Collagen and elastin are vital proteins that help keep the skin firm, clear, and appearing youthful. However, various lifestyle factors can impact their production, leading to changes in texture and appearance.
As a result, many people are looking for a solution to these concerns. Skin needling is a minimally invasive, non-surgical cosmetic procedure that uses tiny, sterilised needles to stimulate the skin’s natural collagen production. It is shown to improve skin tone, texture, and elasticity while reducing the appearance of scars, congestion and large pores, and wrinkles.
In this post, we cover everything you need to know about skin needling, from how it works and its benefits to what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure.
What is Skin Needling?
Skin needling, also referred to as microneedling therapy or collagen induction therapy, is a simple, safe, and minimally invasive skin procedure. While it was initially developed for skin rejuvenation, it is now widely used to address a variety of skin concerns, including:
- Acne and other various scars
- Stretch marks
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Sagging skin
- Pigmentation
- Redness
- Pore Reduction
The procedure uses a specialised device equipped with fine, sterilised needles. There are two main types of devices used in skin needling:
- Dermaroller: A drum-shaped tool covered with needles that roll across the skin in multiple directions, creating micro-injuries along the way.
- Needling Device: An automated device that delivers precise, vertical needle penetration with adjustable depths, offering more targeted and accurate treatment.
How Does Skin Needling Work?
These needles create tiny punctures, or microchannels, in the skin’s surface to trigger the skin’s natural healing response. This stimulates the formation of new collagen and elastin. The procedure follows 3 distinct phases that start after treatment and last several weeks while your immune system cleanses and begins healing the micro-wounds.
- Inflammatory Phase: Occurs after the needles pierce the skin. The body responds by sending immune cells to cleanse the area. Blood flow increases, and the skin begins to repair the micro-wounds, preparing for new tissue growth.
- Proliferative Phase: In this phase, the skin rebuilds itself by forming new tissue and microscopic blood vessels, helping to close the microchannels created during the procedure.
- Remodelling Phase: Once the wound is closed, new dermal tissues and blood vessels replace the “damaged” skin. The collagen that forms during this phase helps to smooth out the skin’s surface. Over time, scar tissue may flatten, and the skin’s texture and tone may improve.
What Are The Benefits Of Skin Needling?
Skin needling offers a range of benefits that make it an appealing option for individuals looking to improve skin structure, tone, and overall appearance. Some of the most common benefits include:
- Smoother, Firmer Skin: Skin needling stimulates collagen and elastin production, leading to visibly smoother and firmer skin. In fact, research indicates that with as few as four skin needling sessions, spaced a month apart, collagen production can increase by up to 400%.
- Minimised Pores: By encouraging new collagen growth, skin needling helps tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, leaving the complexion more refined and even.
- Improved Appearance of Scars: Skin needling is effective at reducing the appearance of scars caused by acne, surgery, or other injury. The process promotes the remodelling of scar tissue, helping to smooth and even out the skin’s surface.
- Reduction in Sun Damage and Pigmentation: Skin needling can address sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone by stimulating the skin’s natural repair processes. This makes it an excellent option for reducing the visibility of discolouration and achieving a brighter complexion.
- Safe for All Skin Types: Skin needling is safe for all skin types, including darker and sensitive skin. Unlike cosmetic procedures that rely on heat, light, or lasers, microneedling works by creating micro-injuries in the dermis (the superficial layer of the skin) minimising the risk of hyperpigmentation or irritation. It is also suitable for areas of the skin that are not ideal for peeling or laser resurfacing, such as the delicate areas near the eyes.
- Minimal Downtime: Skin needling is minimally invasive, and recovery time is typically short. Most people experience only mild redness or swelling that resolves within a few days, allowing them to return to their normal activities quickly.
Safety Considerations and Contraindications
While skin needling is a minimally invasive and generally safe procedure, it is essential to understand the potential risks, side effects, and situations where the treatment may not be suitable. This ensures the best outcomes while minimising complications.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
As with any cosmetic procedure, skin needling carries a small risk of side effects, especially if post-treatment care is not properly adhered to. However, these risks are significantly reduced through our thorough consultation and professional assessment. Known risks and side effects include:
- Skin irritation, redness, or swelling.
- Infection if proper aftercare is not followed.
- Scarring in rare cases.
- Acne flare-ups or irritation of existing skin conditions.
If you notice any unusual reaction, be sure to follow-up with your therapist to ensure a successful and safe recovery.
Who Should Avoid Skin Needling?
While skin needling is suitable for most individuals, certain conditions and situations make the procedure unsuitable. You should avoid skin needling if you:
- Are pregnant.
- Have undergone laser resurfacing within the last three months.
- Currently have a bacterial or fungal infection.
- Suffer from active cold sores or other skin infections.
- Have a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring.
- Are prone to post-inflammatory pigmentation.
- Have tested positive for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or HIV.
- Have areas of skin that are numb or lack sensation.
- Injectable treatments within the last 2 weeks
- Have undergone radiation treatment within the last 12 months.
The Importance of Professional Expertise
While it is common to find at-home-skin-needling devices available, the key to achieving safe and effective lies in professional expertise.
At Esteem Clinic, our qualified dermal therapist conducts a thorough assessment of your skin to identify potential risks and create a personalised treatment plan. We use high-quality, sterilised tools and adhere to strict hygiene and safety protocols to minimise the risk of infection. We will also adjust our technique and approach to target specific concerns effectively, ensuring optimal results.
What To Expect During A Skin Needling Session?
At Esteem Clinic, our skin needling procedure is efficient and straightforward. Depending on the area being treated and the severity of the skin concern, a session typically takes up to 45 minutes to complete. Here is a close look at what you can expect:
1. Assessment and Consultation
Before the treatment, a thorough consultation with your dermal therapist will be conducted. During this assessment, your dermal therapist will evaluate your skin’s texture, tone, elasticity, and address any specific skin concerns you may have. In a consultation, we will also discuss your desired outcomes, expectations, and review your medical history to ensure that skin needling is appropriate for you.
You will be asked about any pre-existing skin conditions, allergies, ongoing treatments, or previous cosmetic procedures, which helps us understand your skincare history and tailor the treatment plan accordingly.
2. Skin Preparation
On the day of the procedure, it’s important that no lotions, makeup, or other topical products are applied to the treatment area. This reduces any sensitivity and allows the skin to be fully prepped for the procedure.
3. The Treatment Process
Once your skin is prepared, the treatment begins. The skin needling device, fitted with a sterile, disposable head, creates precise micro-punctures in the skin in a controlled pattern. For enhanced results, we can also incorporate Tensage 40 ampoules into your treatment, depending on your specific skin needs and goals.
Does Skin Needling Hurt?
As a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment, skin needling causes little to no discomfort. However, several factors should be considered including needle length and your individual pain tolerance. While the skin is prepped and numbed before the procedure, you may experience a tingling or light prickling sensation, especially in sensitive areas.
4. Post-Treatment Care and Recovery
Skin needling typically involves little to no downtime. Most clients can resume their normal activities shortly after treatment, but it’s essential to follow any post-treatment care instructions to ensure optimal results and skin healing.
After the procedure, you may experience slight tingling or warmth in the skin, which is normal and will resolve in 24 to 48 hours. Your skin will appear red, much like a mild sunburn, for up to three days. Swelling or bruising may also occur, though this varies from person to person.
Proper post-treatment care is essential for optimal healing and results. At Esteem Clinic, we provide personalised recovery instructions tailored to your skin’s needs. These may include:
- Use prescribed creams for 3-5 days post-treatment to alleviate irritation.
- Avoid using skincare with ingredients such as AHA’s, BHA’s, Retin-A, and exfoliation products for at least five days after your procedure.
- Resist touching or scratching the treated area, as this can cause irritation or complications.
- Avoid direct exposure to the sun for at least two weeks. Always apply SPF 30+ or 50+ sunscreen daily.
- Stay away from activities such as saunas, hot showers, intense exercise, and swimming for 24 hours post-treatment.
- Do not pick or exfoliate your skin for 3-5 days, as this could introduce bacteria or cause infection.
Recovery and Results
Recovery after skin needling begins almost immediately, but, noticeable improvements in skin texture and tone develop gradually over time.
Immediately following the procedure, you may experience redness and mild swelling, similar to a light sunburn, which typically lasts for the first 48 hours. During days 3-7, your skin may feel dry and flaky as it undergoes its natural shedding process, revealing fresh skin underneath.
When to Expect Visible Improvements
Initial improvements in skin texture are often noticeable within 1-3 days as the skin begins to heal. However, more significant changes typically appear between 2-4 weeks post-treatment, as collagen production increases. The most dramatic results are usually seen after 4-6 weeks, once new collagen has fully formed and the skin has had time to remodel.
For optimal and lasting results, a series of treatments is typically recommended, spaced 4-6 weeks apart. While most clients see significant improvement after 3-6 sessions, depending on individual skin needs, maintenance treatments are essential to preserve these results.
Therefore, once you’ve completed your initial needling course, we advise scheduling a standalone session every three months to maintain your achieved results.
Not only does this help sustain the improvements in skin texture, tone, and elasticity, but it also enhances the skin’s ability to absorb and benefit from at-home skincare products.
Key Takeaways
Skin needling is a proven and effective treatment for addressing a wide range of skin concerns, from fine lines and wrinkles to acne scars and uneven tone. While initial improvements are often visible within days, the most significant changes develop over the following weeks as your skin’s natural healing processes take effect.
Understanding the benefits, process, and recovery will empower you to make an informed choice about whether skin needling is right for you.
With over two decades of expertise, Esteem Clinic offers a patient-centered approach, tailoring each treatment plan to suit your unique skin concerns and goals. Our experienced team combines cutting-edge aesthetic technologies with advanced techniques to deliver safe, effective, and personalised care.
Book your consultation with us today.
