microneedling 101

Microneedling, once viewed with skepticism, can be an effective procedure to improve the skin. Microneedling, also referred to as percutaneous collagen induction, uses pen-shaped or roller devices armed with fine needles to make minuscule, evenly spaced punctures in the skin. The small wounds created by the needling devices, which sometimes allow a pinprick of blood to rise to the surface, induce the skin to start a wound healing response. The body rushes to patch up the injury by growing fresh collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are what give your skin its strength and ability to stretch and make it appear more youthful.

Microneedling is what is referred to as a type of fractional treatment, in which only a fraction of the surface of the skin is affected, leaving skin unharmed around each micro-wound. This allows for rapid healing and a short recovery time associated with the procedure. The healing response triggered by the treatment can also improve scarring, including acne scars, and help reverse skin damage from the sun.

In addition to stimulating production of new collagen and elastin, microneedling can also provide a means of getting therapeutic products through the skin barrier, where they can work more efficiently. It's also well tolerated by most skin types, including darker skin. Microneedling is not a quick fix. Changes with microneedling take time, because your body is actually repairing itself and growing new tissue.