Microneedling

Microneedling is the new craze in skin science. Skincare specialists swear by it to address those pestering problem areas

The beauty industry is always buzzing with new skincare trends. This time, microneedling is the latest grooming procedure to spark interest worldwide. We speak to Tzvia Hermann, founder of The Laser Beautique, who gives us the lowdown on microneedling and what it entails.

What is microneedling?

Microneedling, also known as skin needling, Collagen Induction Therapy (CTI) or Percutaneous Collagen Induction (PCI), is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation procedure involving the use of a skin needle device for immediate and visible skin rejuvenation with long lasting effects.

How does the procedure work?

A small device with multiple needles punctures the skin to create a safe and controlled skin injury. Each puncture creates a channel that triggers the body to fill the microscopic wounds by producing new collagen and elastin. The channels also allow the serum ingredients to penetrate better. The skin is pierced vertically with minimal pain. The automatic, high speed vibrating function of the device increases the effectiveness of the treatment by rapidly making multiple insertions, quickly and clinically, dramatically reducing pain and discomfort for the client.

What are the benefits of microneedling?

Among others, the treatment leads to overall improvement of your skin’s texture, firmness and hydration, as well as reducing scarring, pigments, pore size and stretch marks. Skin needling also allows for controlled induction of the skin’s self-repair mechanism by creating micro ‘injuries’ in the skin, which triggers the wound healing and, in turn, start new collagen synthesis.

How long does it take to see results?

Microneedling is a ‘slow sport’, meaning the response to treatment is both instant and long term. You’ll require a series of microneedling treatments for optimal results. A course of 6-12 treatments is recommended for optimal results. After about three treatments, clients are pleased with the minimal down time and are eager to proceed. Texture, pore size and line laxity improve first and fastest. Deeper lines, acne scars and scars in general take more treatments and are accumulative. Initial results can be seen within 10 days. The best results of one single treatment can be seen three months later and the collagen will continually grow in the skin over a 90-day period.

Where else on the body can you get microneedling done?

It’s a good treatment for all skin types, especially if you have acne or surgical scarring, enlarged pores and wrinkles. Skin needling is used to treat fine lines around the eyes, mouth, cheeks, neck and décolleté. Other areas include the abdomen, thighs, hands and arms. Stretch marks and burn scars can safely be treated.

Is it painful?

Professional skin needling is considered to be one of the safest skin treatment procedures and a virtually pain-free process. A numbing cream is also applied on the skin before starting the treatment.

Who should avoid microneedling?

Anybody with the following: Papulopustular Rosacea (bumps and pimples)

Herpes simplex

Open lesions

Skin cancer

Raised moles, lesions and warts Bacterial/fungal infections Solar keratosis (sun damaged skin) Haemophilia (bleeding disorder) Scleroderma (autoimmune disease)

Acne vulgaris stage III – IV Uncontrolled diabetes