Micro-needling, or collagen induction therapy, to give it a more formal name, is a type of cosmetic treatment that aims to improve the health and appearance of the skin. It is not a widely known method, and with many cosmetic procedures having a dubious scientific basis, you may want to know if ‘micro-needling near me’ is worth searching for.
What is micro-needling?
You may not be surprised to discover that micro-needling involves the use of micro-sized needles as a tool to perform the treatment. As the needles are so tiny, they are generally considered non-invasive or minimally invasive, although they do penetrate further than the derma rollers that you possibly use at home.
The aim of micro-needling treatment is to provide smoothness and firmness to the skin as one loses these with ageing. The body reacts to the needles by producing collagen and elastin which heals the imperfections on a cellular level, making the skin look young and glowing.
Micro-needling treatment process
First, an anaesthetic is used to numb the area of skin (which is usually on the face but can be elsewhere on the body), and then a tool resembling a pen is used to direct the needles into the targeted skin cells, moving carefully and evenly so that the marked area is covered.
The needles will make minuscule pinpricks in the skin. These intrusions are not enough to cause injury but are sufficient to encourage the body’s healing processes.
Therapists will usually apply some form of soother to the skin afterwards to minimize irritation and soreness, but most people will not need any significant recovery time.
The end result should be younger-looking, more hydrated skin, with fewer visible marks, scars, dark spots and acne.
Results should be visible within a few weeks, although you may need multiple sessions of treatment.
How does it work?
The use of micro-needling is underpinned by one basic idea – it encourages the production of collagen and elastin. These proteins are essential to skin health, holding its structure whilst also allowing it to stretch and return to normal. They are also vital to healing wounds, regenerating tissue, and covering up scars. So, getting back healthy, bright, smooth skin becomes scientifically assured.
That means that if the body senses it is being damaged by the micro-needles, it sends collagen and elastin to carry out the repairs. But, as there is no significant injury that needs fixing, instead of remedying injuries, it reinforces the skin that is already there, giving it new life.
If you have acne, scars or simply lines or wrinkles, it could make them disappear, consequently regenerating and rejuvenating the skin.
Is it safe to look for “micro-needling near me?”
Compared to other cosmetic treatments, such as laser therapy, micro-needling is considered safe and minimally invasive, provided that needles are sterilized properly, and the therapist is well-trained.
It may cause some redness and irritation at first, and your skin will be extra sensitive for a few days afterwards, so be careful about factors such as sun exposure.
Micro-needling should not be performed on open wounds or active acne or on some severe skin conditions such as eczema.
Please remember, not everyone is going to respond in the same way to micro-needling therapy, but it does have a sound scientific basis and it is relatively safe. Many people consider it an effective way to help skin recover from the ageing process and get back the natural radiance, thanks to the stimulation of collagen and elastin production.