You’ll likely have heard of microneedling, the minimally invasive treatment hailed by dermatologists. The procedure gets down into the epidermis via microscopic punctures, boosting collagen to create smoother, firmer and more even-toned skin.
Used to treat everything from fine lines to acne scarring and enlarged pores, this treatment requires no downtime – but how exactly does the procedure work, and what are the long-term benefits for the skin?
Microneedling is a procedure that uses short and fine sterilised needles to prick the skin, creating micro channels (or surface level punctures) in a cross-hatch formation. The resulting pinpricks are microscopic in size.
The end goal is to rejuvenate the skin through increased levels of collagen, hydration and tissue tightening. As our skin’s natural healing process responds to these pinpricks, the collagen produced results in a plumped and renewed appearance.
Amy Fiddler, Manager at The Light Salon says: “Creating controlled micro channels in the skin will allow deeper absorption of a chosen serum to work into the epidermis of the skin, giving added hydration, brightening and skin plumping effects. By applying controlled trauma to the skin through microneedling, the wound healing process is triggered, boosting the repair and regenerate process.”
The benefits of microneedling include the reduced appearance of scars, sun spots, wrinkles and enlarged pores. It can help to firm up crepe-like fine lines and ageing skin for a more youthful appearance. Microneedling can also reduce pigmentation to brighten and even skin tone, and offers an overall refresh of the complexion.
Are there any side-effects?
Microneedling is a safe and effective procedure but you should always consult with your dermatologist or doctor to make sure that it’s right for you. For example, the treatment is not appropriate for people using select acne medications and is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Amy explains that it’s normal to experience some minor redness or irritation after your microneedling procedure – including “micro-bruising, flaking and scabbing” – which should subside within a few days.
Side effects which are not normal include: “Large bruising, burst capillaries, and a compromised skin barrier that is taking more than 5-7 days to heal.”
She says: “We proceed cautiously with the depth of the needle, as we want to produce bouncy collagen, and a deeper needle depth can produce collagen that is tougher. We also use a stamping technique, so as not cause any form of scratching to the surface of the skin.”
The Light Salon’s therapists use a motorised Microneedling Pen, specifically designed to deliver the treatment using a stamping method. The controlled trauma is delivered in a cross-hatch formation which minimises unnecessary trauma like scratches or tearing, and works perfectly with our bodies’ natural collagen and elastin formation.
Used to treat everything from fine lines to acne scarring and enlarged pores, this treatment requires no downtime – but how exactly does the procedure work, and what are the long-term benefits for the skin?
What is microneedling?
Microneedling is a procedure that uses short and fine sterilised needles to prick the skin, creating micro channels (or surface level punctures) in a cross-hatch formation. The resulting pinpricks are microscopic in size.
The end goal is to rejuvenate the skin through increased levels of collagen, hydration and tissue tightening. As our skin’s natural healing process responds to these pinpricks, the collagen produced results in a plumped and renewed appearance.
Amy Fiddler, Manager at The Light Salon says: “Creating controlled micro channels in the skin will allow deeper absorption of a chosen serum to work into the epidermis of the skin, giving added hydration, brightening and skin plumping effects. By applying controlled trauma to the skin through microneedling, the wound healing process is triggered, boosting the repair and regenerate process.”
What are the benefits of microneedling?
The benefits of microneedling include the reduced appearance of scars, sun spots, wrinkles and enlarged pores. It can help to firm up crepe-like fine lines and ageing skin for a more youthful appearance. Microneedling can also reduce pigmentation to brighten and even skin tone, and offers an overall refresh of the complexion.
Are there any side-effects?
Microneedling is a safe and effective procedure but you should always consult with your dermatologist or doctor to make sure that it’s right for you. For example, the treatment is not appropriate for people using select acne medications and is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Amy explains that it’s normal to experience some minor redness or irritation after your microneedling procedure – including “micro-bruising, flaking and scabbing” – which should subside within a few days.
Side effects which are not normal include: “Large bruising, burst capillaries, and a compromised skin barrier that is taking more than 5-7 days to heal.”
How quickly will I see results?
In the short term, some of the initial plumping you’ll see is due to the inflammation caused by the treatment. Once any initial redness or irritation subsides, your skin should look plump and glowing for a few weeks. However, true results come from the skin healing process itself, and microneedling is best done in a series of 3 to 5 treatments, particularly if you’re targeting deep acne scars.What microneedling technology does The Light Salon use?
Amy explains that The Light Salon’s approach to microneedling concentrates on “triggering growth factors in the skin, rather than performing an aggressive treatment.”She says: “We proceed cautiously with the depth of the needle, as we want to produce bouncy collagen, and a deeper needle depth can produce collagen that is tougher. We also use a stamping technique, so as not cause any form of scratching to the surface of the skin.”
The Light Salon’s therapists use a motorised Microneedling Pen, specifically designed to deliver the treatment using a stamping method. The controlled trauma is delivered in a cross-hatch formation which minimises unnecessary trauma like scratches or tearing, and works perfectly with our bodies’ natural collagen and elastin formation.
Which products can I use alongside microneedling?
You can supercharge your microneedling treatment with a serum such as the Boost Hydrating Peptide Serum. Amy explains that this works to “hydrate, beta gluten improves the immunity of the skin, and peptides to stimulate ant-aging proteins within the skin.”
Alternatively, Amy suggests trying: “AQ Growth Factors, which are created with lab copied human growth factors, are recognised by the body and increases the growth factor cascading effect, to repair and regenerate quicker.”