Treat Yo Self: Microneedling

What is microneedling?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that’s used to treat skin concerns via collagen production. As we age, the production of the fibroblast cells that stimulate the growth of collagen and elastic diminishes, resulting in fine lines and sagging of skin. The needling creates micro-injuries in the skin, which ultimately triggers the production of collagen, resulting in plumper and smoother-looking skin. Benefits of microneedling includes improving the appearance of acne scars, large pores, fine lines and wrinkles, evening skin tone, and increasing elasticity. For the first round of treatments, you should go every 4-6 weeks, and follow-up appointments can be every 6-8 weeks. The cost is usually around $300/treatment. The Dermapen is the world’s leading, patented microneedling device.

Why I got it

Since moving to Miami, I’ve struggled to get my skin in check. Between the heat and humidity and hormones, I suffer from uneven skin tone, patches of weird skin texture, and hormonal acne. Although I have been using Curology for about two years now, I still have some problem areas. I’m lucky enough to have a friend who works in dermatology who I go to with all my questions and issues. For weeks, Stephanie has been suggesting microneedling and I finally pulled the trigger. As a poor grad student, I’m always looking for a deal. I scoured Groupon for a location near me and stumbled upon a deal for 3 treatments for $150 at Muse Health and Beauty. With 4.9 stars and that price, it was a no brainer.

The procedure

Muse Health and Beauty is an office located in the Brickell area, offering the latest techniques and personally designed treatments for every need and skin type, products and high quality machines. It was founded by Karen Soto, Miss Venezuela World 2013, in 2017. The office is on the smaller side, with four treatment rooms. It had that traditional spa smell, with calming music. Upon arrival, I filled out some paperwork. After, I was directed to a room where I put a towel around my upper body and laid down. A wonderful woman came in and cleaned my face before applying a numbing cream. As this procedure involves tons of little needles, anesthesia is definitely appreciated to minimize the irritation. It was on my face for around 30-45 minutes; unclear how long exactly since I kind of fell asleep. The numbing/tingling sensation was strongest around my mouth. After that time, I was moved to another room where the actual microneedling would be done. My tech’s name was Dani, and he was amazing. He answered all of my questions and reassured me that it won’t be painful and I’ll love the results. In parallel with the Dermapen procedure, Dani applied a serum on my skin with Vitamins C and E and salicylic acid. This allows for the needles to press the serum into my pores while creating the micro-injuries for collagen production. Although I was a little nervous about the pain, it wasn’t bad at all! The only spot that was irritating was my forehead as that area lacks the cushion of fat.

Aftercare

When doing my research leading up to the procedure, I saw that some people experienced bleeding, bruising, microscabbing, and tenderness. Dani warned me that I’d likely just have redness, especially the first 24 hours, and look like I had a sunburn (he was very right!). I also received a few instructions for after care in the following 24 hours: no exercise or excessive sweating, no makeup, wear sunscreen, and avoid skincare products with acids or “active ingredients”. Other suggestions I saw online included making sure to stay hydrated, use collagen stimulating peptides, and use a cooling face mask to soothe irritation. Despite my face being rather red, I had minimal pain afterwards. My forehead was a little tender to the touch, but that was it. I was told that if I experience microscabbing, it would be around day 4 and that I should just do a gentle exfoliation to remove the microscabs. I didn’t have any microscabs, but I did have some peeling on my forehead and chin at day 4, which also was solved with a gentle exfoliation. My favorite scrub is SKIN&CO Truffle Therapy Face Gommage. Hydration is really key so after the first day, I continued with my usual routine of Prima Co Night Magic and Yeouth Niacinamide serum.

My Thoughts - First Visit

Since the procedure, I've only had two major pimples on my chin, which is a major hormonal acne hot spot for me anyway. A cystic pimple that has been bothering me since before my birthday has quickly gone down in size. I felt more glowy up until the week of my second visit. I had some big stressors that caused me to have some breakouts on my cheek, a place I don't usually get pimples. Dani suggested that my forehead scar may have lightened a bit as well but I've had the scar for 24 years so I'm unsure how true that is. I took multiple selfies to track my skin progress following the treatment, but I wasn't super consistent about lighting, so I apologize.

My Thoughts - Second Visit

Before starting the procedure, Dani checked in thoroughly with me to understand how my skin reacted to the first treatment. He ended up going over a few areas a little more intensely than he did the first visit so I was a little more red and tender there. I followed my routine from the first visit -- gentle face wash with cold water, none of my usual skincare products. When I went for my usual Saturday walk, I made sure to wear sunscreen and wear a hat to protect my skin. That night I tried my sample of Wishful Thirst Trap Juice serum, a serum boasting 3 types of Hyaluronic Acid (HA3) and firming peptides to hydrate and strengthen your skin. It did tingle in a few spots, likely from the microinjuries, but I thought my skin was more radiant the next day. My skin peeled sooner than it did the first treatment. TO keep my skin hydrated, I drank more water and used a sample of the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask. My face was so soft afterwards! The redness dissipated by the start of the work week. I haven't had any new pimples since the second visit and the acne scars I had from popping my hormonal acne has drastically lightened. 

To be honest, this is the best my skin has looked in a long time. I feel so comfortable in my skin, and I'm super excited that I won't have to cake on the foundation for summer photoshoots.

Microneedling at Home

During my second visit, Dani and I chatted much more during the treatment. As spa treatments are not always affordable or accessible to all, there are kits for microneedling at home. I asked Dani what his thoughts were on this option. He said with any skincare treatment, overuse is abuse! While these systems can be safe to use at home, do not use microneedling devices more than once every 3-4 weeks. He told me how he's seen a lot of patients come in with damaged skin. I asked him if he ever does it on himself, and he said he only has other specialists do the treatment for him. He said, "It's very telling that these specialists never perform microneedling on themselves."

Disclaimer: Although I am not directly affiliated with any of the aforementioned brands, some links may be produced through Shop Style to give me a commission through clicks (PPC) or RewardStyle to give me a commission through purchase. Products linked are only those that I have tried and loved.