microneedling dr alexis granite

Microneedling: How It Works & What To Expect

While the thought of inserting multiple needles into your skin simultaneously might sound invasive, microneedling is actually a dermatologist’s dream: treating many of the unwanted signs of ageing on our skin and scalp, with minimal pain and proven efficacy.

In this journal entry, I share my expert overview on the treatment, plus microneedling benefits and microneedling aftercare.

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling (or collagen induction therapy) is a minimally invasive skin treatment to stimulate collagen in the skin. Collagen is responsible for maintaining our skin’s youthful appearance – keeping it firm, elastic and youthful – but as we age, natural collagen production declines, leading to loss of tone.

Microneedling uses fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries on the skin’s surface to stimulate the body’s natural healing process, promoting collagen and elastin production, and ultimately boosting skin clarity, firmness and elasticity.

Whilst commonly used on the face, neck, décolletage and hands to address issues such as fine lines, acne scars, enlarged pores, and uneven skin texture, it can be used anywhere on the body – and even on the scalp to address hair loss.

There are three main types of microneedling:

1. Manual Microneedling: Using handheld tollers or stamps with fine needles, either at home or in-clinic.
2. Automated Microneedling Pens: Precision devices like Dermapen for targeted treatment. There are versions which can be used at home, but I would recommend visiting your dermatologist for in-clinic use.
3. Radiofrequency Microneedling: A combination of the treatment with RF energy that warms the dermis to further enhance collagen stimulation, resulting in more taut skin.

All three work over time, and while many people see results rapidly (most often within a week), I generally recommend a course of five treatments, given at four weeks apart, to see the best results.

Microneedling Benefits

As I mention above, microneedling is an excellent option if you are keen to address scarring, enlarged pores, fine lines, early loss of elasticity or hair loss.

Another benefit is that it also enhances the absorption of skincare and haircare products – ensuring that the active ingredients within your routine penetrate to where they are needed. I always recommend following a microneedling with a topical treatment to see optimum effects.

Microneedling For Hair Loss

Working on the same basis for the scalp as for the skin, microneedling is also effective at preventing hair loss. The process of creating micro-wounds in the scalp is believed to help regenerate hair health and induce hair-follicle stimulating stem cells, resulting in new hair growth or densification of thinning hair.

As with skincare, it promotes absorption of products, so post-treatment application of topical treatments such as minoxidil, steroids or platelet rich plasma can deliver more impressive results.

Microneedling For Stretch Marks

Whilst there is no treatment that can remove stretch marks entirely, it is worth considering if you are keen to minimise visibility.

As stretch marks are essentially skin scarring caused by rapid stretching of the skin, this technique works to treat them in the same way as any other scar, stimulating the body’s natural healing process to smooth the skin.

Microneedling Aftercare

While the procedure is minimally invasive, it is important to understand the immediate effects, and understand the importance of your aftercare in the hours and days following.

You will likely see some redness and swelling, which typically lasts around 1-2 days. Your skin may also feel drier, more sensitive and more taut, and in the following week you could experience roughness as old skin cells shed, to be replaced by new tissue.

To ensure you are looking after your skin, make sure you follow the below:

For The First 12 Hours: Do not cleanse the skin, apply make up or engage in activities that might make you sweat excessively. Make sure you are layering the skin with hydrating products – I would recommend Youth to the People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream for the face, or Joonbyrd SUNDAY SOFA Rejuvenating Body Butter for the body.
For the First Two Days: Depending on your skin type, it is sometimes advised to avoid use of retinals during the first two days, as you can see increased levels of skin sensitivity. Make sure to cover this with your dermatologist when you’re in the clinic.
For The First Week: Avoid any direct sun exposure in the first seven days, and continue to use highly hydrating products as above.
Forever: Apply high factor SPF every single day, ensuring you are particularly careful to re-apply frequently in the first seven days.

Discover further expert insight on skin and hair treatments via my journal.