Microneedling: Care Before and After Treatment

Wrinkles, acne scars, uneven skin tone, stretch marks, enlarged pores, and burns can make you feel self-conscious in your own skin. Microneedling is a safe and effective way to treat these types of conditions with minimal risk and no downtime. Preparing for the process is simple, but you may not know what products to use after microneedling. Learn about the process here as well as how DefenAge products can help you maintain your microneedling results!

 

 

 

What Is Microneedling?

Also known as collagen induction therapy (CIT) and percutaneous collagen induction (PCI), microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that involves the use of tiny, sterile needles to puncture the skin and create micro wounds or channels. The body responds by unleashing its natural wound healing response: the production of collagen and elastin under the skin’s surface. These two structural proteins are responsible for the skin’s youthful properties, but the supply dwindles with advancing age.

 

How Many Sessions Are Required?

In order to see maximum results from your treatment, medical aestheticians recommend four to six sessions — or until you’ve achieved the results you want. Receiving a minimum of four treatments will give your skin the opportunity to make enough elastin and collagen to have long-term effects. Some skin concerns require a few additional sessions to treat, such as deep scars.

 

 

How to Prepare Your Skin for Microneedling Treatment

This process is easy to prepare for, and you don’t have to buy any special microneedling products beforehand. In the day or two leading up to your treatment, avoid blood-thinning medications and retinoids and stay out of direct sunlight, as these could cause irritation, excess bleeding, and/or dryness after your microneedling session.

On the day of your procedure, do not use sunscreen, moisturizer, or makeup. Simply wash your face (or the area you’re treating) with a mild cleanser to get rid of any bacteria or dirt lingering on the surface of your skin. The 1-Step Multi-Cleanse by DefenAge is perfect for dissolving impurities and hydrating your face before microneedling. Experts recommend using 1-Step Multi-Cleanse in the morning and evening before microneedling. It’s also beneficial to apply the 2-Minute Reveal Masque before microneedling to prep your skin for age-correcting benefits.

 

 

Who Are The Best Candidates For Microneedling?

Pretty much anyone can be a candidate for this safe and minimally invasive cosmetic procedure. If you have hyperpigmentation, fine lines, scarring, or other such imperfections, microneedling is an effective solution. Even if you don’t have noticeable skin concerns, the process would still benefit your skin, keeping it looking young and vibrant by stimulating the natural collagen production process.

 

 

How Does Microneedling Work?

Microneedling creates tiny channels in your skin to stimulate your natural healing process. In response to these wounds, your body produces collagen and elastin, two building blocks of healthy, youthful skin.

Microneedling can be performed using dermal rollers, a dermal stamp and/or a microneedling pen. Sometimes microneedling is combined with cosmeceuticals, so that the active ingredients have a direct path to where they are needed most. It can also be performed using radiofrequency energy to further stimulate the body's natural collagen and healing processes.

 

 

What Areas Can Be Treated?

Microneedling can be done anywhere on the body. It can be used to address wrinkles, scarring, acne, hair loss (alopecia), pigmentation, stretch marks, rosacea and skin laxity. It can also provide general age reversing benefits to the skin.

 

San Antonio, TX dermatologist Vivian Bucay, MD, “We recommend Defenage’s signature 8-in-1 BioSerum to our patients which offers a long list of fast acting anti-aging and skin improving benefits. Because the serum contains niacinamide, proven effective against acne, we have found that patients are less likely to experience breakouts when used after microneedling.”

 

 

What Will I Experience During My Microneedling Treatment?

Microneedling can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour depending on what part of your body is being treated. Your doctor may apply some numbing cream to the area for enhanced comfort. Most people report that the treatment feels like sandpaper is being rubbed across the treated area.

 

 

What Can I Expect After A Microneedling Treatment?

There is little, if any, downtime associated with microneedling. Immediate side effects may include some redness and minor swelling. These are temporary and typically resolve within a day. You may see results after one session, but a series of treatments is generally recommended for optimal cosmetic results.  You should avoid wearing makeup for 24 to 48 hours following microneedling.

 

 

What Should I Put on My Face After Microneedling? 

After the treatment is complete, you should know the best products to use after microneedling to maintain your results. Here are some professional tips to follow:

• Defend your newly treated skin. For the first three days after treatment, stay away from makeup and make sure you wear sunscreen, as your face will be especially vulnerable to damage and irritation from sun exposure while it’s healing.
• Keep your skin moisturized. Microneedling can leave your face feeling dried out. Find a hydrating moisturizer with hyaluronic acid to keep your skin feeling smooth and balanced. The DefenAge 24/7 Barrier Balance Anti-Aging Cream will not only hydrate your face, but will also asist the healing process (apply 24 hours after your microneedling procedure).
• Cleanse often. Eight hours after your treatment, it’s safe to wash your face with clean hands, lukewarm water, and a gentle cleanser. Your skin will be sensitive, so wait to use a cleansing brush for at least a week so as to avoid further irritation.
• Use collagen-stimulating peptides. While microneedling triggers collagen production, using collagen-stimulating peptides will compound the effects and help your skin regenerate. The DefenAge 8-in-1 BioSerum contains palmitoyl tripeptide-38, which is excellent for post-microneedling use and encourages your skin to heal and to produce new cells. Apply 8-in-1 BioSerum 48 hours after your microneedling procedure to promote healing and maximize the cosmetic benefits.

 

 

Who Should Perform Microneedling?

Although it is considered safe and minimally invasive, microneedling should only be performed by a licensed aesthetician or healthcare practitioner with experience. If you seek microneedling outside of a dermatology office or medical spa, always verify the qualifications of the individual offering the service and ask them about their sterilization practices.

NOTE: Always consult your medical professional to learn more about microneedling and before applying any products to your skin post procedure.