If you want firmer and younger skin, a microneedling treatment is the perfect option. Let’s dive into how long does microneedling last and how it delivers amazing results.
A consistent skincare routine that includes anti-ageing ingredients and SPF is important to keep the skin looking its best, and getting regular professional treatments such as microneedling also benefits the skin.
Microneedling is an effective treatment that uses tiny needles on the skin to stimulate the production of new collagen. If the use of needles makes you nervous, don’t panic, it is not painful.
Regular microneedling treatments deliver long-lasting results and are especially popular among celebrities, and A-listers including Kim Kardashian, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston are all fans of this treatment.
Victoria Beckham said, “It is my go-to treatment for refining skin texture … excellent for improving scarring, pigmentation, fine lines, large pores, skin laxity and crepey skin.”
A common question asked is, how long does microneedling last? This article covers what results you can expect from this treatment and how long they remain on your skin.
- What Is Microneedling And Why Is It Popular?
- How Long Does Microneedling Last? What Results To Expect After Your Treatment
- What Is Collagen And Why Is It So Important?
- How To Prepare For Microneedling
- What To Expect During Microneedling?
- What Are The Main Benefits Of Microneedling?
- How To Care For Skin After Microneedling?
- What Are The Side Effects Of Microneedling?
What Is Microneedling And Why Is It Popular?
Microneedling is a collagen induction therapy using tiny needles that pulse up and down, creating micro-injuries to the skin using a hand-held device. The needles puncture the skin, and as the body naturally starts to heal these wounds, it stimulates collagen production and elastin for tighter and smoother skin.
Our skin slowly loses collagen and elastin as we age, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. There are skin products such as retinol that help improve this, but microneedling will make a significant improvement faster.
Microneedling is usually performed on the face but also treats other skin concerns such as acne scars, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, age spots, stretch marks and other areas that have damaged or ageing skin.
Microneedling is not a cheap treatment, but once you have had enough sessions and achieved the required results, you will typically only need two to three maintenance treatments a year.
How Long Does Microneedling Last? What Results To Expect After Your Treatment
Microneedling is not an instantaneous treatment and takes time to work its magic, but the results are well worth the wait.
Results will vary from person to person but Admire Plastic Surgery says, “Some may find that the results start to fade away, after four to six months.”
3-to 6, treatments should achieve the desired results, and leaving 4-6 weeks between treatments to give the skin enough time to heal is advised. Microneedling is only required 2 to 3 times a year, to maintain results, but your practitioner will advise.
How long microneedling results last depends on different factors such as skin condition, age, and skincare routine. Microneedling can attain permanent results for some issues, such as acne scarring, but the below skin conditions will require a series of treatments to achieve the required results:
-
Wrinkles
-
Enlarged Pores
-
Fine Lines And Folds
-
Hyperpigmentation
-
Uneven Skin Tone And Texture
The answer to ‘How long does microneedling last?’ will vary as not all skin responds the same. For some people, results can be noticeable a week after the treatment, but for optimal results, expect to wait 4-6 weeks, when new collagen starts developing and skin cells fully turn over.
What Is Collagen And Why Is It So Important?
Collagen is a protein and the fundamental building blocks of skin, bones, muscles, tendons and other connective tissue. Collagen plays a vital role in maintaining the firmness and elasticity of the skin; as we age, we start to lose about 1% each year.
Collagen loss leads to visible changes in the skin, such as sagging and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. One of the most important steps to protect collagen is wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, as UV rays are one of the main culprits causing collagen breakdown.
Other things that damage collagen include smoking, not getting enough sleep, and a diet with a lot of sugar and refined carbs. A healthy lifestyle plays a significant role in your skin’s health, so incorporating collagen-rich foods into your diet, such as tomatoes, beans, chicken and citrus fruits, is recommended.
Incorporating collagen-inducing ingredients in your skincare routine, such as retinol, niacinamide, and vitamin C, are helpful and also promote youthful-looking skin.
How To Prepare For Microneedling
-
Arrive with a clean face, free of make-up.
-
Don’t apply Retin-A or acid-based products such as glycolic acid and azelaic acid at least one week before your session.
-
Avoid direct sun exposure for 24 hours before your treatment.
-
Always check with the clinic and inform them of any medications you are taking, such as Accutane, not advised to be taken in the last six months before your treatment.
Your practitioner will advise on what treatment plan is suited to you after your first session and the number of sessions you will need.
What To Expect During Microneedling?
Your face should be clean and make-up-free for your microneedling session; let the practitioner know if not so they can clean your skin.
1
Step 1
The first step is to apply a topical numbing cream on the face, which will be left on the skin for up to 20 minutes to take effect.
2
Step 2
The numbing cream will be cleaned off, and serums will be applied to the skin’s surface that may include hyaluronic acid, peptides and other collagen-inducing ingredients.
3
Step 3
The microneedling pen/device will be passed across the face in downward motions, in straight lines.
A microneedling treatment typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.
Microneedling is not painful, but some people might find the process a little uncomfortable, and that is why a numbing cream is applied at the start to minimise any discomfort.
Afterwards, you can expect some redness for up to 24 hours and may experience flaking of the skin as the skin begins to heal.
What Are The Main Benefits Of Microneedling?
-
Softens The Appearance Of Fine Lines And Wrinkles
-
Improves Skin Texture And Tone
-
Reduces Appearance Of Scars
-
Minimises Enlarged Pores
-
Improves The Colour And Appearance Of Stretch Marks
-
Reduces Discolouration And Dark Spots
-
Non-Invasive Procedure
How To Care For Skin After Microneedling?
Proper aftercare is essential to prolong results, so if you are wondering ‘how long does microneedling last?’ Follow these dos and don’ts to keep your skin looking its best.
Don’t apply any skincare products to your face for 4-6 hours.
After 4-hours you can wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
For the first 48 hours, only use lukewarm water.
Avoid direct sunlight as your skin will be more sensitive to the sun; take a hat to your treatment just in case.
Keep the skin hydrated with a nourishing oil-free moisturiser as from day two to four, trans-epidermal moisture loss occurs, so apply moisturiser frequently to avoid dehydrated skin.
Don’t apply active ingredients such as AHA’s and retinol to the face for at least 48 hours post-treatment.
Don’t have any other treatments within two weeks.No saunas or hot showers for 24-72 hours, as it can increase the risk of infection and cause inflammation.
Don’t wear make-up for 24-48 hours to minimise the risk of infection and give the skin time to heal.
**For those not comfortable going make-up-free, it might be beneficial to book an appointment on the weekend so you can choose to stay inside and heal.**
What Are The Side Effects Of Microneedling?
Microneedling comes with temporary side effects that include:
1. Redness and Irritation
This typically subsides within a few hours to a few days.
2. Mild Swelling
This is common and typically reduces within a day or two.
3. Dryness and Flaking
Dry skin may start to flake off, a normal part of the regeneration process as the skin heals.
4. Discomfort
Some people may feel tightness or tenderness in the treated area.
There are other less common side effects, including hyperpigmentation, bruising, infection and allergic reaction, and why choosing a qualified practitioner is essential, along with proper aftercare.
Microneedling is a popular and non-invasive treatment that achieves amazing results for your skin. If you want to give your skin a collagen boost, or treat skin issues such as scarring or stretch marks, microneedling needs to be top of your list. ‘How long does microneedling last’ depends on different factors, but regular treatments and looking after your skin in between treatments will maintain longer-lasting results.
Disclaimer: All the content published on www.thestylecadet.com is solely for information purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consider seeking the advice of your doctor, qualified healthcare provider or dermatologist. The information, suggestions, or remedies mentioned in this article are provided without warranty of any kind, whether expressed or implied.
