Before we tackle the benefits of microneedling, let’s first review what the procedure is.
What is Microneedling?
Even though the first recorded procedure of microneedling was in 1905, it was not the procedure we have today. The process we know today was not invented until 1995 by Dr. Desmond Fernandes in Philadelphia.
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that involves pricking the skin with tiny and sterile needles. It is otherwise referred to as collagen induction therapy due to its medical benefits (more on this later). Dermatologists use this process to treat various skin conditions such as scars, wrinkles, acne, skin hyperpigmentation, or loose skin.
The process of pricking the skin with tiny needles causes physical trauma that triggers a specific reaction from the skin. The trauma initiates the natural healing of the derma. It is from this self-reparation of the skin that we get the medical benefits of microneedling.
Medical Microneedling Benefits
There are many studies certifying the medical benefits of microneedling. However, its benefits are limited to the skin.
There are three steps in the body’s reaction to microneedling. These steps are inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. These steps basically replace the skin anew.
Inflammation is the immune system disinfecting the wounds inflicted by microneedling. This phase involves removing debris in the skin, increasing the blood flow in the area, and creating new tissue.
Proliferation is the process of the skin rebuilding itself. The skin produces new skin cells, temporary collagen and elastin, and a new network of blood vessels.
Remodeling takes the collagen from proliferation and uses that collagen to remodel the skin. The skin contracts and tightens.
Medical microneedling benefits are hidden within these three phases the skin performs after a microneedling session.
Softens the Appearance of Lines and Wrinkles
A lot of factors contribute to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. A few of these are exposure to the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays, the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin, or even years upon years of facial expressions.
But when microneedling deliberately wounds the skin’s surface, the derma’s healing process kicks in and starts doing repairs. Part of the healing initiative is producing new collagen and elastin compounds when the skin regenerates its new skin cells. Collagen and elastin add structure and strength.
With the production of new collagen and elastin compounds, the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines such as crow’s feet, bunny lines, or cobblestone chin soften.
Repairs Sun Damage
We mentioned above that the sun’s ultraviolet rays damage the skin. Fortunately, micro-needling aids in repairing those damages the sun inflicts. The damage the sun inflicts includes blotchy and overly pigmented skin and sun spots.
When the tiny needles from the micro-needling pen wound the upper layer of the skin, the skin is forced to replace damaged skin cells. The new skin cells are healthier and are colored the same as your natural complexion. The rejuvenation process, which microneedling kickstarts, replaces overly pigmented skin cells with fresher and healthier cells.
Scar Repair
Collagen provides strength and structure to the skin. Micro-channels form in the dermis when tiny needles puncture the skin during a microneedling treatment. The micro-channels stimulate collagen production.
The new collagen helps the skin repair itself. Microneedling makes the skin repair all sorts of scars, including acne scars. However, it can’t fix raised scars (also known as keloid scars).
Diminishing Stretch Marks
Stretch marks form when the dermis (the center layer of the skin, between the epidermis and hypodermis) is stretched beyond its power of flexibility. As it extends, the collagen weakens, and the skin around it loses its youthful appearance. What’s left is what we see as stretch marks.
In the third phase of the body’s self-reparation after a microneedling treatment, the skin tightens. This tightening action diminishes stretch marks.
Treating Alopecia
When microneedling earned its cosmetic reputation in 1995, scientists began looking at it as a potential cure for alopecia or hair loss.
Aside from generating new collagen and elastin, the skin forms new skin cells and blood vessels due to the deliberate wounds caused by microneedling. Scientists learned that the skin also repairs stem cells within hair follicles in the proliferation process. The revived stem cells within the hair follicles can trigger new hair growth.
Better Absorption of Products
Aside from treating alopecia, microneedling is also known to boost the effects of products used to treat hair loss. This effect is very similar to how nano infusion facial therapy, in which nanotips open micro-channels within the skin and help it absorb nutrients better by 97%. Since microneedling also opens channels within the skin, it stands to reason that it also helps improve the skin’s absorption of products.
After a microneedling procedure, your skin can better absorb nutrients from applied products.
Reversing Rosacea
Rosacea is a common skin condition identified by redness and visible blood vessels. It may also produce red, pus-filled bumps. One of the known causes of rosacea is an abrupt decline in the skin’s collagen amount.
And, as explained repeatedly, microneedling initiates an increased production of collagen in the skin. This immediately combats and reverses the effects of rosacea. Additionally, since the skin will create new and healthier skin cells and blood vessels, the visible redness of rosacea is reversed after a microneedling session.
Do You Need Medical Microneedling?
Other benefits include more radiant skin, treating large pores, eliminating dark spots, and more. And thankfully, the treatment is ideal for anyone as it works with any skin type. Only a few conditions prevent anyone from getting the treatment (pregnancy, active acne, or other skin conditions).
Medical microneedling benefits are not limited to the list provided here. To reap all the benefits of microneedling, visit Biorestoration Medical and Aesthetics today. Healthful beauty is just readily available to you – contact us today!
