THE ART OF MICRO-NEEDLING

I love looking older – said no woman ever!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • LinkedIn
  • Print Friendly
  • Gmail

Without my glasses, I look pretty smooth, but with my glasses and that fine-tuned bifocal view, it’s a different story.  Road maps of wrinkles and old acne scars take me on a bad trip.

Is there something I can do for a little restoration, without breaking the bank?  

AT HOME MICRO-NEEDLING

At home micro-needling or roller therapy is my first choice. Micro-needling became popular in Europe, perhaps through desperation, as many of the topical products being advertised as penetrating the skin didn’t do that. Back to the drawing board.

Roller therapy began in a clinical setting, of course. People entered the clinic with the usual wrinkles and discolorations – and came out literally flayed. They paid quite well for their flaying, at about $300 a pop. If the surface area to be needled is extensive, it can become more expensive.

The interesting thing about the procedure is the results. Yes, patients looked somewhat beat-up at first, and my sister-in-law was told “I think you got ripped off!”

POSITIVE RESULTS

Not to worry. Micro needling gets positive results, sometimes in as little as 2-4 weeks, because the small injuries to the skin result in new growth of collagen, which most of us older people have lost.

Because clinical micro-needling is a  minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedure, time off work is not required, but you may reconsider that when you view the immediate results. Co-workers are going to offer condolences – did you take a tumble in the parking lot?

HOW MUCH DOES PROFESSIONAL MICRO-NEEDLING COST?

According to Healthline, professional micro-needling may cost anywhere from $200 to $700 per session. Although the number of sessions can vary, most people need three to six sessions for optimal results. With this in mind, you may spend anywhere from $600 to $4,200 overall.

I believe I may fall into the $$ four-K category.

Which leads me to:

AT HOME MICRO- NEEDLING

The rollers for at-home micro-needling can be purchased online. Needle lengths vary from lengths of 0.2 mm -1.5mm.

Needle size: 0.2 mm Uses: Increased penetration of skin care products into the skin, improvement of skin tone and texture.

Needle size: 0.5 mm Uses: Wrinkles, anti-aging, light acne scarring, A bonus: Can also be used for thinning hair!

Needle sizes: 1.0 – l.5 mm Uses: Deep stretch marks, cellulite and deep scarring. l.5 mm is the longest needle you should use on your face.

HERE’S MY PROCEDURE

Although I was very tempted to use the 1.5 mm length on my face –  why not go all the way?? I decided to prudently purchase the 0.5 mm roller. I may upgrade to the 1.5 mm when I get the courage.

Why?

NEEDLING HURTS!

I’m not going to lie, it hurts. But it does get results!

Here are a few at-home brands to consider:

The Stacked Skincare Collagen Boosting Micro-Roller, $30

Healthy Care Derma Roller, $13.97

Linduray Skincare Derma Roller for Face and Body, $13.97

Beautlife 6 in 1 Microneedle Derma Roller, $22.38

Lolysenta Derma Roller, $9.97

WHERE DO I START?

Here’s your five-step sanitation method.

Disinfect your derma roller. Always start by disinfecting your derma roller, letting it soak in 70 percent isopropyl alcohol for approximately 5 to 10 minutes before you begin.

Wash your face. …

Start rolling. …

Rinse your face. …

Sanitize your derma roller.

NEXT

Take a deep breath and mentally divide your face into four sections, avoiding the eye area completely. (Sorry, as much as I was tempted, this procedure should not be used for squint lines or under-eye bags)

Four Sections:

upper left

upper right

lower left

lower right

Apply a serum compatible with facial needling and begin!

 Micro-needling expert Kerry Benjamin says, “Serums that have active ingredients, like skin-plumping hyaluronic acid, and growth factors to help maintain healthy skin. “These are the types of ingredients that will really maximize the effects of microneedling to stimulate collagen, speed up cell turnover, lift hyperpigmentation, smooth out fine lines, firm, plump, and hydrate.”

Firmly roll over one area in one direction (vertically or horizontally) two to three times and be sure to lift the roller before each roll. Then roll two or three times in the opposite direction.

HOW MANY TIMES PER WEEK SHOULD I MICRO-NEEDLE MY FACE?

If your needles are shorter, like mine, you may be able to roll every other day, and if the needles are much longer, you may need to space out treatments every three to four weeks. I micro-roll at night before bed, which gives my skin a chance to heal and lose the reddened appearance.

This is not a ‘Good-Lookin’ Quick’ scheme. Like any worth-while endeavor, it takes persistence and there will be some discomfort. Persistence is the key and you will see some results. It is advised that you use a serum compatible to micro-rolling after you are finished.

I’ve been micro-needling for about a month, three days per week, and I notice that the scaring on my chin is less noticeable, and my face looks a bit fuller.

I won’t give up, and I will notify you of my spectacular results!

Share This