WHAT IS MICRONEEDLING? How does microneedling work? Everything you need to know about microneedling.

According to a 2008 study, skin treated with four microneedling sessions spaced one month apart, produced up to a 400% increase in collagen and elastin six months after completing treatment!

How does microneedling work?

Microneedling is a form of Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), as it creates tiny, controlled injuries underneath the skin’s surface. The injury induces the body to respond through wound healing to create a new tissue.

The wound healing process is quite complex but in short: there is a rush of macrophages to the injury, which digest anything that does not have, on its surface, proteins that are specific to healthy body cells, including cancer cells, microbes, debris, foreign substances etc. Then fibroblasts begin to accumulate on the injury site, and one of their most important duties is the production of collagen! From 10 hours after the injury Type III collagen and fibronectin generally begin to be produced. Later on - from day 3 - the collagen type III will be replaced by collagen type I which is much stronger (found in young skins).

In addition to inducing collagen, the channels made from the micro-needles enhance the absorption of topical serums and creams by up to 300%!

From microneedling alone, you will look plump, pink, and luminous for a couple of weeks. On a short-term basis, it plumps the skin and makes the skin look more radiant from inflammation and very superficial swelling. However, because the efficacy of microneedling comes from the skin healing itself, some people may only see intense results after a few sessions.

At Beauty Architect Aesthetics we supercharge the microneedling by using appropriate serums to boost the treatment. So this way we work on the skin in two different ways:

- mechanical - by creating those tiny wounds that induce collagen and elastin,

as well as

- by using serums to deliver nutrients, vitamins, peptides etc. deeper into the skin to further improve the skin condition and tackle its problems efficiently.

Microneedling causes your skin to plumpen and thicken, ultimately reducing the appearance of scars, fine lines and other skin texture changes. In most cases there's a need to perform four-to-six treatments, each spaced at two-to-six week intervals. You may require a series of sessions to obtain your desired outcome.

Here are some microneedling results.

Please note these were obtained after 5-6 microneedling sessions.

Who is a good candidate for Microneedling?

Anyone with:

• Fine lines or moderate wrinkles, uneven texture of the skin

• Moderate skin laxity (looseness)

• Diminished texture, tone, colour, no ‘glow’

• Pigmentation

• Atrophic (depressed) acne scars

• Stretch marks

• Traumatic scars

• Sun damage

Who is NOT a good candidate for Microneedling? Anyone with:

• Keloid scars

• Scleroderma, collagen vascular diseases or fungal infection

• Immunosuppressed

• Pregnant or nursing

• History of severe eczema

• Psoriasis and other chronic conditions

Relative contraindications that can be managed through the procedure:

• History of so called 'cold sores' infections (this can be managed with medication prescribed before first procedure)

• History diabetes

• Presence of raised moles or warts on the targeted area (can be avoided)
  

What happens during the procedure?

At Beauty Architect Aesthetics, we use the latest dermapen which allows for controlled induction of the skin’s self-repair mechanism by creating micro “injuries,” which trigger new collagen synthesis. The procedure is performed in a safe and precise manner with the use of the sterile microneedle cartridge for single use only.

Numbing cream is applied prior to the microneedling treatment to minimise any pain that is felt during the procedure. Clients typically find it to be almost painless, with the exception of sensitive e.g. above the top lip and nose.

The microneedling procedure is normally completed within 30-60 minutes, depending on the required treatment and anatomical site.

Are there side effects to microneedling? Is there downtime required to recover from the procedure?

After the procedure, the skin will be red and flushed in appearance in a similar way to a moderate sunburn. You may also experience skin tightness and mild sensitivity to touch on the area being treated. The skin’s redness will diminish greatly after a few hours following the treatment, but it may stay reddish for a couple of days.

You should leave your skin alone, for the rest of the day post treatment, don't wash it, expose it to high heat, sweat too much (that means no sun, no gym, no hot yoga).

Within 24 hours, the surface of the skin typically appears and feels more normal, yet dull. This is completely normal, your skin has been boosted so the renewal process is happening much quicker. Your skin is healing now. After three days, the skin is often healed and your normal appearance fully restored. Usually from day 6 you'll see your new glowing skin.

What is the aftercare?

For the first three days, it is important to avoid sun exposure and sweaty activity. Also use SPF +30 minimum.

How to deal with skin after microneedling?

• If you have any signs or symptoms of a cold sore, take antiviral tablets - ideally you should start taking them a few days ahead of the treatment.

• Avoid sweaty gym workouts/exercise, hospital settings where you might be exposed to an infection, dirty jobs (like cleaning the bathroom, etc.) for three days after the procedure.

• No mineral sunscreen or makeup (containing Zinc or Titanium) for two days after the procedure, try to avoid the sun during this time ie. no sunbathing, use high SPF +30.

• No vitamin C serum or retinoids for four days after the procedure.

• No glycolic acid for four days after the procedure.

• Men: Avoid shaving for three-four days after the procedure (you may start shaving when your skin does not feel irritated anymore).

How to achieve the best results with microneedling?

For best results a course of 4 to 6 treatments may be required (depending on your skin condition), performed ideally once a month. Additionally, to further boost the treatment outcome we can combine it with Advanced Medical Peel such as BioRePeel CL3.

How much is microneedling?

Microneedling in Peterborough, at Beauty Architect Aesthetics costs only:

£65 when purchased as a course of 4 treatments.

To see if Microneedling is suitable for you, please book a Free Skin Consultation with our Aesthetic Practitioner. She will be able to advise the best treatments for your skin's needs.

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