Microneedling has grown in popularity over the past number of years, but it has been around for much longer than you think and the origins and development of microneedling might just surprise you.
In this article, we will help you understand microneedling’s backstory, so you can have confidence in its ability to rejuvenate your skin and smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
But first, let’s take a look at what microneedling is.
What is microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that involves the use of a device equipped with fine, tiny needles to create controlled “micro-injuries” on the skin’s surface. It is designed to improve the appearance and texture of the skin by stimulating the body’s natural wound-healing processes by making small punctures in the dermis (your skin), which, in turn, encourages the production of collagen and elastin, proteins responsible for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity.
In a nutshell, it is a simple case of deliberately switching on your healing process to promote improving skin quality over time.
Where did the idea come from?
The concept of deliberately causing micro-injuries just to stimulate healing seems counterintuitive, but the concept evolved over time, as our understanding of the process developed through natural observation.
The earliest identifiable root of deliberately causing controlled micro-injuries as a cosmetic procedure dates back to 1905, where the practice of dermabrasion, another popular skin treatment, was used to exfoliate or abrade the skin to promote healing and rejuvenation. In those days, however, it was mostly used to treat scars and very obvious skin imperfections.
Ninety years later, a German dermatologist called Dr. Littman began using tattooing needles without pigment to treat scars, particularly acne scars. This technique was an early form of microneedling and paved the way for further developments.
It was quite common for people with scars to attempt to cover them with tattoos (especially bikers), if they were not on the face, and in 1997 a Canadian plastic surgeon called Dr. André Camirand noticed that tattooing over scar tissue with needles helped to improve the skin’s appearance by breaking down the scar tissue and promoting collagen production.
In 2006, a South African plastic surgeon called Dr. Desmond Fernandes, who learned of this phenomenon, modernized microneedling by developing the earliest dermaroller, a handheld device with fine needles that could be rolled over the skin to create controlled micro-injuries. This device significantly improved how the procedure was administered and began its journey toward mainstream cosmetic use.
By the late 2000s, microneedling became widespread with treatments available in professional settings and there are also devices that you can buy and use at home, although these types are considerably less effective and will always be for reasons we shall explain later.
All in all, microneedling is widely accepted as being an effective procedure to treat acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture issues, and is also effective at improving the quality of your skin more generally.
How microneedling works
Each procedure is carried out using a special tool such as a dermapen or dermaroller to puncture the skin in a very precise and controlled manner. The depth of these punctures can vary depending on the device and the skin concern being treated. The body’s natural healing response kicks in, producing more collagen, leading to skin rejuvenation over time.
What you can treat
Microneedling can be used to treat a wide variety of skin conditions, but is also used when no condition exists, and improving skin quality is the goal. Here is a non-exhaustive list of common ailments that microneedling is used to treat:
- Fine lines and wrinkles: The stimulation of collagen helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Acne scars and other types of scarring: The procedure can help smooth out pitted scars, including those caused by acne.
- Hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone: Microneedling promotes skin cell turnover, improving issues like sunspots or melasma.
- Large pores: By boosting collagen production around pores, the procedure can make large pores appear smaller and more refined.
- Stretch marks: Microneedling can reduce the appearance of stretch marks by improving skin elasticity in the affected areas.
- Improved skin texture: The overall texture of the skin becomes smoother and more even as collagen is replenished.
The Microneedling Procedure
Every cosmetic procedure begins with a consultation where Opulent’s head cosmetic practitioner, Sadie, will assess your skin and devise a treatment plan oriented around your specific needs.
Once a treatment plan is in place, your skin will be cleaned thoroughly to ensure there is no risk of infection and the healing process can focus exclusively on improving your skin quality.
A topical numbing cream is often applied to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
When the treatment begins, a special device, either a dermapen or dermaroller with very fine needles, will be passed over the treatment area causing micro-injuries that are so tiny that they aren’t always visible to the naked eye.
Your treatment area will again be wiped down and cleaned to prevent infection, and then we will move into the aftercare phase.
We have hydrating serums and products containing hyaluronic acid, which are good to apply post-treatment to support healing. Just ask, and we will make the best recommendation based on your skin type and we can supply you with what you need on the day of your treatment.
Post-treatment
You can expect some redness, swelling, or minor irritation for a few days, but generally speaking, your downtime will be minimal. It is quite normal for your skin to feel dry or flaky as your skin heals, and minor bleeding is not uncommon. Just remember to keep your skin clean, and use your aftercare products.
Remember, this process triggers your natural healing response, so your results will typically appear after several weeks. Also, microneedling, like most treatments, is not an instant fix. Patients normally require multiple sessions (usually 3–6) spaced a few weeks apart to see optimal results.
Who is suitable for microneedling?
Microneedling is a versatile treatment suitable for most skin types. It is particularly beneficial for individuals looking to reduce signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, treat mild to moderate acne scarring, and improve overall skin tone and texture.
However, it may not be ideal for those with active acne, eczema, rosacea, or other inflammatory skin conditions, as it can exacerbate these issues.
What about home treatments?
You can now buy microneedling devices to use at home at very low prices, however, these are mostly considered by the professional community to be a gimmick. This is because the size and dimensions of the needles are insufficient to pierce the skin at the depth to be effective, and their lack of controlled precision during use increases the risk of harm.
Remember, Western manufacturers and distributors of these products have a legal obligation to make sure that their products are safe and they are always at risk of being sued if any harm comes to you from using their products.
Because of this, their needles are deliberately shorter than those used in professional settings as it ensures that less harm is possible. As a result, you do not get the desired benefits from using it.
There are also plenty of companies in China that manufacture these products and they can be found on Amazon at dirt cheap prices, but let’s remember that those companies face little risk of being sued, so don’t put your safety first.
It is safe to say that manufacturing and selling items at the lowest price is their fundamental objective, so you have to ask yourself, if improving your skin quality is your goal, would you really want to put a dirt-cheap needle into your face where it has little promise of improving your skin, and you risk the needles snapping while in use, requiring it to be pulled out?
In a nutshell, it is safe to say that most of these companies are attempting to capitalize on the popularity of an effective treatment that should only be carried out in a professional setting, just because there is some hype around it.
It is easy to forget that you are not saving money if you do not get the result you are hoping for, you are just paying less not to have it. Dermapens and automated microneedling devices used in our professional studio offer more precision and adjustable needle depths to ensure that your treatment works as intended.
Final thoughts
Microneedling is a safe and effective way to treat a wide range of skin concerns, from wrinkles and scars to enlarged pores and uneven skin tone. It is also great for creating a youthful look that will leave you feeling confident and looking radiant.
It offers long-lasting results with minimal downtime; it’s no wonder that it’s such a popular choice for individuals looking for non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatments.
If you feel inspired by this post and want to explore your treatment options, give Sadie a call and she will be delighted to talk you through the treatment plans available.
Until next time, stay happy, confident, and remember, you are worthy just the way you are.
