Microneedling 101: The versatile treatment that is revolutionizing the beauty industry
Microneedling 101: The versatile treatment that is revolutionizing the beauty industry
Microneedling 101
Microneedling has become essential for both the professional beauty industry and home cosmetic care. Microneedling promises smooth, clear skin and a more youthful appearance that lasts and doesn't break the bank. All things considered, it's surprising that so few people know about microneedling.
What is microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive practice that only dates back to the 1990s and is usually performed by a dermatologist or esthetician. The technology uses hundreds of incredibly fine needles, just long enough to pierce the surface of the skin.
The cosmetic procedure activates a “healing process” in the skin, which promotes the natural production of protein, collagen. Collagen is a substance that completely binds your tissues. In fact, the word comes from “kólla” or “glue” in Greek.
The procedure takes between 30 and 90 minutes and should only be performed in a certified beauty clinic or an experienced dermatologist. The procedure will look like this:
- To prepare for the procedure, your doctor will apply a topical numbing agent.
- Using a pen-like tool, the doctor will make small “pricks” into your skin evenly over the targeted area.
- The doctor will use a “calming” agent to reduce irritation.
What are the advantages of microneedling?
Stimulating collagen can have a rapid impact on the appearance of your skin, improving its elasticity. This change allows your skin to regain a fresher and more youthful appearance.
This change in skin texture allows you to reduce unwanted lines, age spots, uneven skin tone, wrinkles, enlarged pores, stretch marks and scars – whether from acne or otherwise.
Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of such procedures for this purpose, but there is no evidence that microneedling can help combat baldness.
Whether or not the procedure is permanent will depend on the imperfection you have targeted. While microneedling can be a permanent solution to "damage" such as stretch marks or scars, it cannot permanently prevent your skin from developing new wrinkles.
Is microneedling safe?
Microneedling is a fairly simple procedure that carries minimal risk. Although patients may look a little bloody during application, it is virtually painless. The needles themselves only penetrate 0.5 to 1 mm (some doctors perform treatments up to 2 mm) deep into the skin, reaching the epidermis.
Many beauty clinics, dermatologists and doctors use numbing creams or anesthetics to help relieve any pain you may feel during or after the procedure.
Although these superficial insertions draw a large amount of blood, they are thin enough that you don't have to worry about scarring or blood loss. Although you may experience mild skin irritation for a few days after application, you don't need any downtime to recover!
What you need to keep in mind is that these safety estimates are for the average, healthy person visiting an approved venue. If you have a pre-existing condition, you should talk to your doctor.
Regardless of your medical condition, it would be best if you NEVER have the procedure done outside of a certified clinic. Board-certified dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and sometimes estheticians are the only professionals allowed by law to perform this process.
What about microneedling at home?
This news may come as a surprise because many products advertise a version of microneedling at home. Although these are generally safe and cost-effective, they rarely work. Most experts agree that the shorter needles used in "domestic" rollers cannot compare to the tools used in official office procedures.
Results from home procedures will take much longer (if they even work at all).
If you decide to use rollers at home, be sure to follow disinfection procedures to reduce the risk of infection. If you get an infection during the procedure, you may develop visible scarring.
Although at-home procedures may be tempting, it makes more sense to invest in a proper in-office procedure in the long run.
How much does microneedling cost?
The price of microneedling sessions varies depending on the objectives of the procedure and the practices. Generally, you can expect to pay between €100 and €1000 per session, depending on the treatment area and clinic. You should also keep in mind that most doctors recommend multiple sessions to achieve the desired results.
The most important determining factor of price is usually the size of the targeted area. Larger areas mean more effort and higher cost.
Unfortunately, the procedure is usually not covered by insurance policies, so you will likely have to pay out of pocket. Many practices work with patients to design a payment plan or financing.
Should I do microneedling?
If you are looking for a safe and quick cosmetic procedure to improve your appearance, microneedling may be right for you. It's a simple way to regain your confidence and build your self-esteem.
Of course, always discuss the procedure with your doctor before making an appointment. A healthcare professional can determine if the practice is safe for you – or even advise you on other ways to improve the appearance of your skin.
What are microneedling patches?
AND SHINE Microneedling patches are small patches made of self-dissolving microcones of active ingredients that diffuse into the epidermis to improve the skin from within. Our patches range from 300 to 900 microcones and 7 mg to 17 mg of active ingredients per patch and have an 80% delivery rate of skin-enhancing ingredients, the highest on the market. The patches are easy to use, simply apply them to the desired skin area before going to bed and they will work their magic overnight.
Our first product, the AND SHINE PATCH JEUNESSE reduces expression lines, hydrates and plumps the skin from the first application and improves the skin over time with weekly application. All our products have been clinically and dermatologically tested and show proven results.
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