Many people swear by microneedling (also known as dermal rollering, micro needling and skin needling) as the miracle skincare treatment due to its ability to diminish wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, and enhance skin elasticity, plumpness and give pure radiance to your complexion.
But considering the fact that tiny needles puncture the skin in the microneedling treatment, many can be left wondering – does microneedling hurt?
Here we explore what microneedling does, how microneedles work, whether the treatment is painful.
What does microneedling do?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries on the surface of the skin. These injuries stimulate the body’s natural healing process, which leads to increased collagen and elastin production. This results in smoother, firmer, and younger-looking skin.
How do microneedles work?
The needles used in microneedling are typically anywhere from 0.25 to 2.5 millimetres in length, with the majority of treatments using microneedles between 0.5mm and 1.5mm. When rolled or stamped across the skin, the microneedles create tiny channels that penetrate the uppermost layer of the dermis. The body then responds to the perceived injury by producing more collagen, elastin and other growth factors that aid in rebuilding the tissue.
The microneedling process can help to increase blood flow and oxygenation to the treated areas, which can help to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin. Additionally, microneedling can help to enhance the absorption of skincare products, making them more effective at penetrating the skin’s surface, and therefore making your skin more responsive.
Does microneedling hurt?
The short answer is no, microneedling does not hurt. However, there may be some mild discomfort during the treatment depending on the individual’s pain tolerance, skin sensitivity, and the depth of the needles used. Many people describe the sensation as simply a mild prickling or vibrating feeling.
At Flawless Aesthetic Clinic, I prioritise your comfort throughout microneedling treatments, ensuring you remain as comfortable as possible throughout. We can apply a numbing cream to the skin before the treatment, which can help reduce any sensations felt during the procedure. Additionally, we can also adjust the speed at which we move the needles across your skin, which can help to further reduce any discomfort.
Are there any side effects?
There are a few temporary side effects to be aware of with microneedling. The procedure causes short-term swelling, redness, and skin flaking, which can last for a few days.
What is microneedling good for?
As an immensely popular and highly effective and versatile treatment, microneedling addresses a wide range of skin concerns, including:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Sun damage
- Hyperpigmentation
- Uneven texture
- Enlarged pores
- Stretch marks
Although microneedling is most commonly used on the face, it can also be used on the arms, legs, neck, décolletage, back, abdomen, and other areas where you may notice ageing or damaged skin.
How long does microneedling last?
Generally, the effects of microneedling can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. However, this can vary depending on your personal goals and concerns, as well as the depth of the needles during your treatment and how well you take care of your skin post-procedure. Deeper microneedling treatments which penetrate further into the skin may produce longer-lasting results which can cause some redness and slight pin prick bleeding for a few hours afterwards, and proper post-treatment care, including avoiding too much sun exposure and using a gentle, moisturising skincare routine, can also help to extend the life of results.
If you’re wondering “How long after microneedling can I wear make up?” you should avoid wearing makeup for at least 24 hours after the procedure to allow your skin to fully heal.
So, how painful actually is microneedling?
All in all, microneedling is not a painful procedure when performed by experienced practitioners. I understand some patients may feel nervous over the prospect of the microneedles gently puncturing the skin. To make the process completely sensation-free, we can perform the treatment slowly or apply a topical numbing cream to ensure maximum comfort during the procedure. If you’re serious about restoring your skin’s optimal health, microneedling could be the perfect option for you.
To experience the truly transformative power of microneedling for yourself, book a consultation and let me help get you on the way to clear, even toned, and radiant skin!
