As we age, our skin starts to lose its youthful radiance. Wrinkles, fine lines, skin damage due to long exposure to harmful UV rays and pollution, hyperpigmentation, and skin diseases appear with age. This is why there is a constant need for effective skin care and procedures around the world.
Thanks to persistent research in dermatology, many new procedures have been developed to enhance skin rejuvenation. In this blog, we will explore if microneedling is suitable for all skin types.
Microneedling and its Health Benefits
Microneedling is a less invasive procedure done by using fine microneedles that stimulate the normal wound-healing process by regenerating skin tissue to improve the skin in different parts of the body. It causes an increased production of collagen and elastin within the skin layers by creating a fiber network to tighten the skin.
There are many health benefits of microneedling as it helps to relieve quite a lot of aging symptoms and skin conditions such as wrinkles, crow’s feet, dyschromia, acne scarring, rosacea, stretch marks, facial scars, and hyperpigmentation.
Multiple types of microneedling are available, such as manual microneedling, RF microneedling (radiofrequency microneedling), and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP).
Although microneedling can be done at home using a DIY kit, it’s better to get it done by a medically approved dermatologist or esthetician.
Skin Type Suitability
Given the less downtime, microneedling is an effective and efficient treatment. It is suitable for most skin types:
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Saggy or loose skin
Due to aging, our skin loses its elasticity. It can become saggy or is hanging loose. As microneedling boosts the production of collagen and elastin fiber network, it helps to tighten the skin, making it look smooth and youthful.
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Fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet
Microneedling helps to reduce other age symptoms such as fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet. Collagen and elastin work together to enhance skin texture. Procedures such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)Therapy enrich the skin with your own platelets, extracted as a small sample before the microneedling process starts.
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Skin pigmentation correction
Hyperpigmentation or dark spots can be corrected by microneedling. It usually takes a few sessions to get the desired results. Other skin conditions such as melasma can be treated too.
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Textured skin types
Multiple studies done in the scientific journal, Dermatologic Surgery, show that microneedling is effective for treating skin conditions such as striae distensae (stretch marks), rosacea, and dyschromia, which cause discoloration, and patchy or flaky skin.
When should you avoid microneedling/ When to avoid microneedling?
According to the FDA, microneedling is a safe procedure, however, certain things need to be taken into consideration before proceeding with the procedure.
Allergies and skin sensitivity
As part of the procedure, a numbing topical cream is applied before the start. If you are allergic to certain medications, you should let your esthetician know about it before starting the procedure.
Make sure you clearly state what creams, ointments, or chemicals you are allergic to, or have a sensitivity to, when you discuss the treatment with your esthetician. They will be able to guide you throughout the treatment and whether or not you should opt for this process.
Also, you should ask about the suitable type of after-care for your skin, based on your skin type and the medications that are suitable for you.
Weak immune system
As microneedling requires puncturing the skin, there would be minimal bleeding. However, if you have immune system conditions such as blood clotting or bleeding disorders, slow healing, or take blood thinners, then it is advisable to avoid microneedling.
Pre-treatment procedures
If you are undergoing other skin treatments, then it is advisable to postpone your microneedling procedure. If you have any of the following in the planned treatment area, please consider consulting with an approved dermatologist or esthetician to discuss the procedure:
- Radiation treatment
- Severe acne or scar treatment
- Skin cancer or tumor treatment
- Keloid or hypertrophic scars
- Eczema or other open wounds in the planned treatment area
Conclusion
Microneedling is a safe procedure that is minimally invasive and has a quicker downtime than other treatments. It is a great procedure for anti-aging, thanks to the boosted production of collagen and elastin.
Factors such as allergies, skin sensitivity, and weakened immune systems need to be discussed properly with your dermatologist to understand which treatment would be the best option for you. You should also cross-check to avoid cross-contamination by asking your esthetician if the device has been cleaned and disinfected in between uses.
Since it usually takes a few to several sessions to get the desired results, a follow-up is necessary.
The best practice is to know which procedure is the most suitable for your skin type. Finally, consult with a medically approved dermatologist or esthetician.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Is microneedling safe?
Yes, microneedling is a safe procedure that is a microsurgial process with very little downtime and a quick recovery.
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What are the health benefits of microneedling?
Skin pigmentation discoloration, textured skin, and aging symptoms can be treated by microneedling.
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What factors to consider before microneedling?
Skin diseases or conditions that take time to recover or heal, immune diseases should be considered before microneedling.
