One of the most versatile techniques in the beauty/dermatology industry is microneedling, a treatment that uses controlled microtrauma to trigger the skin’s natural processes, which improve the skin’s texture and appearance.
If you have a skin condition you want to work on, chances are your dermatologist, beautician, or Dr Google has recommended you try microneedling. It really sounds like this is the solution to any skin issue, and you might be suspicious, thinking it’s too good to be true.
Well, it’s not! Microneedling truly is one of the most efficient treatments for a wide range of issues. Let’s go through the biggest microneedling benefits.
Just a Quick Recap – What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a treatment that involves puncturing the skin in countless tiny perforations with needles, using either a derma roller or a derma pen. These tiny punctures are called microchannels, and they do 2 things:
- They increase the absorption of skin products such as serums by as much as 70% compared to topical use alone
- They trigger the skin’s natural regeneration processes, including the increased production of collagen and elastin, to cause better, healthier skin to emerge after healing.
Through repeated skin needling, the skin’s texture, structure and appearance are improved. It’s a simple treatment that uses the skin’s natural mechanisms to your advantage.
For more detailed information on microneedling, check out this comprehensive guide.
Image source: Freepik
The Biggest Microneedling Benefits
Okay, now that we’ve gone over what microneedling is, let’s go through some of the biggest microneedling benefits.
1. It Can Treat a Wide Range of Skin Conditions
The biggest of the microneedling benefits is definitely its versatility. The majority of the most common skin conditions can be tackled with microneedling. This includes:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Sagging skin
- Acne scars
- Other forms of scarring on the face and body
- Stretch marks
- Enlarged pores
- Sun damage
- Hyperpigmentation
All of these can be fought with microneedling, and it can even improve several conditions at once.
Image source: Instagram @houseofbrows.ch
2. Or Just Improve Your Complexion Overall
Or, if you don’t have any major skin issues you want fixed, you can still enjoy some of the microneedling benefits.
The collagen induction leaves the skin tighter, which improves elasticity (and you can benefit from that even if your skin isn’t showing signs of aging yet). The deep penetration of products into the skin provides intense hydration, and hydrated skin is good-looking skin.
The blood flow caused by the microtrauma is also beneficial. Blood brings nutrients to the area, and the skin cells are revitalized and get more oxygen. Many clients notice their skin glowing a few days after a microneedling session, and who doesn’t want that, right?
3. It Can Also Be Used to Fight Hair Loss
Apart from skin issues, microneedling can also help you with hair issues. The microtrauma also affects the hair follicles in the skin, providing a better blood flow, and waking up dormant follicles. As a result, some of the follicles which didn’t grow can start growing, and all follicles will start growing out thicker and stronger.
This principle works equally well for hair on your scalp, eyebrows, and facial hair.
Image source: Instagram @sogand.phiart
4. You Can Do It Yourself (Sort of)
At-home microneedling is called derma rolling, since it’s done exclusively with a derma roller (the derma pen is not approved for at-home use). You can perform the treatment yourself, but be aware that, since the longest needles you can use yourself are 0.5 mm, it may not be as effective as the professional service.
Still, many microneedling benefits apply to the DIY version, too.
5. It’s Quite Safe
If done right, microneedling is 100% safe. The only possible risks are infection in case of contamination of the microchannels until they’ve closed up, allergies to products used (which are prevented with a patch test), and a chance of permanent scarring if the treatment isn’t done right.
The scarring part probably caught your attention, so let’s elaborate on that. Microneedling is done with needles between 0.25 and 2.5 mm in length in the case of professional microneedling. Since the skin is thinner in some areas than others, the length of the needle has to be chosen carefully. If the needle goes too deep and overworks the skin, there’s a chance of scar tissue forming.
If you find an experienced technician, there’s nothing to worry about. If you decide to do microneedling yourself, you can’t use a roller with needles longer than 0.5 mm. With such short needles, you can’t really do any damage.
Image source: Instagram @plex_artist
6. It’s Relatively Non-Invasive
As we’ve explained, microneedling uses the body’s natural mechanisms to give results, and that’s definitely one of the more important microneedling benefits. You don’t need to have any invasive treatments – your body can do all the work, it just needs a little push.
The primary mechanism that causes better skin to emerge is collagen induction, the stimulation of the body’s natural ability to produce collagen, the most important protein responsible for the quality of skin and hair.
To achieve collagen induction, you don’t need any complicated interventions. The short needles used for microneedling can do the job just fine.
Microneedling is also a good substitute for laser treatments. It’s usually cheaper, and more salons or clinics offer it.
7. Results Are More or Less Guaranteed
It’s important to note that microneedling is done as a series of treatments and that results don’t come overnight. Your skin needs some time to regenerate and you have to be patient and persistent.
However, results will come, and all clients experience at least some level of improvement. The extent to which the treatment can succeed depends on the severity of the skin condition, but if it can’t be fixed 100%, it can definitely be improved at least up to a point.
We should repeat that at-home microneedling is somewhat less effective than the professional service, since the needles used are shorter. So if your condition is severe, it’s best to visit a professional.
Image source: Instagram @davidghayek
Final Note
While microneedling benefits are definitely numerous and it can help a wide range of skin issues, if you’re dealing with a skin condition or an imperfection you want diminished, it’s always best to consult a dermatologist before you decide on a treatment. They can decide what the best course of therapy is.
Cover image source: Freepik
