Aging affects our bodies in many ways with one of the most noticeable areas of change being our face, and more specifically, the skin on our face. Over the years, the skin becomes drier, duller and more prone to the development of lines and wrinkles. Our faces also tend to lose their natural volume which can lead to sagging since the skin is no longer as tight as it once was.
Looking older, particularly when you look older than you really are, can be frustrating and upsetting. Fortunately, there are options that can help you to turn back the clock. One of the newest and most innovative solutions that can improve the appearance of your skin is microneedling.
What is microneedling?
Microneedling is a procedure that uses a special device to deliver hundreds of tiny pinpricks to the topmost layers of the skin. The needles are evenly spaced and applied with consistent pressure so that they are the same depth. These countless small wounds, which are sometimes deep enough to cause a pinprick of blood to rise to the surface of each one, serve an important purpose – they prompt your body to heal itself. In doing so, fresh, younger looking skin with fewer lines is produced, improving your overall appearance.
Since it is somewhat invasive, a topical anesthetic is usually provided ahead of your microneedling procedure which will help to keep you comfortable. Nevertheless, it is normal to experience some soreness, redness, and swelling in the first 48 hours following your treatment.
How microneedling can change your skin
Unsurprisingly, the concept of damaging your skin in order to encourage it to repair itself can come across a little confusing. However, that it exactly what makes microneedling so effective. When the skin is damaged, the body automatically ramps up the production of certain substances that are needed to heal it, including the most important building block of healthy, youthful skin – collagen.
Collagen is a vital protein that gives the skin its smooth, stretchy texture when we are younger and helps to keep our face looking fresh and youthful. Unfortunately, our natural production of collagen slows down as we get older, causing our skin to lose its elasticity, becoming thinner and more prone to lines and wrinkles as well as to other signs of aging. Skin can also lose collagen as a result of issues such as acne scarring.
When the skin is traumatized through microneedling, it increases the production of collagen to repair it, creating skin that is new, smooth, unlined and much more youthful. This is the core technique behind the microneedling procedure. However, in addition to this benefit, experts have discovered that the wounds enable quicker and more effective penetration of age-fighting serums and topical treatments that can help keep skin even more hydrated and rejuvenated.
How long does it take to see the results of microneedling?
Microneedling is very effective, but it is not a quick fix. The process of skin regeneration can take several weeks, so it is not uncommon for it to be a few months before patients can see the full effects of their treatment. Once they become apparent, patients should notice a reduction in wrinkles, diminished scarring and smoother, tighter and brighter-looking skin.
If you would like to learn more about microneedling and the benefits it offers, please don’t hesitate to contact our knowledgeable team.
