How to microneedle (Everything you need)

 

If you’re searching for an ultimate treatment that will address acne scarring, you may have heard of microneedling.

Let’s break down how microneedling works, the benefits of microneedling for acne scarring and how to get started on your microneedling journey with a licensed professional.

What is microneedling?

Microneedling is a form of collagen induction therapy (CIT) primarily used for treating acne scarring.

When the skin is microneedled, thousands of microscopic needles puncture the skin to create microchannels.

The trauma of skin needling also prompts the derma (a deep layer of skin) to produce more collagen and elastin to heal itself, thus helping improve the appearance of acne scars.

Studies have found microneedling to be a safe and effective way to rejuvenate the complexion and reduce acne scarring.

Why should I microneedle my skin?

Microneedling can help with reducing acne scars.

• Acne scars

Is there anyone who shouldn’t do microneedling?

There are some side effects that are possible with microneedling, including immediate swelling, redness and skin flaking.

For this reason, it’s not recommended to perform a microneedling treatment right before a big event - instead, you’ll want to allow yourself around a week of recovery time to ensure that your skin is in tip-top condition.

You may also wish to check with your healthcare provider before microneedling if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have an active skin infection or active acne, or if you’re prone to keloid scarring.

What do I need to start microneedling?

Your licensed medical professional will have access to the necessary supplies before microneedling.

For hygiene and ensuring a sterile treatment, your licensed professional will need:

• Cleaning solution
• Clean towels
• Sterile gauze
• Antiseptic alcohol wipes
• Disposable gloves

Moving on to starting your treatment, your licensed professional will also need:

• A scrunchie or hair tie to keep your hair away from your face
• Your cleanser of choice
• Numbing cream (we recommend Lidocaine 5%)
• Glad wrap (optional)
• Hyaluronic Acid Serum

And of course, the licensed professional will need the microneedling pen and sterile cartridges.

How do I microneedle?

Preparation

Step 1: Before you do anything else, you’re going to want to prep your surfaces and your skin. Wipe down any benches with a cleaning solution and tie back your hair away from your face so that there are no loose strands in the way.

Make sure to also pop on a pair of disposable gloves to maintain a sterile environment and prevent any bacteria from cross-contaminating your skin.

Step 2: Double cleanse (cleanse and repeat) your skin with your cleanser of choice to remove all traces of makeup, oils and lotions. You may then use a toner, if you wish.

Optional: At this point, your licensed professional might apply a numbing cream for a more comfortable experience. Apply a generous amount to the needling area 20-30 minutes prior to needling.

To speed up the process, the area can be wrapped with Glad Wrap. Then thoroughly remove the cream.

Once the numbing cream is removed with an antiseptic alcohol wipe or chlorexidine solution, cleanse the skin again and use an additional wipe - this will prevent numbing cream from getting into the microchannels created during microneedling.

Step 3: Apply a hydrating serum (we suggest Hyaluronic Acid) before microneedling. This will lubricate the skin and prevent the microneedling pen from creating drag on the skin. Apply the serum in small sections (rather than to the whole face at once) to prevent the serum from drying out.

Step 4: Your licensed professional will set up the microneedling pen by inserting the cartridge, setting the needle depth and speed and turning the pen on. Instructions specific to your microneedling pen model are included in the product box.

After turning the pen on and selecting the desired speed and needle depth, it’s time to start the microneedling treatment!

Microneedling treatment

Step 1: Working in small sections and applying serum to each area before microneedling, the licensed professional will work the pen in either a criss-cross motion or small circular motions.

Use a criss-cross motion on larger areas of the face, such as cheekbones, and small circular motions in harder to reach areas (such as the crevices down the sides of the nose).

Step 2: Once the treatment is complete, you may leave your skin as it is or wash it gently with lukewarm water. After your face is clean, immediately apply Hyaluronic Acid to the area to calm and hydrate the skin.

Want to watch a microneedling treatment in action? Check out the below video where our amazing in-house Beauty Advisor shows you the process, step-by-step.

Microneedling aftercare

24 hours after: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and apply a nourishing moisturizer. Avoid products with fragrances or active ingredients (vitamin C, A/Retinols), acids (lactic acid, AHA, BHA), scrubs, or toners which may cause irritation.

Your skin may experience mild swelling, bruising, peeling, and flaking. To minimize these effects, keep your skin moisturized, this will reduce shedding and alleviate tightness. Avoid exercising, sweating excessively, swimming, or applying makeup. You must apply a high protection mineral-based sunscreen when going outdoors, and avoid prolonged sun exposure.

48 hours after: Gently exfoliate the dry or flaking skin to speed up the recovery process, and continue to hydrate the skin, morning and night.

3 - 5 days post-treatment: Continue to apply a high protection sunscreen daily and avoid direct and extended sunlight for up to 1-week post-needling. Your skincare routine should focus on hydrating and moisturizing products, continuing to avoid active ingredients, acids, scrubs, and toners.

7+ days post-treatment: You may return to your regular skincare routine.

Which microneedling pen should I choose?

We have a range of microneedling pens available and a range of cartridges to suit every skincare concern. Not sure where to start?

• Take a look at our handy comparison chart here
• Join our VIP Facebook Support Group
• Give us a call and chat with our in-house Beauty Advisor today - we'll be happy to answer any questions you have!