Customers have been asking what micro-needler I use and how best to use it. I've had a few over the years and just recently purchased this one from Amazon for $10.99. It works well but is a little on the strong side, meaning, the needling is intense. I've definitely seen an improvement in some of my old white acne scars and a slight improvement in my hyperpigmentation as well.
What is microneedling and what can it do for your skin?
Microneedling is a non-invasive treatment that uses fine titanium needles to puncture the skin and create a controlled injury in order to force rejuvenation. The idea is that pinpricks from the rolling cause slight injury to the skin and then the skin responds by making new collagen-rich tissue. This new skin tissue is, in turn, more even in tone and texture.
"By making tiny columns of trauma in the dermis, the body is forced to make new collagen to fill them in and heal them." (1)
I prefer the slow, steady and AFFORDABLE method of working on my acne scars at home with a 0.25 mm roller, but you can also get a more intense treatment at the dermatologist's office, with longer needles. Your skin might be a little more red after each treatment and it is more expensive.
A 2015 study of dermatologist level micro-needling concluded that 'multiple minimally invasive sessions of microneedling are an effective treatment for post-acne atrophic scars as it stimulates the repair processes with the advantage of being a relatively risk-free, in-office procedure with minimal patient recovery time. Skin microneedling is a simple, inexpensive office modality of treatment for the management of post-acne atrophic scars. It has favorable advantages as the epidermis remains intact, decreasing most of the risks and negative side effects of other invasive modalities for treatment of post-acne scars. The findings of the present study propose that the full result may take months to be achieved, as the deposition of new collagen takes place gradually, suggesting that continued skin microneedling treatment is required to achieve the desired clinical and histological improvement.' (2)
In addition to acne scars, micro-needling can help improve the appearance of sun damage, discoloration, hyperpigmentation and melasma. It also just makes skin tighter, firmer, and softer.
Microneedling can also increase the penetration and efficacy of treatment products including serums, lotions, moisturizers and creams. The little pricks allow active ingredients like Vitamin C, Retinol and Peptides to penetrate more deeply into affected areas and improve results. Which is why I think it's even more important to use non-toxic and nature-based skincare products while needling because those ingredients are penetrating even more deeply into your skin and body. My heart races after needling from all the pricks and minute injuries, so I just use the Pretty Skin Deep Moisture Cream to keep things super simple, naturally renewing and non-toxic.
Since you're making all these little pricks on your face, it's also really important to clean your roller on a regular basis with water and Isopropyl Alcohol and then let it air dry.
Here is my recommended regimen:
2-3 times per week:
1) At night, after exfoliating and cleansing, roll the DermaRoller over problem areas 4-5 times, horizontally and vertically. I don't recommend rolling your whole face. I just do a few small areas at a time. Then massage the Pretty Skin Deep Moisture Face Cream into skin. You can also add a pump of the Pretty Skin Oil Serum & Boost or Roam Wild Organic Rosehip Seed Oil.
After the first few uses your skin might get irritated, red and blotchy. That's normal. It's also important not to roll over active acne. Needling will inflame it and could move bacteria around your face. I do think your skin gradually gets used to the rolling. It does take a few weeks to see improvement so try to be patient and hang in there. Micro-needling is like any part of a good skincare routine. You have to do it regularly and consistently to see results. After a few weeks, you can see some slight improvements in your skin, especially an overall rejuvenation. With regular use, you can continue to see improvements for months.
I think the results are different for everyone depending on what you're trying to treat. I would recommend cautious optimism. We are all super sensitive to our own scars and skin imperfections. It's most important that you notice the improvement and it helps increase your confidence. I mostly have white scars from old acne and those have started to become less white and regain a more flesh-like color. It took about 6 weeks though to start to notice the change. The scars are still there and they are still white but when I do my makeup, they don't pop out at me as much and blend in much better for an overall even and toned look. Their texture has also changed to become more like the surrounding skin so they don't pop out and look as damaged in certain lighting (like that horrible bar/restaurant lighting, ugh). And I really like the feeling of being able to make a slight improvement in what I thought was permanent. That's what it's all about. Happy Rolling and feel free to email me with any questions. - alison@clarisea.com
Sources used for this blog post:
(1) https://www.healthline.com/health-news/microneedling-latest-craze-in-skin-care#3
(2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4509584/