Written by: Kelsie Matthews, L.E
Microneedling is a non-invasive treatment used to create micro injuries in the skin to stimulate the body’s natural wound healing process. When the needles pierce the skin, it activates the immune system to attack the wounds and create new tissue. The needles also activate the fibroblasts that are found in the bottom layer of your skin (the dermis), which helps produce more collagen and elastin.
The SkinPen is the first FDA approved microneedling device. The single-use tip is made up of 14 tiny needles, which create the controlled wounds in the skin. It is important to use a microneedling device that has single-use needles to ensure the procedure is sanitary and there is no bacteria entering the skin.
What are the benefits of microneedling?
Since we are activating the body’s natural wound healing process, the inflammation response to the needles increases blood flow and creates new, healthy tissue. At this time, cell proliferation begins (rebuilding the cells). To heal the wounds, the old/damaged cells are replaced with new ones, as well as the blood vessels.
Overall, microneedling is great for rejuvenating the skin and increasing the collagen and elastin production. This is good for preventing/decreasing fine lines and wrinkles, reducing acne scarring, and improving overall appearance of the skin.
Microneedling is one of the best treatments for patients who struggle with acne scarring and PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Typically 3-6 treatments are needed for correcting pitted acne scarring, but the treatment itself improves the ski
n tremendously.
Who can get microneedling?
The SkinPen microneedling procedure is FDA cleared for anyone 22 years of age or older. The device can be used on all Fitzpatrick types, and does not cause damage to darker skin like some other treatments.
The contraindications for microneedling include women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, active skin cancers in the area being treated, patients with blood disorders, and anyone that has used Isotretinoin (Accutane) in the past 6 months.
Always consult with your physician or aesthetic provider if you have any med
ical conditions before being treated with microneedling.