What is Microneedling and what effects does it have?

Microneedling – the name of the beauty trend does sound a bit painful. But despite the “ouch” name, facial treatment is on everyone’s lips. Numerous Hollywood stars swear by the treatment, which is also known as mesotherapy. And what is good for Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston & Co. can’t be bad for us after all, right?

We explain what Microneedling is, how it works and what this miracle treatment really does.

What is Microneedling?

During the anti-aging facial treatment, the cosmetician or dermatologist irritates the top layer of skin with a roller-shaped rolling device, called a dermaroller. The Dermaroller is equipped with wafer-thin needles in various lengths from only 0.2 to 2.5 mm. This allows the highly concentrated active ingredients of a serum to act better, which is then applied exactly where they can act effectively. In addition, the body signals to the epidermis that these mini injuries need to be repaired and releases increased amounts of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.

What methods exist?

As an alternative to the application with the Dermaroller, the treatment can also be carried out with a so-called Dermapen. The main difference to the Dermaroller is that the length of the needle can be adjusted by a twist mechanism. This allows the cosmetician to regulate the penetration depth of the needle before, and even during the treatment within a range of 0.1 to 2.5 mm. In general, the Dermaroller is better suited for larger treatments, while the Dermapen allows more precise work and targeted treatment of even hard-to-reach skin areas. However, the two methods do not differ in their effect and effectiveness.

A further alternative is the Dermastamp. Unlike the Dermaroller, the Dermastamp has a flat head to which the needles are attached. Instead of rolling over the area of the face, or body, to be treated, the Dermastamp is applied like a stamp, which presses under light pressure the area that needs to be treated. This causes the needle puncture to take place in a vertical direction, while the rolling movement of the Dermaroller causes the needles to penetrate the skin in a curved direction. Like the Dermapen, the Dermastamp is therefore more suitable for smaller areas of application and the treatment of individual points.

What are the benefits of Microneedling?

The great thing is that the interplay of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid is said to offer the solution for just about every skin problem from wrinkles and pigmentation marks, through pregnancy and stretch marks to acne scars. Because collagen strengthens the connective tissue, elastin – as the name suggests – provides elasticity and hyaluronic acid ensures that moisture is stored. Additional anti-aging effect is not possible! Even better: You don’t have to wait long for the results. Already after the first session, the skin should look significantly firmer, younger and fresher.

What are the proven effects of Microneedling?

There are numerous scientific studies on the effects of microneedling. For example, scientists at Marquette University in Milwaukee, USA, found that microneedling can not only influence hyperpigmentation, for example in the form of age or pigmentation spots, but they have also shown visible results in the treatment of acne.

The results are even more impressive in a study on the treatment of atrophic scars on the face: In an Indian study, 34 out of 36 treated subjects achieved a reduction in the severity of their scarring by one or two degrees.

Scientists from the University of Federico II in Naples also found in a study on the treatment of upper lip wrinkles, that the severity of the wrinkles was greatly reduced after only two sessions.

What should I be aware of when using Microneedling?

For a microneedling treatment you should definitely consult a professional. The anti-aging treatment is now offered in numerous cosmetic studios, and by many dermatologists. Even if the needles do not penetrate deeply into the skin, there is a certain risk of infection with microneedling. Therefore, when choosing a doctor or a beauty salon, you should make sure that the equipment, and the surrounding area are in perfect hygienic conditions. Dangers and side effects do not threaten when used correctly. Only directly after the Microneedling treatment can skin redness occur. It is also possible that small bleedings are still visible a few days after the treatment, but these disappear after a short time. As the skin is – temporarily – more sensitive to external influences such as harmful UV rays after Microneedling, you should avoid the sun for at least a week after your visit to the cosmetician or dermatologist, and use a cream with a high sun-protection factor every day. For a 60 to 90-minute session you can expect to pay about 300 euros. Experts recommend an interval of about four weeks between treatments.

Who should avoid Microneedling?

In principle, microneedling is suitable for all skin types. But important to remember: microneedling should only be used on intact skin. Injured or inflamed skin areas, such as open pimples or broken out herpes, must be completely healed before the treatment. Even if you suffer from infectious diseases or diabetes, or are taking medication that inhibits blood clotting, you should still consult your doctor before taking microneedling. Microneedling is also not recommended in the case of cancer, and during chemo- or radiotherapy treatment.

For all others, the positive effects have been proven: No matter whether the treatment is with Dermaroller, Dermapen or Dermastamp – microneedling reduces enlarged pores and wrinkles, scars, stretch marks or pigmentation disorders.

If you want a fresher look and a more even, radiant complexion, microneedling can make your dream come true.