What Is It?

Microneedling (also known as collagen induction therapy) is a treatment that uses tiny sterilized needles to micro-puncture the skin, stimulating your skin to produce more collagen and elastin. It basically tricks your body by using its own natural healing ability to improve your skin. Your body thinks your skin has been injured and begins to heal itself, resulting in reduced fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and scarring. Microneedling also works to improve texture, laugh lines, large pores, sun damage, stretch marks and more.

Details

The treatment can take between 10 and 30 minutes depending on the areas being treated. You’ll need between 4 and 6 treatments to see a signifiant difference.

The price typically ranges between $200-$700 per treatment depending on your esthetician/dermatologist and where you’re located. Price also depends on which ingredients or serums you add to your treatment. Asha Rayner of Abraza Skin Studio says if you’re in your twenties and want to get a head start when it comes to an anti-aging routine, an ingredient like hyaluronic acid would be best. These acids really plump up the skin to reduce fine lines and boost hydration. She also says for “acne, scars, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and for true anti-aging, stem cells accompanied by the appropriate acids, or the latest in research, amniotic fluid combined with plasma will induce the best outcome.”

The purpose of adding in these ingredients is to provide your skin with the full benefits as they work much more effectively and penetrate the skin much deeper after microneedling. After speaking with your dermatologist about your goals, they will recommend which ingredient or combination is best and form a treatment plan.

Keep in mind after age 35, the body stops producing collagen so keeping up with a good skin care routine and collagen induction is key, says Asha.

Microneedling vs Fillers

When it comes to dermal fillers, once they wear off, your skin will revert to its original appearance which is why you must continue going back for more. Injectables provide short-term results where as microneedling will improve your skin over time as it’s working with the body’s natural abilities. But depending on the severity of the area you’re looking to treat, sometimes microneedling may not be enough to get your desired look. It’s recommended you speak with your dermatologist on which option is best for you.

Microneedling vs Peels

A combination of a peel and microneedling can work amazingly well together depending the area and problem you are trying to treat. They both treat many of the same issues and sometimes only one of the two is needed. Other times, your dermatologist may recommend a treatment plan using both methods for the best results.

Before & Afters

Afterwards

After a microneedling treatment, letting the skin be is super important. You’re not supposed to wash your face, wear makeup for about 24 hours, or expose your skin to high heat or sweat. Your dermatologist will give you real aftercare instructions but plan to take it easy when it comes to your face and  get ready for new and improved skin!

Also, it is very crucial to consider all recommendations in terms of maintenance to enhance the outcome, says Asha. She explains that, “Greater than 70% of the battle in terms of significant changes to skin health begins with home care. It’s crucial to have the appropriate regime that includes clean and concentrated ingredients formulated to address concerns post treatment”.

Most dermatologists and aestheticians will recommend products that work best for your skin during your appointment, but in case they don’t here are the must-haves:

• Retinol
• Vitamin C or a brightening serum
• Some type of SPF (to be used daily)
• Hyaluronic acid serum

If they don’t recommend any of these, be sure to ask them which products they’d suggest. They’re all important to add to a skin care regime regardless of any treatment but using them after microneedling will boost and maintain your results.

You may also schedule a free virtual consultation here with Abraza Skin Studio for concentrated product recommendations based on your skin’s needs and goals. Products suggested by a dermatologist typically work much better and much quicker than those available in store.

I plan on doing a full microneedling treatment plan this year so I’ll keep you guys updated on the results. If you’re looking for someone experienced to give you a microneedling treatment, search Google or Yelp with your city and the keyword microneedling to find a few. Then be sure to check out their reviews as well as if they include any info on the treatment within their website. Since this is a cosmetic procedure, though minimally evasive, you also want to be sure whomever you’re getting it from is certified.

If you’re in the DC, MD, VA area, check out Asha Rayner at Abraza Skin Studio in Silver Spring. She performs microneedling in addition to lots of other treatments, my favorite being the hydrafacial. I personally have gotten treatments with her and absolutely loved my results. She was also gracious enough to give a $25 credit to anyone who mentions Primetime Beauty when visiting!