What is Micro-Needling and Do I Need It?
What is Micro-needling?
Micro-needling uses controlled micro-injuries to the epidermis (top layer of skin) and dermis (middle layer of skin). Using controlled trauma, micro-needling triggers the body’s wound healing response increasing collagen production in the treated skin.
Benefits of Micro-needling?
Micro-needling improves the way the skin looks and feels by reducing;
Acne scars
Fine lines & Wrinkles
Enlarged pores (Fun Fact: Micro-needling is one of the only treatments to help with this concern!)
Hyperpigmentation and sunspots
Loss of elasticity
Uneven skin texture
Stretch marks
Uneven skin tone
How does Micro-needling work?
Surgical-grade micro-needles reach beyond the epidermis into the dermis, causing pin-point bleeding - triggering the body’s healing response.
Within minutes, the perforated channels close and the healing cascade begins, invading the area with collagen-producing fibroblasts and growth-promoting properties.
New organized collagen & elastin forms, bolstering from within, while the epidermis becomes thicker and more supple each time a treatment is performed.
What to expect during and after Micro-needling?
Healing may vary depending on skin type
During Treatment: The area is numbed for 15 minutes. Treatment time takes about 1 hour.
Right After/Day 1: Expect possible redness, swelling, darkened capillaries, pin-point bleeding and a tight feeling on the skin.
Day 2: Soreness, redness and swelling with possible flaking and a tight feeling on the skin.
Day 3: Small pin-point scabs and flaking with possible redness. Sand paper like skin.
Day 4: Flaking with pin-point scabs, sand paper like skin.
Day 5: Minimal to no flaking of skin.
Day 6: Minimal to no flaking of skin.
Day 7: Minimal to no flaking of skin.
What After Care do I need Post Micro-needling:
The reason for a proper after care routine post micro-needling is due to the increased absorption rate. After micro-needling your skins absorption rate increases by 200% in-comparison to the usual 7.5% . This means if you use an active that is not pure, is expired, or exfoliating it can irritate the skin and cause adverse effects.
Day 1-2: Avoid the sun as much as possible. If possible, stay indoors. Only using the supplied hyaluronic acid. Apply whenever your skin is feeling tight/dry. Expect a mild burning/tingling sensation.
For the first 24hrs do not:
Cleanse the Skin
Apply your daily skincare
Apply SPF
Day 2: You can cleanse the skin with a gentle cleanser. Continue only using the supplied hyaluronic acid until complete.
Day 3-5: Only use calming & hydrating products.
We recommend:
Day 5-7: Can use active ingredients such as retinol, exfoliants, AHAs, BHAs.
Preparing for Micro-needling?
1.If using Accutane you must complete your Accutane treatment a minimum of 2 weeks prior.
2.Must wait 2 weeks post-filler injectables before receiving a micro-needling treatment.
3.Do not use topical agents that may increase the sensitivity of your skin such as retinoids, exfoliants, topical antibiotics or acids 5-7 days prior to your treatment.
Micro-needling vs. home rollers
Micro-needling is much more precise and intensive. It is a more sanitary treatment in comparison to using a home roller. In our opinion it is safer to go to a professional, with an untrained hand and improper cleaning protocol when using a home roller you are more prone to possible infections and irritation.
How to achieve optimal results with Micro-needling
For optimal results we recommend 3-6 sessions depending on concern and condition of the skin.
Micro-needling should be booked 4-6 weeks apart.
Results will continue up to 6 months following the treatment.
Cost of Treatment
Micro-needling can cost an average of $300-$400. This is a standard prices as each treatment is a one time use, including a sterile head piece and pre-packaged hyaluronic acid. If a clinic’s price is $200 and lower, we suggest to question the quality of the equipment and after care.
Micro-needling Before & After
Expert Tip:
Micro-needling should only trigger your type 1 collagen which makes up 90% of your collagen. In order to achieve this you want to ensure you are getting treated with the proper equipment and an educated professional. For example; Dr.Pen is a common micro-needling pen used in profession settings, but it is not Heath Canada approved as it causes tears in the skin stimulating collagen type 2 production which is also known as emergency wound healing. This can leave your skin with more scarring.
At Self.Skin Medical Spa we only used Health Canada approved equipment to ensure you get the most effective and safe treatment.
Key factors to look for when getting Micro-needling;
Is the equipment wireless? If yes, beware that a cordless Micro-needling machine may vary in consistency. As an electric device, it outputs consistent power which means consistent performance. A battery operated device outputs inconsistent power.
During treatment if the professional is not using a pre-packaged head piece and hyaluronic acid you may be prone to an infection for unsanitary reasons.
After care: If you are not supplied with after care or if they give you actives other then hyaluronic acid, run away run far away!
