Microneedling, also known as skin needling, is a minimally invasive aesthetic treatment that uses the skin’s natural repair response to stimulate collagen production and improve its appearance.
During treatment, we use a handheld device called the eDermastamp®. This device contains a collection of ultra-fine needles that create tiny, controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These stimulate the skin’s natural repair processes, including the production and remodelling of collagen and elastin.
People choose microneedling for a variety of reasons, from improving uneven texture to softening the appearance of fine lines. Here are nine of the main benefits.
1. Microneedling stimulates collagen production
One of the main reasons microneedling is used in aesthetic treatments is its ability to stimulate collagen production.
Collagen is an important structural protein that helps give skin its strength and firmness. As we age, our natural collagen production gradually declines, contributing to changes such as fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness.
By creating controlled micro-injuries, microneedling prompts a repair response that includes the production and remodelling of collagen.
This process doesn’t happen overnight. Improvements in the appearance and texture of the skin can continue to develop in the weeks following treatment as collagen remodelling takes place.
2. Skin needling can soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
The gradual loss of collagen and elastin is one of the reasons our skin changes as we age.
By stimulating collagen production and remodelling, microneedling can improve skin texture and firmness and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Results will depend on factors such as your age, skin, the depth of the lines you would like to address and the number of treatments you have.
3. Microneedling can improve skin texture
If your skin feels rough or uneven, microneedling can help to create a smoother, more refined appearance.
The collagen remodelling triggered by treatment can gradually improve the appearance of uneven texture, while many people find their skin looks fresher and smoother as the results develop.
This makes skin needling a popular option for people who aren’t necessarily concerned about one particular line or wrinkle, but would simply like to improve the overall appearance and texture of their skin.
4. Skin needling can improve the appearance of acne scars
Microneedling can be used to improve the appearance of certain types of acne scarring, particularly depressed or pitted scars.
The controlled micro-injuries created during treatment stimulate collagen production and remodelling within the skin. Over time, this can help to improve the texture of areas affected by scarring and make some acne scars less noticeable.
Results depend on the type, depth and extent of the scarring, and a course of treatments may be recommended rather than a single appointment.
Microneedling isn’t suitable for every type of scar, so it’s important that your skin is assessed before treatment.
5. Microneedling can reduce the appearance of enlarged pores
Pores are a completely normal part of your skin, but some people find that theirs become more noticeable due to genetics, ageing, oil production or changes in the texture and firmness of the surrounding skin.
Microneedling can’t physically remove or permanently close pores. However, by improving the texture and firmness of the surrounding skin, it can help enlarged pores look less noticeable and give the complexion a smoother, more refined appearance.
6. Skin needling can improve the appearance of uneven skin tone
Areas of pigmentation can develop for many reasons, including sun exposure and changes following inflammation or skin injury.
Microneedling may help improve the appearance of some types of uneven pigmentation and overall skin tone as part of the skin’s renewal and remodelling process.
However, pigmentation is complex and microneedling isn’t suitable for every type. Treatment also needs to be considered carefully according to your individual skin and skin tone, as inflammation can sometimes make pigmentation worse.
If pigmentation is one of your main concerns, we’ll assess your skin and discuss whether skin needling or another aesthetic treatment would be the more appropriate option.
7. Microneedling can leave skin looking fresher and more refined
Not everyone who chooses microneedling has a single concern they want to address.
Because treatment stimulates a natural process of renewal and collagen remodelling, it can be a good option for people who simply feel their complexion is looking tired, uneven or less smooth than it once did.
Rather than dramatically changing how you look, the aim is to gradually improve the quality and appearance of the skin, leaving it looking fresher and more refined.
8. Skin needling can address several aspects of your skin’s appearance
One of the reasons microneedling is such a versatile aesthetic treatment is that the same process can address several common concerns.
Depending on your individual skin, it may help with the appearance of fine lines, uneven texture, visible pores, some types of acne scarring and uneven skin tone.
Microneedling can also be used on areas beyond the face, including the neck, décolleté and hands, depending on what you would like to improve.
9. Microneedling is suitable for many skin types
Microneedling can be suitable for a wide range of skin types and tones, but that doesn’t mean it’s appropriate for everyone.
Your skin, medical history, medications and any existing skin conditions need to be considered before treatment. This is one of the reasons we carry out a consultation first rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Temporary effects following microneedling can include redness, sensitivity, swelling and pinpoint bleeding. These usually settle as the skin recovers after treatment.
At Medikaur, the eDermastamp® uses a new, disposable single-use tip for each treatment.
Is microneedling right for you?
Individual results vary with microneedling, and you may need a course of treatments to achieve the improvement you’re looking for.
The best place to start is with a consultation. We can look at your skin, discuss what you would like to change and explain whether skin needling is a suitable option for your aesthetic goals.
Microneedling is also used for some aesthetic hair and scalp treatments. If this is what you’re researching, you can find out more on our microneedling for hair page.
At Medikaur, skin needling treatments are carried out by experienced clinicians, including Advanced Nurse Practitioner Jane Paterson. Jane has extensive experience in aesthetics and is also a trainer and mentor to other practitioners in the industry.
The aim is always to recommend an approach that suits you and the results you would realistically like to achieve.
