What is Skin Needling? Your Questions Explained.

What is Skin Needling? Your Questions Explained.

Skin Needling, also known as CIT (Collagen Induction Therapy) or dermal needling is the latest craze to hit the industry and it’s causing quite a stir. This is no surprise to me as the results that clients are experiencing are truly not to be underestimated.  For fine lines, wrinkles, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation and general textural improvement of the skin this treatment is a must try for all skin types.
In a time where we’re all looking for the “miracle cure” that will abolish skin flaws and brighten dull complexions, skin needling has stood front and centre with the celebrity crowd and dermatologists alike as a go-to treatment. But what is skin needling and more importantly, does it actually work? 

What is skin or dermal needling?


In a nutshell, skin needling involves pricking the skin with a series of very fine needles and whilst there is minimal penetration it induces the skin into a wound healing response which in turn promotes new collagen production. 
During the process, fine needles puncture the outermost layer of skin to create a controlled injury that stimulates growth. This might sound scary and counterproductive to those of us taught to nurture and protect our skin at all costs, but the beauty of skin needling is that it doesn't cause actual damage. Instead, the skin is stimulated, encouraging natural growth processes that lead to firmer skin and fewer fine lines. As scar tissue breaks down, it triggers a healing response and allows for an important boost in collagen.

Skin needling vs microneedling


No need to be confused, skin needling, microneedling and derma rolling are three terms for the same procedure. The term derma roller is often used for at-home skin needling, because the tool that performs the microscopic punctures is called a derma roller. In the past, only professional technicians were allowed to perform skin needling but these days, you can perform the same technique at home with one of the numerous tools available on the market.

How does skin needling work?


Using a derma roller tool, small pinpricks are made under the skin whilst the tool is rolled evenly across its surface. This process stimulates skin growth, renews blood vessels and promotes the creation of collagen in the skin.
There are various devices available on the market but at Clinica-Lase we use the German-made Dermaroller and more recently the all-new, highly acclaimed e-Dermastamp from the same company.  We use these as we believe they are the best but they are also the only TGA approved devices in Australia. Both devices employ high-quality medical grade stainless steel micro-needles but whilst the Dermaroller is a manual device the e-Dermastamp electronically stamps the skin delivering up to 150 pricks per second. This produces exceptional results when treating scarring, stretch marks and ageing skin by increasing the thickness of the epidermis.  Unlike other devices on the market, the e-Dermastamp also has an added component which allows the infusion of Hyaluronic acid (a very high moisture binding acid naturally produced in our own bodies) into the deeper layers of the skin which provides ultimate hydration.
The pricks are so small that you’re unlikely to notice them once the treatment is finished. Not only will there be an increase in collagen production but the skin’s ability to absorb skincare products increases, meaning that the products you invest in will work to their optimal performance level. As an added bonus, acne scarring and even stretch marks can be improved by microneedling.

Is skin needling safe?


There has been plenty of research conducted on the safety and efficiency of skin needling, and rightly so! The safety of our clients at Clinica Lase is always our first priority. Microneedling has been proven to be a safe and non-invasive skin resurfacing treatment suitable for a wide-range of clients.

Who is skin needling best for?


Because of the non-invasive nature of skin needling, it’s suitable for most people to use safely. If you suffer from any of the issues below, skin needling might be a great solution for you:You are not suited for skin needling if you are experiencing:  active acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, severe solar keratosis, skin cancer, raised moles, warts and any open wounds or sore. It is important to tell your clinician if you do have any of these skin conditions before you start treatment.

The benefits of skin needling


Collagen truly is the skin’s greatest internal healer. That’s why an ability to encourage its production is one of the great benefits of skin needling. 
Following a skin needling treatment you may experience: 

How to prepare your skin for skin needling


If you’re choosing to skip the salon in favour of skin needling in the privacy of your living room then there are very specific instructions you need to follow to make sure your skin is prepared for the procedure. We highly recommend that you follow a course of treatment with one of our professional clinicians before ever trying microneedling at home to ensure that your skin reacts well to treatment. 
At Clinica Lase, your technician will start with a thorough consultation and deep skin cleansing to help avoid infection and keep you comfortable throughout treatment. We have found this treatment has grown enormously in popularity, not only due to the great results but also due to the minimal downtime and since no heat is created in the skin it can be performed on any skin type and colour.  The treatment itself can take anywhere from 1 hour to 1 ½ hours depending on the device being used. I generally recommend a series of 4-6 treatment spaced 4-6 weeks apart for optimum results.

How often should you do skin needling?


To achieve truly outstanding results, depending on your skin's sensitivity, it’s advised that you see a clinician every 4 to 6 weeks. Your clinician will be able to perform a treatment or advise you on when you need to schedule your next appointment. 

Does skin needling hurt?


Just as some people find waxing painful and others don’t, this is all down to the individual! The team at Clinica Lase are highly trained at making the experience as comfortable for you as possible, so you can be rest assured that you’re in safe hands.

How long does it take to see results?


One of the great benefits of skin needling is that you can see results almost immediately! This is because the skin’s collagen production starts accelerating as soon as the micro-wounds are created in the skin. The best results will start to show 4-6 weeks after your treatment and will continue to improve as you follow your treatment course.

How to enhance the results of skin needling


Your experienced Clinica Lase clinician will help take you through the best practice aftercare procedures for your unique skin needs. We always recommend that the following be included in your routine for truly enhanced results.

  1. Only use a gentle cleanser and tepid water to clean the face for 72 hours post treatment
  2. Nourish skin with our range of recommended natural serums to help soothe and protect
  3. Avoid wearing make up for the 48 - 72 hours following your treatment
  4. Avoid direct sunlight and swimming pools for 72 hours post treatment
  5. Most importantly… Immediately apply a good quality broad spectrum SPF 25 or more sunscreen. You MUST continue to wear sunscreen for the following days (and every day!) 

 

Tips and best practices to improve your skin needling results

  • Up your vitamin A and C game. This will help to boost collagen (and keep you at optimum health!) Take supplements and eat a wholefood diet rich in fruit and vegetables.
  • Ice any areas that feel painful to reduce swelling
  • Avoid any areas of infected acne
  • If using a derma roller at home, never share your tool with another person
 
The team at Clinica Lase are here to answer any of your questions about skin micro needling and how it can help you unlock a beautiful complexion. 
Please contact us to find out more. You can also enquire about our other treatments so we can tailor a plan to suit your needs. Fill out our contact form or call our team today.