Wondering how microneedling works to fix your skin? We asked an expert for some answers
By Chere Di Boscio
If the idea of needles being rolled across your skin is disturbing, please stop reading here. But if the idea of renewing your skin’s surface through tiny punctures that can stimulate collagen and diminish cellulite, then read on.
I interviewed plastic surgeon and renowned skincare expert Dr Bruno Amendola at his Harley Street Clinic in London. I wanted to know how microneedling works to fix your skin, be it through Dermaroller or mesotherapy. These two procedures are a great solution to acne scarring, cellulite, fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation issues. And they have been used by many a celebrity to achieve more glowing skin.
The procedures have become so popular as of late that some people are buying microneedling and mesotherapy devices to use at home. But is that a good idea? What’s the difference between the two? Who’s the best candidate for these devices? What do they really do? And can they actually do any damage?
Read on to see Dr Amendola’s answers.
First, what are some of the best ways to get younger looking skin?
Skin rejuvenation encompasses a variety of ingredients, treatments and techniques. With a holistic and comprehensive approach in one’s skincare routine, you can resolve many common dermatological issues.
From potent skincare ingredients that optimise skin health, to surgical treatments, or non-invasive options like microneedling using high-quality professional microneedling serums to achieve skin rejuvenation, there are myriad ways to achieve improvements. More recently, innovations like stem cell skincare can get you there with superior effects, be it elevating application results or ensuring a faster, smoother recovery journey.
What’s the difference between dermarolling and mesotherapy?
A dermaroller provides advanced micro-medical skin needling. This stimulates the skin to regenerate and repair itself naturally. It’s a wonderful and often very successful treatment. Bit it requires a commitment to the treatment program. Typically, you’ll need 4 to 6 treatments before seeing results.
The results can be dramatic. Research has found that skin treated with four microneedling sessions, one month apart, could lead to a 400 percent increase in collagen.
Mesotherapy is the perfect alternative to help correct the skin’s loss of vital nutrients as a result of sun exposure, poor diet or circulation and hormonal changes. It involves multiple tiny injections to administer microscopic quantities of homeopathic medications, vitamins, minerals and amino acids into the skin. The treatment takes around 10 minutes and is most often pain-free. Again, like most treatments, a course is usually recommended to produce measurable results.
These days you can also get ‘no-needle’ mesotherapy. That’s where the products are delivered into the skin using low frequency electric currents. But whether traditional or no-needle mesotherapy is used, the cosmetic aim is usually to replace vitamins and minerals that the skin loses as we age.
Tell us how microneedling works to employ the body’s defenses to improve skin?
Microneedling is a procedure that uses shallow needles to poke holes in the skin’s surface. Those holes are therapeutic as they cause a micro injury that prompts skin to stimulate collagen production and hair growth, fill in fine lines, plump the skin and contribute to a younger look.
After using the dermaroller, we apply serums or deep moisturisers. That’s because dermarolling acts as a delivery system to maximise the effects of these products. In fact, studies show these applications are absorbed much more easily and deeply by skin treated by a dermaroller than by untreated skin.
However, some people should avoid a dermaroller. For example, if they have a history of blood-clotting problems, or are using accutane or other medical treatments. And you should never use a dermaroller on areas of skin that have eczema, sunburn, or cold sores. Avoid anywhere there are moles, skin inflammation, or rosacea.
There are loads of Dermarollers available online. How can we use this at home?
I advise against trying this treatment at home. The needles for home use are typically less than 1 mm, while those used by professional are typically between 1-3 mm and their purposes are distinct. It’s very important that treatments like these are done in a sterile professional environment to help achieve best results.
Who is the best candidate for a Dermaroller? Mesotherapy?
I recommend Dermaroller therapy for patients looking to minimise the appearance of acne scars, sun damaged skin, stretch marks and even facial lines and wrinkles.
In the case of mesotherapy, I would recommend this to anyone looking for light refresher and a glow to the skin. Unless you have an allergy to any of the ingredients in the products used, mesotherapy is suitable for pretty much anyone.
If you have really deep lines and wrinkles, however, this probably isn’t going to produce the results you are looking for. So you might want to consider muscle relaxing injections or dermal fillers.
What exact materials do you apply to the skin in mesotherapy?
It involves multiple tiny injections. These administer microscopic quantities of homeopathic medications, vitamins, minerals and amino acids into the skin. The treatment takes around 10 minutes. Most often, it’s pain-free. Again, like with most treatments, I recommend a course to produce measurable results.
How often do you recommend each treatment?
With both, a course of treatments is usually recommended to produce measurable results. You won’t see the effects of the treatments straight away. That’s not how microneedling works!
I recommend a course of 5 mesotherapy treatments, one every 2 weeks. That’s just to start with. And after that, you can maintain it with a session every 3 months. I personally use Filorga mesotherapy and I have great results.
It takes up to 6 weeks for the deeper cells to migrate to the surface after a Dermaroller treatment. This is why you should leave 6 weeks between the 3 recommended Dermaroller treatments. Unfortunately, I heard some doctors offer Dermaroller sessions every two weeks. This is not professional at all – you need to wait!
Any last recommendations?
Yes! Keep in mind that maintaining long-term rejuvenation for the skin also depends on the type of lifestyle a person leads. For example, staying out of the sun, eating a diet rich in antioxidants, getting plenty of hydration, and including stem cell serum in a daily skincare regimen will help with quicker skin rejuvenation. This will continue the cycle of cellular renewal and regeneration of the skin barrier, improve the health of the epidermis and all its layers, and build a more resilient and brighter complexion.
And the earlier you start leading a skin-healthy lifestyle, the better!
Do you have any questions on how microneedling works? Ask us in the comments section below! Main image: dermaperfect.co.uk/mesotherapy
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