It’s natural to have an initial negative reaction to the word “needle.” After all, for most of us, one of the most unpleasant parts of visiting the doctor is when an injection is necessary. We are used to thinking of needles as big, sharp, and extremely painful. However, microneedling is a lot less medieval than it sounds. For starters, the needles used in the procedure are so small and so fine that the puncture wounds they make are invisible to the naked eye. Even so, it may seem a little counterintuitive to your beauty regimen to allow the introduction of several hundreds of needles into your skin, no matter how small they may be.
Microneedling is also known as collagen induction therapy, which might give you a clue as to why it’s so popular. As it turns out, the process actually stimulates your body’s natural production of collagen and elastin, key ingredients in keeping your skin looking young and healthy, in addition to a number of other benefits. This means that by creating tiny little wounds in your skin, you’re actually encouraging it to repair itself and become healthier.
The Benefits of Microneedling
Despite the relatively straightforward application, microneedling can be beneficial in various different ways. The process prompts your body to start healing, which, in turn, smooths out wrinkles and scars, including acne scars. However, it can also address other skin-related issues that are otherwise very difficult to treat. There have been fantastic results witnessed in clients experiencing alopecia and hair loss.
Microneedling is especially great for anyone who has had weight fluctuations resulting in stretch marks and loose skin, helping the skin regain its tightness and elasticity. The benefits extend to more superficial ailments as well, including rosacea, skin pigmentation, and sun damage, and not just in the face. At French Radiance, microneedling treatments can be applied to the neck and decollete as well.
Also worthy of note is the fact that a microneedling session creates the perfect window of opportunity to help your skincare products work more effectively. The tiny holes created by the microneedling allow the products to penetrate more deeply, allowing them to efficiently interact with your skin.
Is Microneedling for You?
Given all the wonderful benefits of microneedling, you might be wondering why you’ve never tried this before! But it can also be a little intimidating to dive into a new procedure that is strange and unfamiliar. That’s ultimately why we’re here, to demystify the mysterious and get you all the information you need to look and feel your best. With that in mind, there are a few things to consider before you take the next step.
Professional Advice: Don’t DIY
First of all, it is best to have the procedure done by experts with experience. Though it may be possible to find microneedling tools online, we highly recommend that you skip the DIY attempts on this one. When done properly, microneedling is safe and virtually painless, but to do so takes knowledge and skills. Going through a trained specialist ensures that you don’t accidentally end up using unsterilized equipment or harming your skin in the process. Additionally, the microneedling tools for home use are designed differently and are not meant to actually penetrate the skin, meaning that even if you take every precaution, you won’t see the same kind of results. For your own safety, and to ensure that the process is effective, go to a professional.
Before Your Microneedling Session
Prior to the procedure, your esthetician may ask you to stop taking certain medications. This is to ensure that there are no negative interactions between treatments you are already receiving and the microneedling. Any preparations necessary will be discussed during your consultation.
Microneedling Aftercare
One of the most convenient things about microneedling is that after the session, there isn’t much aftercare required. That being said, there are certain precautions you should take. You might initially notice a little redness. This is because of the tiny wounds created in your skin, which leave it in a more sensitive and vulnerable state. This also means you need to be a little more careful than usual to protect it.
Even if you’re only spending minimal amounts of time outdoors, you should ensure to apply sunscreen on a regular basis to protect your skin from the sun. You should also stay away from environments that could expose you to large amounts of bacteria, such as swimming pools or outdoor ponds. Introducing your wounds to such environments can cause them to become infected, interfering with the healing process, and putting your skin’s health at risk. Make sure to also prevent further irritation of your skin by avoiding rough soaps and harsh exfoliants. Beyond that, you should be able to immediately return to your regular schedule of work or school and go about your day as usual.
Possible Microneedling Side Effects
As with any procedure, some side effects are possible. In addition to redness, microneedling side effects may include swelling, bruising, and peeling. You may also notice small bumps after microneedling. This is a normal and expected part of the process as your skin recovers from the various abrasions caused by the needles and heals. However, you should take note if you see any bleeding or infection, as that could indicate a more serious reaction.
In Some Rare Cases, Microneedling Is Not Recommended
Finally, there are some individuals who should avoid microneedling altogether. If you have an active skin infection, active acne, keloid scarring, then this is not the appropriate treatment for you. Open wounds and keloids can become further irritated by the procedure, having the opposite intended effect, and creating further scarring.
How Long Will It Take to See Microneedling Results?
The session itself generally won’t take longer than a few hours. After checking in, your esthetician will apply a numbing cream to help the procedure run smoothly. Keep in mind that it may take some time for the numbing effects of the cream to kick in. The actual microneedling process could be 10-30 minutes depending on where you’re having it done, and what you’re trying to address. You could easily be in and out of the office in a single afternoon. However, in order to achieve the best results, multiple sessions are necessary. Don’t expect to see an immediate change to your skin overnight. Even after the treatment is fully complete, your body may take time to heal; patience is key. You should start to see the desired microneedling results in a few weeks.
French Radiance and Microneedling
While French Radiance Esthetics offers a variety of services and products, founder Axelle Mesmacque is a pioneer of microneedling, and brings her expertise and experience to the craft. Not only do we have numerous options available when it comes to microneedling, including the addition of plasma rich plasterers, we also carry a variety of products that will work wonders on your skin as it recovers from the process. We can work with you to determine which products are most suitable for you and apply them during the microneedling process to ensure they have the maximum effect on your skin. Feel free to contact us for a consultation, and we can help you decide if microneedling is right for you!