Micro-needling is a procedure that is getting more popular these days. However, there is a lot of controversial information about it. Today we’ll help you decide whether you should try this treatment by explaining its types, risks, and benefits.
Micro-Needling: Types
Micro-needling is a treatment that involves using a specialized device (a roller with micro-needles). The piece is rolled over your skin so that the needles can pierce it to produce a certain effect. There are two major types of rollers, medical grade and those made for at-home treatments. They differ in the length and configuration of the needles. Medical grade devices can penetrate deeper, thereby producing a stronger effect.
Home use dermal rollers have smaller needles so that you get some effect without taking unnecessary risk. IF you want to get the most that this treatment has to offer, you should have it performed by a trained and certified professional. Assess the results you receive to decide whether you should purchase a roller to use at home.
The most popular options of micro-needling devices are:
- Dermarollers.
They look like aerators you use for the lawn but are much smaller. The cylinder of this roller has about 200 needles that will puncture hundreds of tiny holes in your skin when you move the roller along your face. - Dermapens.
These devices look like pens, though their heads are covered with tiny needles. The needles are motor-driven and will “stamp” your skin. - Dermastamps.
These are similar to dermapens but they are larger and can be either manual or motorized.
Micro-Needling: Benefits
It’s important to note that there is very little research of this treatment, so many of the claimed benefits don’t have any supporting evidence.
The advertisements for this procedure state that it can help you achieve the following goals:
- Reduce
scarring.
This is a fact proven by several studies. When the needles pierce your skin, they can break down the thick collagen formations that make up scars. The strength of the effect will depend on the type and severity of the scarring. The most effective tools for achieving this effect are dermapen and dermastamp. - Reduce
cellulite.
These claims have no supporting evidence and there is very little chance that micro-needling can affect this particular problem. Cellulite is formed by fat deposits deep in the connective tissues, and piercing the outer layer of the skin will have no effect on them. - Building
collagen.
This effect is currently studied in different centers around the world. The scientific evidence available at the moment isn’t sufficient to state that this micro-needling is indeed an effective anti-aging treatment. However, the interim results of the studies seem to be positive.
Micro-Needling: Risks
If you decide to try stimulating your skin with this treatment, you need to be aware of the risks:
- Infection.
As the needles pierce your skin, there is a danger of contracting an infection. - Extreme
dryness.
The treatment isn’t recommended to people with naturally dry skin. - Irritation.
A normal reaction of your body on being repeatedly wounded by needles. - Sunlight
sensitivity.
Exposure to sunlight after the treatment may result in nasty burns and pigmentation. - Swelling
and bruising.
These cases are rare and usually caused by poor treatment quality.
Whether micro-needling will help you look younger is a question that is difficult to answer. However, one thing you can be sure of is that this procedure must be performed by a qualified professional in a sanitary environment. Otherwise, the treatment can have many negative side effects.
