Nov
Following on from our previous blog about the benefits of hyaluronic acid and the ways in which it can be implemented into the skin, we thought we would divulge into what one of these techniques actually is, who can benefit from it, and what the process is.
Whether you are someone interested in reaping the benefits of it as a treatment, or for practitioners who are interested in potentially training and qualifying in this treatment.- here are some of the must-know facts!
So, what actually is microneedling?
Microneedling also known as skin needling, is the penetration of the skin through the use of very small medical grade needles at a high frequency. needling can be done through various techniques including a stamp type tool with a long handle, an electric pen or even a roller. The treatment is minimally invasive, but the results of skin rejuvenation, improvement of fine lines, wrinkles and scarring are all substantial.
Micro needling has been used by dermatologists to fade scars and wrinkles since the 1990s.In 1997, Dr Andre Camirand started using this treatment experimentally, and after two years reported that scars on the faces of his patients were significantly improved in both texture and colour- making this a ground-breaking skin treatment for the cosmetics industry- Thanks Doc!
The most popular form of skin needling to date is the microneedling technique which uses the electronic frequency penetration of needles which can be used at a different depth and gauge on the skin depending on the condition which you are trying to treat.
When the needle passes over the skin, the epidermis layer of skin is penetrated creating tiny channels in the surface of the skin allowing a route for the chosen skin products or serums to be absorbed. Once these products have been absorbed, the channels in the skin that have been created then heal rapidly, restoring the skins natural barrier.
A bit more about what microneedling can benefit
Scars- Micro needling has been proven to hugely reduce the appearance of scars. Microneedling can help with both raised scars – also known as ‘hypertrophic’, and sunken scar tissue- also known as ‘atrophic’. The needles penetrate the skin and help to break down the over formed areas of collagen in the skin which have created the scarring in the first place. However, it is worth noting that keloid scarring is a strict contraindication for microneedling as scaring can often worsen. in fact, people with a history of keloid scarring are usually exempt from most cosmetic treatments.
Cellulite– Cellulite is caused by fat cells becoming swollen and pushing through collagen. Scientifically it is still not entirely proven as to why microneedling is actually responsible for improving this condition. However, it is believed that it is due to the controlled trauma caused in the skin, allowing new, stronger collagen to develop- which can therefore better control the swollen fat cells.
Stretch marks– stretch marks are caused when there is an exaggerated expansion of skin, resulting in collagen stretching out of alignment which can often result in the surface appearance of the skin looking silver, red or pink. When left to naturally heal, stretch marks can take a considerable amount of time to improve and often never fully repair themselves. however, microneedling results on stretch marks are noticeably impressive and more often than not can help to completely repair. it is usually encouraged to use a more aggressive needling technique around areas of stretch mark to stimulate collagen and elastin rebuild through the areas of controlled trauma.
Age spots and hyperpigmentation- both conditions can also be vastly improved when treated with microneedling and the relevant serums combined. Pigmentation occurs in the skin usually through excessive sun exposure. Did you know that when we suntan our skin, the colour change is actually our body enduring an allergic reaction?! (Crazy right! all of a sudden, those sunbeds don’t sound so appealing!!) This reaction occurs through the melanin cells expanding at an abnormal rate and lifting to the surface of the skin. Through microneedling, we can breakdown the pockets of melanin and reprogram the skin to disperse these cells with a more even differentiation.
Enlarged pores– the size of pores differs from person to person, but also varies in size throughout different areas of the skin. We find that enlarged pores are more commonly found around the nose and cheek area of the face. By microneedling these areas, the improvement in texture of the skin can be vast through the induction of collagen to the area of larger pores which results in the reduction of size and appearance of enlarged pores.
A few of the benefits of microneedling worth also mentioning can be the improvement in hair loss, several different skin conditions such as acne and in some cases rosacea.
However, with these slightly more complex skin conditions – safeguarding is a must in order to protect these conditions from worsening.
If you are someone who could benefit from Microneedling, or your even just curious- then look no further. We offer the microneedling treatment complimentary through our model application programme with the Eclipse!
If you are interested in trying out the microneedling treatment, please see the “contact us” section on our home page and fill out a model request form to be contacted by a member of our team.