If you’ve ever considered getting professional cosmetic treatments at your dermatologist’s office, you’ve probably heard of microneedling. Though the name might make you hesitant, when performed by a professional with topical anesthetic, microneedling is minimally invasive and has a slew of benefits for skin. We’re here to break down everything you’ve been wondering about microneedling, including:

• What is microneedling?

• What are the benefits of microneedling and what does microneedling do?

• How does microneedling work?

• Microneedling after care

What is microneedling?

Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses tiny needles to prick the surface of the skin, triggering its natural wound healing process. After a microneedling treatment, skin responds to the wounds and generates new collagen and tissue, which can look younger and smoother.

While there are plenty of at-home microneedling devices available, board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger advises that microneedling is a clinical procedure that should not be attempted at home. “I love microneedling, but only if it is done correctly and under the supervision of a licensed professional,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “Doing it ‘on the cheap’ and can lead to scarring and other long-term problems. Infection from contaminated needles, skin damage, trauma-induced hyperpigmentation, pain and inflammation are all possible side effects that come with at-home microneedling devices. These unwanted side effects become even more likely if you use a microneedling device that uses needles larger than 0.5 millimeters.”

Dr. Schlessinger recommends you visit a board-certified dermatologist to find out if you are a good candidate for microneedling in the first place. “I can't tell you how many patients of mine have done microneedling unnecessarily, having spent huge sums of money on a worthless treatment for them,” he says. “I also explain to my patients that though microneedling has benefits, they aren’t really going to be as significant as true laser procedures or even IPL (intense pulsed light). Microneedling has a wonderful boost, though, for those who have realistic expectations.”

What are the benefits of microneedling?

You might be wondering, what does microneedling do when it comes to the appearance of skin? Here are a few skin conditions that can be improved with microneedling treatments:

• Wrinkles and fine lines

• Large pores

• Acne scarring

• Uneven or rough texture

• Stretch marks

• Hyperpigmentation or dark spots

One important thing to know is that microneedling has shown to be an effective treatment for all skin tones, unlike other advanced in-office procedures like lasers. In-office microneedling treatments such as EndyMed are able to combine the benefits of microneedling with other treatments, such as radiofrequency, for even better results.

How does microneedling work?

If you are wondering how microneedling works, we recommend you schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist. Here is what you can expect during that appointment:

• A trained, board-certified dermatologist will expertly assess your skin and determine if microneedling is the appropriate treatment for your goals and skin concerns.

• The physician will make the treatment as comfortable as possible with numbing agents and topical anesthetics.

• They will use sterile equipment in a clean environment, including new needles for every treatment.

• During the procedure, the physician inserts a pen-like tool evenly across the treatment area, pricking the skin with hundreds of tiny needles. The technique can vary depending on the type of microneedling device your physician uses.

• A calming treatment or serum may be applied afterward to soothe any inflammation.

• They will provide expert advice for post-procedure care, including how to facilitate wound healing.

Microneedling after-care

Immediately after a microneedling treatment, your skin will be red and sensitive. It may also feel tight and dry with some skin shedding. You may experience minor bleeding, and it’s important to note that your skin will be more sensitive to the sun immediately after treatment.

If you do need to venture outside while your skin is still sensitive from microneedling, Dr. Schlessinger recommends wearing a sunscreen with at least SPF 30. A gentle mineral sunscreen such as Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is a great option. In addition to broad-spectrum sun protection from zinc oxide, this formula also contains skin-soothing ingredients such as allantoin and bisabolol to help minimize irritation.

After microneedling, it’s best to give your skin a break from makeup. However, if that’s not possible, you can cover any unwanted redness with a breathable foundation such as Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation. “This foundation’s formula is ideal for post-procedure skin because it allows your skin to breathe by delivering oxygen to compromised skin cells,” Dr. Schlessinger says. It also offers SPF 30 for sun protection and is free from fragrance, oils and dyes.

To further experience the benefits of microneedling treatments, use an anti-aging product like Neocutis Bio Cream Firm. This advanced cream uses peptides to help further improve collagen and elastin production that microneedling induces while working to reduce additional signs of aging in just two weeks. Proprietary growth factors called Processed Skin Proteins (PSP) further encourage healthy, radiant skin. Also from Neocutis, the Neo Restore Post Treatment Nourishing Mask was created specifically to boost collagen and elastin production and provide deep hydration for post-treatment skin.

Another effective anti-aging product to keep on hand for microneedling after-care is LovelySkin LUXE HA Peptide Serum. This face serum uses hyaluronic acid to plump fine lines and wrinkles, peptides to support collagen production and apple stem cells to help protect the life of skin cells.

There are also a number of post-procedure skin care kits out there that corral all the products you’ll need for after-care in one convenient set. Avene SOS Complete Post-Procedure Recovery System is a six-piece set of post-procedure products that work together to help soothe visible redness, calm irritation and comfort your skin. It contains a gentle cleanser, recovery creams, a sheet mask, sunscreen and Avene Thermal Spring Water to spritz on your skin as needed.

The SkinMedica Procedure 360 System is another fantastic option to care for your skin after a microneedling appointment. It features five different products that work together to promote wound healing and complement the results of your in-office procedure, including a facial cleanser, restorative ointment, soothing repair creams and sunscreen.

Is hyperpigmentation a skin concern for you? You can learn more about the ten best ingredients for hyperpigmentation on the LovelySkin Blog.