MICRONEEDLING
Microneedling also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, is a skin rejuvenating treatment that uses tiny sterile needles from a microneedling pen device to create punctures or microchannels in the skin. This works by activating the skin cells natural wound healing process, stimulating collagen production, resulting in intense renewal, repair and rejuvenation for smoother, brighter firmer and healthy looking skin.
How it works
Below is the wound healing process that your skin goes through after microneedling:
Stage 1: Haemostasis (first 15mins)
Microscopic incisions close within 3-5 mins causing minimal superficial bleeding. Damaged tissue constricts blood flow (vasoconstriction). Platelets in blood start to cause clotting and white blood cells (Leucocytes) flood into the area to prevent infection.
Stage 2: Inflammation (15 mins - day 3)
Skin feels tight, appears red, swollen and sore (like sunburn). Cytokine cells (signalling cells) activate neutrophils (skin healing cells) to initiate the wound healing process. Macrophages (digest pathogens) begin to replace neutrophils as they continue to consume bacteria and damaged tissue. Macrophages release growth factors which rapidly increase the number of fibroblasts (cells that produce collagen)
Stage 3: Proliferation/Regeneration (day 3 - day 20)
The skin begins to regenerate as new cells begin to form. New blood vessels form, providing nutrients and oxygen to the tissues. Fibroblasts multiply and lay down the collagen matrix in the wound area. Granulation occurs by developing new connective tissue and blood vessels. Epithelial tissue forms to create a barrier between punctures and the environment. Clients start to see visible improvements.
Stage 4: Remodelling (day 21 to up to 1 year) Fibroblasts continue to remodel, producing collagen to strengthen the skin. Collagen type III is gradually replaced by collagen type 1 over 6-12 months strengthening the skin. Clients continue to see visible changes.​
The benefits:
-
Induces collagen & elastin production
-
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
-
Improves scarring including acne, surgical & chicken pox
-
Firms and tightens the skin
-
Improves pigmentation and sun damage
-
Promotes natural healing Improves uneven texture and tone
-
Enhances the skin’s ability to absorb products and serums
​​
How often can I have a microneedling treatment?
Microneedling should be performed no more than once per month to allow the skin to completely heal. If performed too often it will leave the skin in a constant state of inflammation. A course of 3-6 treatments is recommended.
​
After care advice
​
Immediately after – apply Hyaluronic Acid regularly with clean hands to hydrate and cool the skin. Sleep on a clean pillow case that evening.
Morning after – The face can be cleaned using just water or micellar water with clean cotton pads.
For 24 hours – It is recommended that the client stays out of the sun during this time period. SPF 30 minimum can be applied after 24 hours.
For 48 hours – skin may be slightly red for a few days after microneedling and can feel tight and like sunburn. There may also be some peeling or flaking which must not be picked. Strenuous exercise should be avoided.
For 48 – 72 hours – Do not use any Retinol, AHA’s or BHA’s. Avoid wearing make up. Avoid washing hair which will expose the skin to shampoo. Avoid touching your face with your mobile phone.
For 1 week – No other facial treatments to be carried out for at least one week after microneedling.
For 1 month – Direct sunlight should be avoided e.g. sunbathing.
​
Contra-indications
Chemical peels/Recent laser treatment or microdermabrasion Skin should not be treated for 14 days before or after. Pregnancy/Breastfeeding The safety of microneedling on pregnant and breastfeeding clients has not been tested and the risk is unknown. Recent facial surgery or scarring Cannot perform treatment for 6-12 months depending on severity. A doctor's note would be required. Traumatised, sunburnt, windburnt, bruised, broken skin or recently used a sunbed Treatment should not be performed until completely healed or within 48 hours of using a sunbed. Warts/Cold Sores/Shingles/Skin or Eye Infection Contagious so should not carry out treatment. Keloid Scarring Microneedling can exacerbate keloid scarring. Blood thinners or anticoagulant medication Need a doctor’s note to confirm treatment can proceed. Botox (within 2 weeks) or fillers (within a month) Written consent required from botox/filler specialist prior to treatment. Cannot perform for a minimum of 2 weeks after muscle relaxants like botox and a mimum of 4 weeks after fillers. IPL Cannot perform treatment while having IPL. Diabetes Doctor’s note required if not under medical control (diet or insulin). Compromised immune system Need a doctor’s note to confirm treatment can proceed. Hepatitis/HIV Contagious via blood - treatment cannot be carried out. High doses or frequency of Aspirin Need a doctor’s note to confirm treatment can proceed. High or low blood pressure High blood pressure that is not controlled by medication requires a doctor’s note. Low blood pressure is not contraindicated but extra care is needed and the therapist must advise the client to notify them if they begin to feel unwell during treatment. Prescribed Acne medication/Active Acne/Ezcema/Psoriasis For example Roaccutane. Need a doctor’s note to confirm the treatment can proceed. Normally wait 12 months after completing medication. Semi permanent make up Cannot perform treatment for a minimum of 2 weeks after. Skin cancer/Cancer/Multiple sclerosis Doctor’s note required. Use of Retinol based products Treatment can be carried out if use is stopped 7 days prior to treatment (do not use Retinol at least 7 days after treatment). Hair removal (waxing, threading, electrolysis or epilation)/Bleaching/Exfoliation Do not treat the area for 7 days prior to or post treatment. Heart condition/Pacemaker/Claustrophobia Therapist should advise the client to notify them if they begin to feel unwell during treatment. Hyper Pigmentation/Telangiectasia (broken capillaries) It is important to note the client has this prior to treatment and the therapist has not caused this to occur or become worse. Inflamed or errupted skin Establish why the skin is affected and ascertain the severity of the condition to decide whether to avoid the area or not to carry out the treatment. Moles (raised, irrgular or hairy)/Keloid scarring/Open lesions/Cuts, abrasions or swellings/Rosacea/Skin tags Therapist should avoid the area Skin sensitivity Ascertain if the affected area will be touched during treatment, if there is a trigger for sensitivity and if any of the products being used contain the trigger, if the products contain the trigger and the sensitised areas needs to be treated, carry out a patch test. Tanning products Wait 7 days before applying tan to the area that has been treated. If clients have used tanning products recently their colour may lighten after treatment. Medications Certain medications can cause an adverse reaction in the skin, discuss further with the client before starting the treatment. Patch test where necessary. Allergies Avoid all products with Salicylic Acid if the client has an asprin allergy.
