Microneedling: No, It’s Not a Form of Modern Day Torture

By Canoe Group on September 8, 2023 in skin care tool

What is it and why do we do it?

Maybe you’ve seen it in your favorite beauty and skincare store, or at the Derm. If you’re like me, when you picked up the small needle-pricked roller attached to a handle you had visions of self-flagellating 14th-century nuns. “Huh,” I muttered, slowly shaking my head. “This seems to be a bit of a step backward.” I had a few questions.

What and Why?

No doubt, it’s an off-putting instrument, but with the right technique, at-home microneedling (as opposed to professional microneedling) can be wildly beneficial for your skin care regimen. Microneedling is all about creating tiny, superficial, and controlled skin injuries by puncturing the skin. These tiny injuries accomplish two tasks. First, they ramp up collagen production as the skin tries to heal the superficial wound. Second, they create a window into the deeper layers of the epidermis, allowing for certain serums and creams to penetrate deeper and achieve a higher efficacy.

How?

Sterilize your MicroNeedle Roller 0.5mm before and after each use, up to 5 uses. You can do so by submerging the needle end in a cup of Isopropyl Alcohol for several minutes. While your instrument is sterilizing, apply your products. Avoid applying retinol, and Vitamin C as they can cause irritation while the skin heals from micro-needling. Instead, opt for serums like hyaluronic acid which can help counteract the natural dryness which happens during the healing process, niacinamide, and serums with peptides. Using an asterisk-like motion, gently roll the derma-roller over your skin with even pressure. Apply the eye area completely. And don’t overdo it. With derma-rollers, less is more. Massage the skin after application and keep the skin clean from makeup for 24 hours if possible. It’s best to do an at-home micro-needling treatment in the evenings.

How Often?

Again, less is definitely more when it comes to at-home microneedling. Some find benefit from using a derma-roller once every few weeks and some find benefit in twice-weekly sessions. But any more than four times a week is definitely too much! Watch your skin and see how it feels. Go easy and consult your dermatologist for guidance if you’re unsure.