This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
Microneedling is a dermaroller procedure that uses small needles to prick the skin. It is also known as Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), Microneedling uses fine needles to create a wound healing response, triggering the production of collagen and elastin to give an almost immediate plumping effect.
Treatable conditions with skin needling include:
- Acne scars
- Wrinkles
- Skin scars
- Alopecia
- Skin tone and enlarged pores
- Hyperpigmentation
- Collagen induction
- Skin rejuvenation
- Face lifting
- Cellulite and stretch marks
Even though it claims to help so many skin ailments you may wonder who would consider this treatment as it sounds painful. Well I was persuaded by Kasia, my beautician, who works at Canelle Beauté. She said it would be beneficial for my dehydrated and naturally ageing skin. I was reassured that, in reality, the pain is minimal and it feels like pin-pricks albeit many of them at once.
I agreed as even though I do not have acne or scar tissue my treatment was simply for increased collagen production. We all need help with that as we get older and I am very determined to try to keep my skin in tip-top condition without resorting to fillers or Botox.
According to a 2008 study, skin treated with four microneedling sessions spaced one month apart produced up to a 400% increase in collagen and elastin six months after completing treatment.
You may wonder what is the difference between Dermarolling and Microneedling? Both only puncture the skin’s outer layer (the epidermis), but while dermarolling promotes increased product absorption (up to 90 percent more), microneedling goes a little deeper, encouraging the skin to naturally produce collagen and elastin.
The Treatment
Kasia explained exactly what she was going to do and so I lay down on the bed. The treatment begins with a cleanse and exfoliation. Then she applied the numbing cream explaining that on my forehead it would be more painful as it is closer to bone.
I will admit that it’s not exactly painless, but the discomfort doesn’t linger. I mean a bikini wax is much worse. You are not going to fall asleep whilst the actual microneedling is happening however afterwards, when Kasia applied the mask of specially prepared serum, I did doze off.
Make sure you have it done on a day when you are not going anywhere as you are advised not to use any make-up for 24 hours following treatment. In my case, and I do have very sensitive skin, I was only pink in patches. Most of these were on my neck and forehead. I have seen pictures of people with very red faces but I believe they had acne scarring so the treatment caused more redness.
Anyway the following morning all the redness and tingling had gone. My skin was definitely plumper and some of the fine lines around my eyes seem to have disappeared. My complexion was quite dewy and so you can see in these before and after pictures.
Would I have another treatment?
As with all skin treatments once is often not enough and you will only see long-term effects if you have 3 or 4 treatments one month apart. So the simple answer is yes. The number of treatments required depends on the extent of a client’s individual needs. Some clients may have one treatment if treating fine lines, wrinkles and loss of volume, or before a special event, other clients – particularly in the treatment of acne scarring or stretch marks – require more treatments. Typically 3 treatments is advised for longer lasting results.
Personally now that I have seen the results I want to keep on with it to see the long term benefits.
A few tips:
You must only do this with a reputable beautician. I would go for a consultation first and discuss the benefits for your skin as each of us may have different needs. Do ask as many questions as you can. Ask about the serum they are going to use in your mask. I think this is important as after the treatment your skin will naturally absorb much more as the pins have stimulated it.
Your skin will need time to heal following a treatment, so it’s important to avoid any activity that can cause you to sweat, which can result in inflammation for at least 24 hours. It’s also a good idea to keep out of direct sunlight following the treatment, since heat and UV exposure can also trigger further irritation.
You’ll need to keep your skin hydrated after the treatment. I was sent home with a mask saturated in the serum and was recommended to apply whenever my skin felt dry. I applied the mask that evening as I lay in bed to bathe it again with the serum. She also suggested skipping harsh and abrasive products, like exfoliators and alcohol-based toners, until my skin has healed.
At Canelle Beauté one treatment is £180 or you can buy a course of 3 for £460. Canelle has two salons, in Summertown, Oxford and Henley-on-Thames.