Microneedling: Painful or Helpful?
In a world full of anti-aging skincare regimens, microneedling is a routine you should look into! Microneedling is one of the most effective procedures for improving your skin. It may sound daunting, but the results don’t lie! A 2009 study found that almost every participant who went through microneedling found a huge difference and improvement in their skin.
Let’s get started!
Microneedling 101
What is microneedling?
Microneedling is a process that uses microneedles (hence the name) running from 0.5 to 2.5 mm to puncture the first layer of the skin. Depending on the needle length, blood may be drawn to create a controlled skin injury that will boost the skin’s healing agents (collagen and elastin). As you get older, the body’s collagen production decreases each year. Microneedling creates just enough damage to call on those healing agents to come and repair the skin.
Professional Microneedling
Microneedling with a professional looks like this: you go in, they apply a numbing cream, they microneedle the heck out of your face, and then they apply various serums to soothe the skin. Because microneedling is not a permanent fixture, it’s best to have four to six sessions spaced out every month.
With each session, the needles goes further and further as the skin becomes thicker and used to the needle. Needles sound terrifying, but the process is relatively pain-free! A numbing cream is applied before the microneedling begins. That’s not to say that there’s no pain, your skin is getting needled and pricked after all.
Benefits of Microneedling
Obviously, microneedling is an anti-aging miracle. It’s not a fad that’s going to pass any time soon. Not only will your wrinkles and fine lines start to disappear, but acne scars and stretch marks will also be a thing of the past. Microneedling isn’t just for looks. It also works wonders for the texture of your skin. You’ll find your face tightening naturally and feeling softer than ever.
Microneedling Side Effects
There are some downsides to microneedling, but they’re only temporary. You will see redness up to 24 hours after your session. Your skin is also more sensitive after the treatment. There may be itchiness as well and the aftercare must be done correctly. Your pores are open which means they will absorb all your skincare creams and serums more easily, but breakouts can happen. Don’t worry, we’ll go through the aftercare routine in a moment.
Can I Microneedle at home?
Yes, but you should probably do it professionally. Professional microneedling can be expensive depending on where you go. It can range from $200 - $700 per session (and remember, you want at least four). It makes sense if you’d rather invest in a product that will cost $20 or $30. However, you run the risk of infection or not doing it right.
You also won’t see the same results if you do it at home compared to a spa. Professionals use PRP (plasma rich platelets) in their procedure after microneedling. This yellow plasma is drawn and separated from your blood then applied back to your skin. Though it’s not required, it gives your skin an advantage.
In both situations, make sure you wash your face beforehand (no moisturizer or serums). You need to start with a clean slate for maximum micro needling effectiveness.
Is Microneedling for everyone?
People with rosacea, eczema,, or perioral dermatitis may have to look elsewhere or else flareups are bound to happen. If you have a cold sore or any active acne, you’ll need to wait until they go away to decrease your risk of infection.
Preparing for a Microneedling Session
Microneedling is effective but requires preparation. It’s kind of like getting a tattoo. You’ll be irritating your skin so you want everything to go smoothly. If you use retinol or any other intense topical treatments in your skincare routine, discontinue using them 48 hours before your session.
You should also not use anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin or ibuprofen 4 days before. Since they’re blood thinners, it can lead to bruising after the procedure.
Other things to avoid:
Shaving, plucking, anything with hair removal
Direct sun exposure 3 days beforehand
Microneedling: the Aftercare
Now, the aftercare process. Remember, your skin is sensitive and your pores are open (like gimme a big hug open). So you should wash your phone screen, keep your hands off your face, and use a clean pillowcase. Otherwise you may be seeing an acne breakout!
Here are a few other things you should avoid:
No makeup for 72 hours
No sweating for 72 hours (so, no exercise) (includes swimming, hot yoga, etc.)
No products for the first 24 hours (includes cleansers, moisturizers)
After those first 24 hours, you can slowly start putting your skincare routine back in place (not retinol or vitamin C, that’s for Day 3). You should still be gentle and only use your fingers to wash your face.
By Day 3, your routine can go back to normal. You should still stay out of the sun and constantly use sunscreen. You may also find some peeling occurring. DO NOT PICK. It’s tempting, but that will ruin all the work you just did.
Microneedling works best when you have an effective skincare routine. Retinol and vitamin C are three great ingredients for the aftercare process 48 hours after the procedure. If you’re looking for immediate use, use hyaluronic acid. Avoid scented products and make sure the products you use include natural, gentle ingredients.
Genie Supply Products
Speaking of natural and gentle products, here’s a few products that can help you on your microneedling journey! All of our products are clean, green, and gentle. They can also come in CBD forms!
Immediately After Microneedling
With sensitive skin and open pores, your skin is ready to absorb something soothing. We recommend the Berry Hydrating HA Serum. Use clean fingertips (or your derma roller) to gently apply this serum to your skin. Your skin needs all the antioxidants it can get, and this hydrating hyaluronic acid will set you up with all you need.
24 hours after Microneedling
Now that your skin has had time to rest and heal, you can use a lightweight product to keep hydration (and itch-free). Our Water Cream is exactly what you want to use. Some natural extracts (algae, white tea, etc.) help protect and soothe your skin even further. Hyaluronic acid is still around to help the healing process and is perfect for sensitive skin.
48 hours After Microneedling
Now that it’s been a couple of days, you can start introducing some intenser products. Vitamin C is very useful for the post-microneedling process, so our Luxury Vitamin C Face Serum fits perfectly! All the oils and ingredients used are clean, natural, and amazing for keeping your skin look amazing.
Curious to know about other beauty trends?
Are you an esthetician or skin professional and want to add Genie Supply products to your spa’s regimen? Contact us today!
