Can Microneedling Really Increase Collagen?

Hi there, Chicky,

Have you tried Micronnedling? I have to admit, I was late to this party. Somehow the thought of puncturing my skin with needles in the hopes of stimulating collagen sounded a little far-fetched, even for me. I wasn’t sure this was not another anti-aging hoax aimed at us poor, vulnerable aging women. In fact, I purchased an at-home dermaroller a few years ago, used it once, freaked out, and trashed it. I’ve since read a lot of the supporting evidence for its effectiveness. These little needles have now become an integral part of my anti-aging skincare routine.

My main skin aging concerns are hyperpigmentation, large pore size and loss of elasticity. So I’m always looking for treatments or products that tackle those specific concerns. Enter microneedling. I wrote a post last week about storing up collagen for menopause (here). This is one of the ways you can do that.

If you’re on the fence about this miraculous procedure, then read on…

FIRST: WHAT IS IT?

Microneedling is such a simple treatment. It is a bit scary, yet it’s really safe and effective — and inexpensive compared to other anti-aging treatments out there. It uses a small device called a dermaroller. It’s a small device with tiny fine needles that you roll over the face to create tiny holes in the outermost layer of the skin — the stratum corneum.

The standard dermaroller contains 192 needles of 2 mm length and 0.07 mm diameter. For anti-aging purposes, a needle length of 0.5 mm or 1.0 mm is usually recommended.

BENEFITS FOR SKIN REJUVENATION

The tiny needles create micro-injuries that stimulate a wound healing response. Therein lies the magic. Essentially your body responds to these micro- injuries by sending collagen and elastin to heal the area that has been wounded.  And voila, tighter, more youthful skin. Simple, right?

Studies reveal that skin treated with 4 microneedling sessions 1 month apart shows up to 400% increase in collagen and elastin after just 6 months. This, of course, refers to microneedling done at a dermatologist’s office, but you can also do it at home.

The end result with both is improved skin texture, tone, fine lines and scars using your body’s own healing ability.

The effects are enhanced when the procedure is combined with topical antiageing vitamin C serum and tretinoin (I’m using Retin-A at the moment). application because the micropunctures enhances the penetration of anti-aging products. This is my favorite Vitamin C serum.

IN-OFFICE MICRONEEDLING

The procedure takes about 30 minutes. A numbing cream is used before the procedure to lessen the pain. Afterward, the skin is very swollen and a little bloody, but when that goes away you are left with plump youthful skin.

One study I read suggests that the skin should be prepared with vitamin A and C products twice a day one month prior to the procedure to maximize collagen formation.

AT-HOME DERMAROLLING

There are several dermarollers on the market with different drum sizes and needle lengths. I got mine on Amazon. Obviously, the dermaroller used by the professionals have larger size needles. But the at-home versions are effective too and much less expensive. This is a good one from Amazon.

HOW OFTEN

The minimum time interval between two sittings of microneedling depends upon the needle length of the dermaroller being used. A greater length needle requires a longer interval between strings.

An at-home dermaroller should be used two to three times a week. I’ve been using mine three times a week and applying my tretinoin right after.

You have to clean your dermaroller after each use by running it under hot water or spraying it with alcohol in order to avoid infection. Your dermaroller should be replaced after about 100 uses.

So I’ve become a convert and an advocate of this little device. I also use it on my neck, chest and hands. Basically, anywhere I need to be rejuvenated.

Have you tried microneedling? What has been your experience?

xoxo,

V