As a teenager, I had acne. Not the kind where you get three bumps on your chin, but the kind that leaves lasting marks. Now that I’m an adult, I’ve gotten my acne under control. Between balancing my hormones and cutting back on dairy (unfortunate for a cheese-lover, but it makes all the difference), my breakouts are far more seldom. Since I’m less stressed about covering up breakouts, I want to go makeup-free more often. In order to do so confidently, I’ve wanted to improve the uneven skin texture left from years of acne. Enter microneedling – a treatment I’ve been doing for about six months now. So is microneedling worth it? Let’s get into it.
What is microneedling?
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure where your skin is pricked with tiny sterilized needles. This creates small wounds that force the skin to produce more collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin equal plumper, smoother skin. It sounds intense, but it’s really not that bad!
What is microneedling good for?
Microneedling can help with a variety of issues. I’ve been primarily using microneedling to improve acne scars and skin texture, but it’s also helping with sun damage and pore size. Microneedling can also be helpful for hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, hair loss, reduced skin elasticity, and stretch marks. If you’re concerned about any of these issues, it’s worth talking to a professional to see if microneedling is right for you.
Is at-home microneedling the same as in-office?
Definitely not. Home microneedling can be beneficial, but you’re limited on how much you can do. A dermatologist or aesthetician can safely do the procedure with deeper penetration into the skin, thus creating more collagen and elastin production. If you try to go too deep with an at-home microneedling tool, you run the risk of doing damage and hurting your skin in the end.
Does it hurt?
No, but it’s also not a relaxing, feel-good facial. As someone who has always had a major fear of needles, microneedling isn’t as scary as it sounds. Your dermatologist or aesthetician will run what looks like a pen in circles over your skin. To me, it feels a bit like someone is rubbing my face with sandpaper. Not comfortable, but not painful either. The most sensitive areas where the skin is thin, like your upper lip and under your eyes, is where you’ll feel it the most.
How long does it take?
The microneedling itself takes only 20 minutes or so. I have been doing my microneedling in conjunction with a peel to help with acne. My whole appointment takes around an hour to an hour and a half, depending on how much chatting we do.
What’s the downtime?
Microneedling will definitely leave your face red. I usually look like I’ve got a very decent sunburn for about 2 days. After that, my skin usually peels and flakes for the rest of the week. I won’t lie, things don’t look pretty right away. For me, after about two weeks my skin looks its best. That’s when the peeling has subsided and my skin starts to really glow. But it takes patience. Definitely don’t do microneedling right before a big event!
Is microneedling worth it?
Yes, microneedling is worth it. But that also depends on your goals for your skin and your willingness to do several treatments. While you will see results after one treatment, it’s best to do 4-6 to truly see the biggest change. If you’re a bride-to-be like me, consider microneedling a year to six months before your big day to ensure your skin is in the best shape.
After about six months of treatments, I’ve never been so happy with my skin. The texture isn’t perfect, but it’s so much better than it used to be. In fact, after my third round, I was asked by one of Jon’s family members what I’d been doing because my skin looked so good. As someone who has hardly gone a day without covering up a breakout, it was huge to hear this.
If you’re asking yourself, “is microneedling worth it?” go talk to your dermatologist to determine if it’s right for you. They’ll definitely be able to tell you if you can achieve your skincare goals with microneedling.
Where do you do microneedling in Amsterdam?
Because I know this question will come up from some of you in Amsterdam, I go to Face&Body Boutique in Zuid. Leanne Di Fraïa is my aesthetician and does a fabulous job, but the whole team at Face& Body is amazing.
Photo by Jack and Kie
