everything you need to know about microneedling.

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Microneedling is a treatment that uses tiny needles in an automated ‘pen’ to puncture the very first layer of skin.

The skin is a ‘natural barrier’ designed to keep things out, which is why only a small percentage of active ingredients that we use every day, ever reach the dermis.

Microneedling helps create tiny entry points, we then use serums specifically aimed at what you are trying to treat - whether this be acne or wrinkles for example.

The long term benefits of microneedling is what makes this treatment so popular. By creating these tiny puncture holes in the skin, the dermis is forced to switch to ‘defence mode’ pushing the wound healing response in to overdrive, which results in greater elastin and collagen growth. This is not a quick fix as it involves growth of the new layers of skin however this treatment gradually reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and improves the overall texture.

Microneedling can be carried out on most skin types.

Whether you want to plump fine lines and wrinkles, induce a deeply hydrated glow, fade hyperpigmentation, fade acne scarring, fade stretch marks or even promote hair growth, microneedling can be tailored to suit your needs.

You can not have microneedling if you have open wounds or active acne, inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis, are undergoing chemo or radiotherapy or a course of anti-coagulants. If you are taking accutane for acne, this treatment also cannot be carried out.

The area to be treated can be numbed prior to treatment, although not particularly painful - this can make it more comfortable.

The area is then cleansed, and the treatment begins - a serum, tailored to what we are treating - is used to help the pen glide over the treatment area and to target the issue - whether this be hydration, acne or wrinkles for example.

The treatment ends with a face mask targeted to your needs.

approximately 45 minutes.

Your face will be red and may feel a bit like sunburn. This will subside within approximately 3 days. 

A course of 3-6 every 4 to 6 weeks is advised to get the best out of the treatment. 

This does also depend on what the treatment is intended for and this can be discussed at your first appointment. Maintenance treatments are recommended every 6-8 weeks.

To reduce the risk of bruising avoid blood thinning medication (consult your doctor)

Retinol.

2 weeks before your appointment AVOID 

Electrolysis, hair removal cream, laser hair removal or waxing. 

IPL and laser treatments.

Physical exfoliation and chemical peels

Sunburn

If you have a history of cold sores take an antiviral 48 hours prior to your treatment and the day of your session. If you have a cold sore on the day of your treatment, you will have to reschedule.

On the day of your appointment

Do not apply make up, lotions or sunscreen to the area to be treated.

If your targeting your face with a gentle facial cleanser. If your targeting your body, wash with a gentle soap.

Avoid exercise and sweating for 24 hours after your treatment

Do not apply any other products to your skin for 24 hours

Avoid makeup for 24 hours

Avoid swimming, saunas and spa environments for 24 hours

No chemical peels or skin treatments for 2 weeks

Avoid strong retinol or glycolic acid products for 5-7 days

Avoid sun exposure for 14 days and use sunscreen minimum SPF30 for 28 days if you go in the sun - failure to do this can damage your skin and may result in hyperpigmentation.

Avoid soaking the treated area in the bath for 10-14 days whilst the area is healing

Keep the area clean and remember is a wound site during your healing

Do not pick scratch or rub the treatment area, avoid touching it unnecessarily.