that it encourages your body to produce more collagen and elastin, both of which help your skin heal and provide many cosmetic benefits. Skin that’s high in collagen and elastin will be more taught, meaning you have fewer wrinkles. It can also be a lot clearer and in a much healthier state.
How does microneedling work?
This is where things get pretty interesting. You see, microneedling induces collagen production by making tiny pricks in your skin with lots of little needles. These puncture wounds trigger the body’s natural defense system, sending collagen and elastin to the sites to repair the skin. Usually, a device is used with lots of needles in, and it’s slowly moved around your face, making little punctures as it goes.
Why do people get microneedling treatments?
As mentioned before, it can help your skin look younger and healthier. Also, regular treatments have been shown to help with skin conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage. This is because collagen production helps to heal the skin from blemishes like these.
Is microneedling safe?
Yes, it is considered a safe cosmetic procedure. You will experience some slight discomfort during your first time doing this, purely because you’ve never experienced the sensation of lots of tiny needles pricking your skin before. However, you get used to it after multiple treatments, and there are minimal risks involved. Most of the safety risks revolve around allergic reactions to the creams that are applied after microneedling to soothe your skin.
Also, there are risks involved if you are doing the procedure yourself. Microneedling devices are available for home use, but it’s not a good idea to use them. They might technically be safe, but it’s better to get the treatment from a licensed and experienced dermatologist, so you know that they have experience doing it. This lowers the risk, and there’s also more chance of the needles being contaminated if you use a device at home.
So, should you jump on this trend and get microneedling? Well, it depends on you and your skin. If you want to look younger and enjoy a natural approach to anti-aging, this can be a good option for you. Similarly, if your body has a bad reaction to all the common skincare creams and ointments out there, this might be a better choice as no chemicals are used at all. Be warned that it can take time to see results – after all, you have to wait for your body to produce more collagen, which isn’t an instant process. You’re also likely to have red skin after the treatment, so be patient as you wait for your skin to heal.
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