Out of the Ordinary Skincare: Microneedling

Microneedling is very much what it sounds like, but some consider this out of the ordinary skincare treatment a miracle rejuvenator. That’s because it uses your own body’s response to the needles to pump up your skin and smooth out fine lines, scars and saggy spots. 

But is it worth rolling needles on your face? I tried it. And I have news for you: it is! 

So in our final installment of this month’s beauty series, I’m sharing why and how this simple method could make a drastic impact on how you look and feel. 

How It Works

According to dermatologist Melissa K. Levin, M.D., microneedling involves “the creation of small micro-channels and injuries to your skin with acupuncture-size needles.” Your immune system will activate to heal these tiny pokes by stimulating and producing collagen.

As you may know, this abundant protein is an essential part of your bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It cushions your joints and helps your blood clot. But most specifically for our topic today, collagen gives skin its structure. The more collagen, the smoother, tauter and younger your skin will look.

What is so nice about this process is that it’s chemical free. You’re not plumping up your lips with injections or pulling your skin back with surgery. It’s just natural stimulation, baby, and the results are fantastic. 

Now, just like with dermaplaning (click here for a refresher on last week’s treatment), microneedling is performed by a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician and with a strong topical anesthesia. That’s because while the professional electric dermapen yields quick results, it also causes pain and minor bleeding.

Before you cross this out of the ordinary skin care procedure off your list, there is a cheaper and less uncomfortable at-home version.

At-Home Option

A dermaroller is a small tool with a wheel on one end containing hundreds of tiny needles (between .2mm and .3mm preferably) that you roll over your face. You can buy one online at a fraction of the cost of an in-office treatment, but just be sure to choose a quality retailer.

Stacked Skincare sells a good MicroNeedling Skin Refining Tool with replaceable roller heads and lots of great customer feedback. This is the tool I personally use. Jordana Mattioli, a licensed esthetician in NYC, recommends Environ Skincare tools and warns that you shouldn’t use needles bigger than .3mm on your face. You can also find more options here. 

Use caution if you suffer from severe acne, rosacea, or keratosis pilaris as microneedling may make your condition worse. Check with your dermatologist first.

The Home How-To

Just like dermaplaning, microneedling can boost the absorption of your beauty products. Just reminder, your skin will have tiny open holes for a short time, so avoid products containing chemical exfoliants (like glycolic and lactic acids), good ol’ retinal, and brightening ingredients like vitamin C. And add this treatment into your nighttime routine, so any redness your experience has time to mellow out before you’re out in the sun. 

Here is a quick tutorial from Sephora using BeautyBio’s GloPRO Microneedling Tool. What I like about this video is you can see how easy the process is to do.

The results people have seen from microneedling are staggering, from wiping away stretch marks and acne scars to taking years off their face. So, are you ready to give it a try? 

Let me know what questions you still have by posting in the Badass Beauty Club on Facebook!

LOVE + wrinkle-free smiles!