The Harmony of Microneedling and Skincare Ingredients: Achieving Radiant Skin

1. Key Factors to Consider
2. Microneedling is conducted with one of three primary types of microneedling devices:
3. Skincare Ingredients to Maintain Microneedling Benefits
4. Microneedling Side Effects
5. What Is The Difference Between Nano-Needling and Microneedling

Microneedling has quickly gained popularity among individuals looking to improve their skin’s texture and appearance. This procedure creates controlled micro-injuries, forming temporary channels that enhance product absorption. It acts as a portal to the skin, allowing beneficial ingredients to penetrate and integrate once the skin has healed and repaired itself. When paired with effective skincare ingredients, the results can be remarkably transformative.

Microneedling, often referred to as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive dermatological method that has become widely recognized for addressing various skin concerns, including acne scars, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and stretch marks. By creating tiny punctures, generating controlled micro-injuries, microneedling encourages the body’s natural healing mechanisms, leading to an increase in collagen and elastin production—vital elements for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness.

It can be effectively paired with additional treatments, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or topical serums.

The national average cost* for a microneedling treatment is **$954**, with prices typically ranging from **$737** to **$1,880** are determined by several factors.

In South Carolina, the average cost* of microneedling stands at **$876**.

Key Factors to Consider

• The outcomes of micro-needling depend on several factors, with depth or aggressiveness being a significant one. When performed in a medical office rather than a conventional spa, technicians can operate their pen at a deeper setting within the epidermis, thanks to the medical license on record. The deeper the setting, the greater the stimulation of collagen production and possible side effects.

• Finding a technician who demonstrates exceptional attention to detail during treatments can significantly impact your experience. It’s essential to have someone who adjusts their settings and techniques multiple times throughout your visit for complete customization, and who also modifies them at each appointment. Relying on a technician who maintains the same settings or application technique can undermine the progress of your treatment. A red flag to watch for is if your technician uses the same setting for your entire face and across sessions.

• With the process of collagen stimulation, it usually takes around 30 days for results to become apparent, so you may not see any benefits until your second appointment. **Everyone** needs at least four treatments. This is due to the fact that visible results from a single session take time to develop; however, as you undergo multiple treatments, the cumulative effect leads to measurable and noticeable changes. Individual sessions are meant for maintenance after you have completed the series. Keep in mind that relying on just one treatment will not deliver the desired results.

• Enhancing microneedling results with cosmeceutical products can significantly improve outcomes. The home care products you use during your treatments can influence your results. Products that include peptides, growth factors, lipids, and hyaluronic acid can amplify the effects of microneedling by promoting collagen production, improving hydration, and supporting skin healing and regeneration.

Microneedling is conducted with one of three primary types of microneedling devices:

Automated Pen Devices: These devices incorporate a motorized mechanism—usually battery-operated—into the roller, enhancing the speed and depth of the needles. This motor allows for improved precision and skin remodeling of scar tissue, while also providing a gentler approach in sensitive areas such as the eyes, lips, and nose.

Radiofrequency: This technique merges microneedling with radiofrequency energy, utilizing thicker needles to transmit heat into the deeper layers of the skin. By combining the stimulating effects of thermal injury with the micro-injuries created by the needles, this method may enhance the skin tightening results.

Manual Rollers: Manual rollers are handheld devices featuring a roller adorned with fine needles crafted from either silicon or stainless steel. They can be utilized both at home and in a practitioner’s office. Typically, these rollers are effective for treating acne scars, burn scars, pigmentary disorders, and general skin rejuvenation. Additionally, they can also address stretch marks and hair loss. However, it is important to note that they may not penetrate deeply enough to achieve optimal results.

Skincare Ingredients to Maintain Microneedling Benefits

To preserve microneedling results, include key skincare ingredients in your routine.

One of the key benefits of microneedling is its ability to improve the absorption of skincare products. After the procedure, the skin’s increased permeability allows for deeper penetration of active ingredients, maximizing their efficacy. This is why many skincare enthusiasts and professionals recommend pairing microneedling with serums rich in hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and peptides.

Hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse hydrator, providing intense moisture and plumping the skin. When used post-microneedling, it helps soothe and replenish the skin, reducing any redness or irritation. Similarly, vitamin C is renowned for its brightening and antioxidant properties. It can help protect the skin from environmental damage and promote an even skin tone.

Peptides, on the other hand, are the building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin, essential for maintaining skin’s firmness and elasticity. Incorporating peptide-rich products after microneedling can enhance the skin’s resilience and youthful appearance.

It’s important, however, to choose products that are free from harsh chemicals and fragrances, as the skin may be more sensitive following microneedling. Opt for gentle, dermatologist-recommended formulations to ensure the best results.

Incorporating these ingredients into your skincare routine, alongside regular microneedling sessions, can lead to a harmonious glow that radiates health and vitality. Always consult with a skincare professional to tailor the best regimen for your individual needs, ensuring safe and effective treatment.

Microneedling Side Effects

According to Dr. Setterfield, International authority/educator on Microneedling 

The most common complaint after cosmetic needling are:

• Stinging
• Dryness, and flaking. 

The latter may only appear after five days after treatment and is typically more pronounced with medical needling. 

Moisturising product selection and enzyme peels play a big role in countering this.  A rash or swelling may develop in those with asthma or allergies due to histamine release caused by aggressive needling and prophylactic antihistamines may alleviate this. 

The feeling after medical needling, which is similar to that of sunburn, can be alleviated with gels and ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties. Track marks can occur with both cosmetic and chemical needling, while bruising may occur with the latter. 

Small breakouts may occur on the chin, and those with a history of cold sores may need antiviral prophylaxis before treatment. 

Secondary bacterial infection and cellulitis are seldom seen but may occur.  Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is becoming more prevalent since the increased use of pens, (this was not common with rollers), in conjunction with other risk factors stacking the deck, e.g. photosensitisers in a high Fitzpatrick skin type. 

The incidence of fine reticular scarring and allergic dermatitis is also on the rise.  Granulomas, while rare, is a devastating complication in what was once thought to be a very benign treatment modality.

What Is The Difference Between Nano-Needling and Microneedling

Nano-needling promotes collagen production by safely infusing active ingredients from your serum through tiny nano-channels. This method is similar to microneedling but is less invasive, allowing for up to 97% product absorption. It effectively addresses fine lines, acne, hyperpigmentation, and various skin blemishes through a transdermal delivery system, enhancing the efficacy of serums.

Unlike microneedling, nano-needling does not require numbness and works painlessly to smooth the skin’s texture, leaving it radiant by activating the body’s self-rejuvenation process.

Both nano-needling and microneedling target similar skin concerns, including fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and elasticity.

Nano needling use needles that are 0.1-0.25 mm in length, penetrating only the epidermis (top layer of skin).

However, the primary distinction lies in the depth of penetration. Nano-needling only reaches the outer layer of the skin to create nano-channels, while microneedling penetrates deeper into the dermis. If your skincare issues include deep lines, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, or pronounced acne scars, microneedling is the better option for you.

Additionally, there is no downtime associated with nano-needling, and you won’t experience the redness or swelling commonly seen with microneedling.

The cost of a single nanoneedling session ranges from $125 to $290. In South Carolina, it typically costs about $250 to $300 per session.