Achieving smoother, clearer, and younger skin is impossible with a magic cream or pill. Collagen induction therapy could be the next best option. The treatment is also known as microneedling. It is a minimally invasive treatment that creates micro-wounds in the outer layer of the skin. How can creating minor wounds on the skin make you look better? When tiny sterile needles puncture the skin, the skin’s wound healing process kicks in.

Collagen production is stimulated, leading to quicker cell turnover and resurfacing. This means your skin will look and feel more youthful. Microneedling can address dark spots, sun damage, wrinkles, fine lines, under-eye bags, acne scars, and enlarged pores. In addition to being used on the face, it can treat stretch marks, scars, and other cosmetic issues on the thighs, stomach, hips, and other places.

Does Microneedling Hurt?

While you may love the idea of getting smoother, healthier, and more youthful-looking skin, the idea of having your skin punctured many times may make you uneasy. But is the treatment really painful? It is completely normal to worry about pain during any cosmetic treatment. The majority of people who have used Microneedling do not consider it to be a painful treatment. However, everyone experiences discomfort in their own way. It only makes sense that you would take steps to make the treatment as comfortable and pleasant as possible.

How to Reduce Discomfort During Microneedling Treatments

The first step is choosing the right dermatologist or medical aesthetician. Finding an expert in your area will ensure your safety and provide stellar results. Check their certifications and licenses before going in for an appointment. During the initial consultation, address concerns you may have, like skin thickness, needle thickness, pain tolerance, and resistance you have experienced with numbing products. The dermatologist or medical aesthetician will likely apply a numbing cream to the area of your skin that will receive treatment about 30 minutes before it starts.

Learn about numbing creams before going in for the session. You want the numbing cream to contain at least 5% lidocaine. This is the highest percentage available over-the-counter and will give the best numbing without delayed healing times or uncomfortable skin reactions. The following process will likely be followed when using numbing cream before microneedling.

• Your skin will be cleaned thoroughly using an alcohol swab. The numbing cream will be applied using a sterile applicator. It should not be rubbed in.
• The cream will be left on your skin for 30 to 40 minutes before starting treatment. Cellophane wrap may be placed on top of the cream to encourage deeper absorption into the skin.
• Sterile gauze will be used to wipe away excess cream before starting microneedling.

Be mindful of your skincare routine in the days before your microneedling session. Avoid using exfoliants, topical antibiotics, acids, and retinoids. Use niacinamides and hyaluronic acid a few days before the appointment. The goal is to prepare your skin to absorb as much of the numbing cream as possible to reduce discomfort on the day of your treatment. Avoid scheduling skin treatments in the weeks before microneedling. Doing so will reduce the likelihood of skin sensitivity and irritation. Avoid waxing, hair removal creams, chemical peels, and laser treatments at least two or three weeks before your microneedling appointment.

How Long Does a Microneedling Session Take?

After your skin is numb, the treatment will begin. If you feel a little nervous about the process, you will take comfort in knowing that each session only takes 10 to 30 minutes. The time depends on the size of the area being treated. Most professionals recommend receiving four to six treatments to get the best results. Each treatment session should be booked about four to six weeks apart. This allows the skin to heal between each treatment.

A Minimally Invasive Way to Get Youthful and Attractive Skin

Microneedling can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation. It is one of the most effective ways to fight the aging process. It can minimize the appearance of enlarged pores, stretch marks, acne scars,and other scarring. Would you like to learn about the results you could experience with microneedling? We would love to assist. Contact us today at 205-352-9141.