Microneedling and Dermaroller Treatment

Collagen induction therapy(CIT) also known as skin needling (micro needling), is a cosmetic procedure involving continuous skin puncturing using small sterile needles.

Microneedling (also known as collagen induction therapy) involves using fine needles to create hundreds of tiny, invisible puncture wounds in the top layer of skin. Sound appealing? Not so much. But this minimally invasive treatment is virtually painless and incredibly effective, whether it's done in-office by a trained aesthetician, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon, or at home using a dermaroller (a small, handheld paint roller coated in tiny needles). RealSelf contributor Sejal Shah, MD and Board-certified dermatologist says,"The micro-injuries you create stimulates the body's natural wound healing processes, resulting in cell turnover and increased collagen and elastin production, therefore reversing as well as preventing signs of aging". (It works the same way lasers do, only you're injuring the skin mechanically instead of using heat or light.)

The ability to stimulate the enlargement of collagen and elastin, which is the key to a glowing youthful-looking skin is the primary attractiveness of micro needling. Some doctors would even go to this point on say that the procedure is the most powerful way to stop aging in its tracks and stop new fine lines and wrinkles from forming. Just a few sessions of micro needling can noticeably reduce fine lines, crow's feet, and deep wrinkles on the forehead, with its ability to trigger the generation of recent skin cells.

Microneedling reduces fine and deep wrinkles

Microneedling repairs visible scars

Nearly 100 percent of acne-scarred participants reported a marked improvement in the visibility of their acne scars, in a 2009 study on the effects of micro needling.

Microneedling reverses sun damage and pigmentation

Microneedling helps aging skin

Microneedling shrinks pores

Another method of micro needling uses a dermaroller which looks like a miniature paint roller with lots of tiny needles that is gently rolled in different directions over the surface of the skin to achieve the same effect.

The purpose of this procedure is two-fold:

• The little holes from the needles produce “microchannels” that enables skincare products, such as potent serums, to penetrate and absorb into the deeper layers of skin to deliver additional powerful results.
• These tiny pinpricks act as a bunch of mini injuries which kick skin into healing mode and stimulates collagen and elastin production. This process plumps skin and improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and pores.

How does the procedure go down?

THE DOCTOR will either gently roll a dermaroller over the surface of the skin in a few different directions or use a dermapen to work around areas of the face to create tiny holes in the skin’s surface.

The whole process takes around 20-30 minutes and, while it involves needles in your face (a thought that would normally elicit a full body shudder), the process is apparently pretty painless.

You can expect some redness for up to a couple days afterward as a result of all the skin stimulation, but it subsides quickly as the healing begins and the results of more glowing, supple skin start to show.

To get truly effective results, you’ll need more than one treatment to continually build collagen and elastin.

Are there any risks to micro needling or dermarolling?

Infection

The biggest no-no is using micro needling on active acne because you run the risk of infection. Avoid blemished areas throughout micro needling or wait till pimples are gone before undergoing the method.

Skin Reaction

Experts agree that you should not get the procedure done on skin that is inflamed, irritated, if you have rosacea, or are currently experiencing eczema.

Since microneedle can cause your skin to absorb skincare products more deeply, there’s a chance it could react to ingredients differently and become irritated.

You also want to be careful about using products not formulated for use with micro needling.

In a case study from JAMA Dermatology, University of Utah scientists reported 3 cases of women who experienced itching, rashes, and scarring in reaction to using a vitamin C serum with micro needling.

It’s a good idea to do a patch test of any post-micro needling products by applying to a small area and waiting 24 hours to make sure there’s no reaction before using it on larger areas. For sure if you have sensitive skin!

Authored by Dr. ABHIMANYU CHATURVEDI