Skin Needling is also called Collagen Induction Therapy, is used to correct a large variety of skin issues, including acne, acne scars, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, pore size, loose skin, and various other blemishes. It does this by creating hundreds of tiny micro-injuries to the topmost layer of skin on your face.
This kicks your body’s natural healing process into gear, forcing it to produce more collagen and elastin. It causes redness, some swelling and at times little to no bruising, it is a great method for correcting skin issues without causing further damage to your skin. That said, it will need to be repeated on a regular basis to maximize the effects. When skin accumulates collagen and elastin, it gets tight & thick & prevents anti-aging. Skin Needling is safe & effective to use on both face & body.
To see the long term results of micro-needling it's essential to take care of your skin after the procedure.
Here are some tips on how to take care of your skin after the Skin Needling process -
Following your Skin Needling treatment, you can expect some redness and slight swelling around the areas that have been treated. Even some bruising.
Your skin may feel warm to touch, like a mild sunburn sensation.
- Three to five days after your Skin Needling procedure you may notice that your skin becomes a little dry and flaky. This is a completely normal process due to the dead skin cells being stimulated upwards. Avoid picking the skin and apply moisturiser 2-3 times per day. Once this process is finished your skin will feel softer and look radiant, as though you have had a great exfoliation.
- Don't use skin products containing 'active ingredients' - The Skin Needling procedure will leave your skin in a highly sensitive state, so I recommend that you avoid all skin care products that contain any kind of ‘active ingredients’ such as retinol, alpha hydroxyl acids and Vitamin C. You can incorporate these products back into your regime 3-5 days after your treatment, or as recommended.
- Avoid direct sunlight - you will be extra sensitive to UV rays after this treatment.
- Avoid using makeup after the treatment - Don’t apply any kind of makeup for at least 24 hours to 48 hours after the procedure as it’s important to allow your skin barrier to heal over.Using make up brushes can irritate the open skin, and if there’s any bacteria on the brushes you run the risk of developing a skin infection.
- Avoid activities or situations that make you sweat or hot showers/hot water on the face - A Skin Needling procedure will cause heat in the skin as a natural stage of healing. If you sweat or partake in any activities that make you hot, it will create further unwanted heat in the skin. It may also allow bacteria to penetrate the skin. This can lead to infection, extended redness or an adverse skin reaction.
- Change your PILLOW case on the day of your appointment. This will prevent the germs from getting into the pores.
- Keep your hair and fingers off your face. This will also prevent the germs from getting into the pores.
- Don't take any anti-inflammatory medications - Prior to and immediately after Skin Needling procedures you should avoid the use of anti-inflammatory medications, such as Ibuprofen, as they will interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is needed for optimum skin rejuvenation.
- Use a gentle cleanser - In place of active products a very mild cleanser and barrier cream is recommended to keep your skin clean and soothe any resultant dry skin and flakiness.
- Drink plenty of water - I always recommend that you drink plenty of water both before and after the procedure. Keeping well hydrated will assist in faster healing and skin rejuvenation.
- Once the skin is healed, don't forget the broad spectrum sunscreen - While it’s important to give the sunscreen a miss for the first few days following the procedure, I do advise that you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen once your skin has healed, to prevent unwanted pigmentation and sun damage.