Microneedling 101: Benefits, aftercare and what to expect

Everything You Need to Know About Microneedling: The SkincareTreatment That’s Taking Over

Microneedling has become one of the most popular treatments in the aesthetics industry, and for good reason. This minimally invasive procedure promises smoother, brighter, and more youthful skin. But with all the buzz, it’s easy to get lost in the jargon and conflicting advice. So, let’s break it down and get to the bottom of what microneedling really is, how it works, and what you can expect.

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a cosmetic treatment that involves tiny needles (usually 0.5 to 2.5 mm in length) puncturing the skin to create controlled micro-injuries – similar to a tattoo needle. These tiny punctures stimulate the body’s natural healing process, triggering collagen and elastin production. Over time, this helps improve skin texture, tone, and overall appearance.While it may sound intimidating, microneedling is actually a pretty straightforward procedure when performed by a trained professional. It’s also minimally painful, with most people describing the sensation as a mild tingling or pressure.

The Science Behind Microneedling

So, why does microneedling work? The answer lies in our skin’s natural ability to repair itself. Collagen and elastin are proteins that give our skin its firmness, structure, and elasticity. As we age, our skin’s production of these proteins decreases, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging. By creating tiny wounds in the skin, microneedling triggers the body's healingresponse. The result? Increased collagen and elastin production, which makes the skin appear plumper, smoother, and more youthful.In addition to boosting collagen, microneedling can improve the absorption of skincare products. After treatment, skin is primed to absorb serums and creams more effectively, enhancing their benefits.

Benefits of Microneedling

1. Smoother Skin Texture: Microneedling can help reduce the appearance of scars, including acne scars, by promoting collagen regeneration and stimulating the skins healing process. It’s also effective for improving rough or uneven texture.

2. Reduced Fine Lines & Wrinkles: By stimulating collagen production, microneedling can help minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a more youthful, plump appearance.

3. Improved Skin Tone: Microneedling helps to even out skin tone, which can be beneficial for people with hyperpigmentation, melasma, or sun damage.

4. Minimised Pore Size: Regular microneedling sessions can help reduce the appearance of large pores by stimulating collagen and tightening the skin around the pores.

5. Enhanced Product Absorption: After a microneedling session, your skincare products penetrate deeper into the skin, making them more effective. It’s the perfect time to use serums packed with antioxidants, peptides, or hyaluronic acid. We also recommend using a microneedling specific serum during the treatment. These powerful skincare cocktails can be tailored to your client’s skin concerns to dramatically improve treatment outcomes.

What Happens During a Microneedling Session?

1. Consultation: Before treatment, you’ll likely have a consultation with your client to evaluate their skin and discuss goals for treatment. This is a great time to decide on what products you think will work best for the client’s needs. Tailoring the treatment to each client will deliver the best results to keep them coming back for more.

2. Numbing: To ensure comfort, it’s a great idea to offer topical numbing cream. This helps minimise any discomfort.

3. The Microneedling Process: The treatment itself typically takes around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the area being treated. The microneedling device, which looks like a pen with tiny needles, is moved across the skin to create controlled punctures.

4. Post-Treatment Care: After the treatment, your client’s skin may appear red and feel slightly sensitive, similar to a mild sunburn. You should provide instructions for aftercare, including avoiding direct sun exposure, using gentle moisturisers without exfoliants, and applying SPF.

Microneedling Aftercare

After a microneedling session, your client’s skin will need a little extra TLC. Here are some essential aftercare tips:

1. Hydrate: Microneedling can leave the skin feeling dry, so it’s important to keep it moisturised. Advise using a hydrating serum or cream to help with the healing process.

2. Avoid Makeup: For at least 24 hours after treatment, instruct clients to avoid wearing makeup to prevent irritation and allow the skin to breathe.

3. Use Gentle Skincare Products: Clients should stick to gentle, soothing skincare products for a few days following treatment. Avoid active ingredients like retinoids and certain irritating acids for about 3-5 days.

4. Protect Your Skin from the Sun: Sun protection is essential; the skin will be more sensitive post-treatment. Advise clients to apply a broad-spectrum SPF30 or higher and avoid direct sun exposure for a few days.

5. Avoid Heat and Sweating: For the first 24-48 hours, it’s best to avoid activities that cause excessive sweating, such as intense workouts, hot tubs, or saunas.

How Many Microneedling Sessions Do You Need?

While some people may see results after just one session, most people require multiple treatments to achieve optimal results. Typically, a series of 3-6 sessions spaced about 4-6 weeks apart is recommended, depending on skin concerns and goals.Microneedling results aren’t instant, either – the skin needs to repair to show the positive effects. Clients will begin to notice improvements in skin texture and appearance within a few days to weeks, with more significant results developing over time as collagen continues to build. This is a great treatment to offer if you want to encourage repeat customers.

Skin Concerns and which product to use:

Stayve offer the most comprehensive range of microneedling serums for every skin concern and can even be layered or mixed during treatment to enhance results.

Active acne and post acne scarring – acne and it’s after affects can have a huge impact on the confidence of your clients. To get the best results when treating acne or post acne scarring with microneedling we recommend Stayve Booster AC Stem Cell Gold. This professional grade formula relies on Centella Asiatica (CICA), a botanical powerhouse which soothes irritation, improves skin barrier function, and promotes healing. CICA contains bioactive compounds that combat acne-causing bacteria whilst reducing inflammation. CICA also boosts collagen production which helps with scar reduction, even skin tone, and improved elasticity.

Dark spots and uneven skin tone – when addressing uneven skin tone and dark spots, a serum containing niacinamide can work wonders. Niacinamide fades hyperpigmentation, or discoloured patches, by inhibiting transfer of melanin to skin cells. Niacinamide also protects from future UV damage as it is packed full of antioxidants. Both Stayve Peptide Gold and Whitening Stem Cell Culture address dark spots and uneven skin tone with the use of Niacinamide

Fine Lines and wrinkles – Fine lines and wrinkles are one the most common skin concerns for ageing skin and microneedling can be a great, non-invasive way to plump and firm the skin, leading to a more youthful appearance. To get the most bang for your buck with this treatment, incorporate a serum with Epidermal Growth Factor or PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) which stimulate cell renewal and collagen production. This improves skin density, reduces wrinkles, and enhances hydration. Stayve Aqua Stem Cell Culture contains a powerful cocktail of EGF and peptides or Stayve Salmon DNA Gold containing PDRN and 7 peptides will promote skin regeneration, plumping and hydration to keep those pesky wrinkles at bay.

Enlarged pores – Enlarged pores can make uneven skin texture more apparent, making the skin feel rough or bumpy. They can also potentially trap oil and debris leading to an increase in blackheads and acne. Microneedling with a serum containing cotton extract can be beneficial for minimising the appearance of enlarged pores, particularly when combined with other ingredients like niacinamide that reduces sebum production.While cotton itself doesn't directly shrink pores, its ability to soothe and gently exfoliate can contribute to a smoother complexion and the appearance of smaller pores. We recommend Stayve Whitening Stem Cell Culture, containing both cotton extract and niacinamide for clients concerned about their enlarged pores.

Dry and dull skin – Dry and dull skin can be an issue for clients of all ages and microneedling with the right serum can be a great way to bring back their glow. Choose a serum with Hyaluronic acid to attract and retain moisture for plump and dewy skin. Additionally, incorporating certain plant extracts rich in vitamins and antioxidants provides a radiant complexion. Stayve Aqua Stem Cell Culture is packed full of Hyaluronic acid, Rice, Carrot and Broccoli Extracts to bring back that plump, dewy glow.

Shop the range here:https://ilunahaesthetics.co.uk/collections/microneedling

When not to offer microneedling treatments

Microneedling is suitable for a variety of skin types and concerns, but there are a few conditions that may not make it ideal for certain individuals. If they have active skin infections, open wounds, or severe acne, it’s best to wait until their skin heals before pursuing microneedling.

Conclusion

Microneedling is a safe, effective, and non-invasive way to address common skin concerns like acne scars, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture or colour. By stimulating collagen and elastin production, microneedling helps rejuvenate the skin and restore its youthful appearance. If you’re looking for a treatment to offer your clients that provides noticeable results with minimal downtime, microneedling might just be your new skincare secret weapon.

Have you tried microneedling before, or are you thinking about offering it in your clinic? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!Discover everything you need to know about microneedling – the skincare treatment transforming skin health. Learn how it works, its benefits, best serums for different concerns, aftercare tips, and why it’s a must-have in your clinic.