Skin needling 101: Everything you should know!

Skin needling is one of our most popular treatments, known for its versatility with treating a range of skin concerns from wrinkles and lax skin to scars and poor skin texture. Is it the right therapy for addressing your skin concerns? Let's take a look!

What is skin needling?

Skin needling or microneedling is a minimally invasive aesthetic procedure that triggers skin rejuvenation by creating controlled micro-trauma on the skin's surface. The skin damage is minimal compared to other procedures utilising a similar principle, such as dermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser treatments.

There are many microneedling devices currently in use. They are made of various materials and use needles of different diameters and lengths.

How does skin needling work?

Skin needling devices usually use short (0.5mm) needles. So, the micro-traumas they create do not compromise the skin barrier function. However, the injuries to collagen strands and small blood vessels provoke the skin's regenerative response. Part of this inflammatory reaction is the release of growth factors which consequently boost the production of new elastin and collagen.

What skin problems does skin needling treat?

When the skin regenerates, it also becomes healthier, functions better, and looks younger. Skin needling is a versatile treatment that addresses many skin concerns including:

• Enlarged pores
• Oily skin
• Seborrhea
• Scars
• Pigmentation
• Acne
• Fine lines and wrinkles

What does the skin needling procedure look like?

Generally, skin needling is a safe and undemanding procedure. One session takes about 30 minutes.

The dermal clinician uses the skin needling device to puncture the skin in a specific pattern. Each area gets treated several times for maximum results.

The treatment may cause minimal discomfort, but it is generally well tolerated. There is no downtime or severe side effects. Still, some oozing and swelling may occur. It is necessary to use sun protection for several weeks after treatment.

The first results can be visible after two weeks, but significant improvements usually require at least six months and multiple treatment sessions (at least six weeks apart).

Learn more about skin needling treatments.

What are the benefits of skin needling?

Skin needling benefits include:

• Reduced appearance of scars, including acne, chickenpox, surgical, trauma, and burn scars.
• The improved complexion, fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, and texture.
• Suitable for all skin types
• There is no damage to the epidermis
• Suitable for all areas of the face (around the eyes)
• No demarcation lines
• No or little downtime
• No serious side effects

If you would like to speak to a Doctor or Dermal Clinician about your skin concerns, please call us or book your appointment online.

References:

1. Alster TS, Li MKY. Microneedling of Scars: A Large Prospective Study with Long-Term Follow-Up [published correction appears in Plast Reconstr Surg. 2020 May;145(5):1341]. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2020;145(2):358-364. doi:10.1097/PRS.0000000000006462
2. Iriarte C, Awosika O, Rengifo-Pardo M, Ehrlich A. Review of applications of microneedling in dermatology. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017 Aug 8;10:289-298. DOI: 10.2147/CCID.S142450. PMID: 28848356; PMCID: PMC5556180.
3. Singh A, Yadav S. Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016 Jul-Aug;7(4):244-54. DOI: 10.4103/2229-5178.185468. PMID: 27559496; PMCID: PMC4976400.