Chronic skin conditions, environmental irritants or allergens, poor skincare, hormonal shifts, sun exposure, weight changes, and age, among other factors, all play a part in the way our skin looks and feels. It doesn’t seem likely that one treatment could effectively address all of these skin concerns, but microneedling can. According to Dr. Ali Theriault of U.S. Dermatology Partners Denver, “Microneedling is really the unsung hero of cosmetic dermatology. It provides excellent results for treating a range of skin health concerns. By stimulating the body’s healing process through a series of microscopic injuries to the skin, microneedling promotes the skin’s ability to heal and rejuvenate itself naturally.” In this blog, Dr. Theriault discusses the benefits of microneedling and what to expect from this minimally invasive dermatologic procedure.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a dermatologic treatment that uses a specialized hand tool equipped with small-gauge needles to create microscopic injuries in the skin’s outer layers. While it may seem counterintuitive to create injuries to improve the appearance of skin, microneedling is an extremely effective cosmetic dermatology solution. Dr. Theriault explains, “Following an injury, the body goes to work healing skin. Dead and damaged cells are removed, and tissue is repaired. The microscopic skin injuries created by microneedling stimulates healing. That includes the removal of dead and damaged skin cells, production of healthy cells, and increased collagen and elastin proteins. This combination of effects leads to improvement in a variety of skin health concerns from scar healing to brighter skin tone. Microneedling leaves skin smooth and creates an even skin tone and is beneficial for skin of all colors.”
Benefits of Microneedling for Acne Scars
Managing acne breakouts can be frustrating and painful. Once you get acne under control, you still may not be done with this skin condition. Many people struggle with scarring and hyperpigmentation as a result of acne. While you might believe scars are permanent, there are many ways of improving the appearance of acne scars. Microneedling benefits patients with acne scars as it can be used to improve the pock-like acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and other types of scar tissue related to acne while other treatments are only suited to one type of acne scar. In addition to improving the appearance of acne scars, microneedling also heals current acne breakouts and improves skin health to prevent future breakouts.
Benefits of Microneedling for Stretch Marks
Stretch marks appear on skin following rapid weight gain, lost weight, or growth spurts causing skin to stretch too quickly, damaging the dermis layer of skin. This tearing prevents regular collagen production, which leads to changes in skin’s texture and hue as it heals. Microneedling for stretch marks stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, so it can repair the damage that leads to stretch marks and restore skin’s smoothness and elasticity.
Benefits of Microneedling for Dark Spots
Hyperpigmentation, dark spots on the skin, is common and can impact people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Dark spots on skin vary in shade, size, and location as well as the underlying cause. There are topical treatments and dermatologic procedures available to improve the appearance of dark spots, but these aren’t effective for all types of hyperpigmentation. For instance, topical hydroquinone is good for reducing the appearance of dark spots for a short time, but long-term use can cause additional hyperpigmentation. Laser treatment improves the appearance of dark spots, but it doesn’t work well for all shades of darker skin tones. Microneedling for dark spots can reduce the appearance on almost all skin tones.
Benefits of Microneedling for Melasma
Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation common among expectant mothers. Unfortunately, many of the common topical creams and other treatments recommended for melasma aren’t safe for use by pregnant women. However, microneedling for melasma utilizes the body’s own healing response to encourage collagen and elastin production and other healing responses to safely improve the appearance of melasma spots.
Preparing for a Microneedling Session
To prepare for a microneedling session, it’s extremely important to avoid sun exposure for at least 24 hours before your treatment session. Skin that has recently been exposed to UVA or UVB rays is much more likely to be irritated and inflamed following the microneedling procedure. You will also need to adjust your skincare routine in the weeks leading up to microneedling sessions. Your dermatologist may give you specific parameters, including skipping retinoids as well as glycolic, salicylic, and azelaic acids for a week before microneedling sessions. These ingredients are beneficial in skincare routines for a range of reasons, but they can lead to excessive skin dryness and irritation following microneedling. You may also need to avoid taking certain medications before your session, including blood thinners. On the day of your microneedling session, take an over-the-counter pain reliever about an hour before treatment to improve comfort during your appointment.
Post-Treatment Care and Tips for Optimal Results
Following the microneedling procedure, your dermatologist will provide personalized aftercare instructions to ensure you heal quickly and completely while optimizing the benefits of microneedling treatment. The main side effects of microneedling are redness, irritation, inflammation, and skin peeling. This typically improves dramatically within 48 hours and fully heals within a week of treatment. Beneath the skin’s surface, healing will continue for several months. During this time, you should streamline your skincare routine to include gentle products, intense hydration, and effective sun protection. If you’re looking for a quick skincare routine to improve your microneedling results, consider the Revision Skincare Pre & Post Procedure Full Size Regimen. This skincare kit includes five full size skincare products for a complete morning and evening skincare routine. Used in the weeks leading up to microneedling and throughout the healing process, these products are designed to boost results and provide additional anti-aging and skin health benefits.
This Revision Skincare Pre & Post Procedure Full Size Regimen kit can be used as follows:
Morning Skincare
- Revision Skincare Purifying Cleansing Gel
- Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%
- Revision Skincare Hydrating Serum
- Revision Skincare D.E.J. Face Cream
- Revision Skincare Intellishade TruPhysical
Evening Skincare
- Revision skincare Purifying Cleansing Gel
- Revision Skincare Hydrating Serum
- Revision Skincare D.E.J. Face Cream
Microneedling – A Small Solution for Big Change
According to Dr. Theriault, “Microneedling is one of the most versatile treatment options we have. Because it relies on the body’s own healing functions, microneedling can improve the health of skin after an injury or surgery, reduce the appearance of scars, manage chronic skin conditions, and deliver anti-aging results. If you’re looking to improve the health or appearance of your skin, microneedling may work for you. If you’re interested, consult with a dermatologist to determine whether microneedling is the right option to achieve your skincare needs and goals.”
Work with a Dermatologist to Achieve Healthy Skin
If you’re looking to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles or generally brighten and smooth your skin’s tone and texture, microneedling may be the ideal dermatologic solution. To get started with microneedling at U.S. Dermatology Partners, just take a few moments to complete our online scheduling form. Once we receive your request, a local team member will be in touch to discuss the details of your upcoming visit and answer any questions you may have.
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