Despite its intimidating name, microneedling has gradually gained popularity among beauty and skincare enthusiasts worldwide. This is because Microneedling has fewer side effects and a much faster recovery time than harsher cosmetic treatments such as laser skin resurfacing and intensive peels. As a result, many have shared their success stories online.
Professional microneedling is performed in clinics and aesthetic spas, but seasoned microneedles may wish to attempt treatment at home with one of the many available at-home doctor pen microneedling. This is entirely possible.
Many will have seen advertisements for microneedling pens on Amazon or heard about them from friends, but are they truly worth purchasing? How does doctor pen microneedling even work? Does a specialist in a clinic best perform them? The MU Creatives guide to microneedling and Docter pens microneedling covers these topics and more.
Guide for MU Creatives on Microneedling and Microneedling Pens
- What is Microneedling?
- Derma Roller vs. Microneedling: Is There a Difference?
- Who is Microneedling For?
- What Does Microneedling Treat?
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- Microneedling for Acne
- Microneedling for Stretch Marks
- Microneedling Under Eyes
- Microneedling Downtime
- Microneedling Aftercare
- What to Put on Skin after Microneedling (And What to Avoid!)
- Retinol after Microneedling
- How to Use Microneedling Pens at Home
- The Microneedling Pen Kit
- Dr. Pen Ultima A6 Microneedling Pen
- Hydra Pen H2 Professional Microneedling Pen
- Angel Kiss A9 Microneedling Pen
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a beauty procedure involving using tiny needles to gently prick the skin. This procedure induces microscopic wounds that the body attempts to heal as it would any other wound – by producing additional collagen in the injured area. This increase in collagen production and the resulting increase in skin turnover improves the skin’s radiance and elasticity without causing pain.
When performed by a professional, the treatment usually begins with facial cleansing. Then, depending on the clinic, the aesthetician may apply a numbing cream to prevent the pricking sensation of the needles. The treatment typically lasts approximately 20 minutes per session and is administered over four to six sessions, with approximately four weeks between each appointment. With each subsequent appointment, the needles are put deeper into the skin as the skin gradually thickens, with the last appointment yielding the final results. By the fourth treatment session, many microneedling enthusiasts have reported a significant improvement in the appearance and texture of their skin.
Numerous do-it-yourself microneedling devices, such as home microneedling pens and dermarollers (ideal for microneedling beginners), make it simple for individuals to perform microneedling treatments at home. As a result, the needles in at-home microneedling tools will be shorter and duller than those used in clinics, which typically range from 0.5 to 2.5 mm. Visiting a clinic for microneedling is likely to produce superior results, but depending on the salon’s location, it can be quite expensive.
Derma Roller vs. Microneedling: Is There a Difference?
Many will wonder if there is a distinction between dermarollers and Docter pen microneedling, given that both employ tiny needles to puncture the skin of the face. While this is true, there are several important distinctions to be aware of before purchasing either product.
- Ease of use. Regarding derma rolling, skill is irrelevant. The needles are fixed, and the angle is already set; all required is to roll this instrument across the skin. Possibly, for this reason, microneedling beginners prefer dermarollers over the more professional and intimidating microneedling pens. Nonetheless, when handled properly, the pen offers greater precision and efficacy.
- Ability to regulate penetration. In contrast to Docter pen microneedling, whose replacement cartridges offer a variety of needle sizes, dermal rollers are severely limited by the fixed needles they come with. As the penetration depth of derma rollers cannot be adjusted, they are not as effective as Docter pens microneedling when used on thicker body areas or facial areas with thicker skin tissue.
- Angling. The user of a microneedling pen can adjust the pen’s angle to be perpendicular to the skin. This ensures that the needles can safely pierce the skin without causing any harm. On the other hand, dermaroller needles cannot be adjusted, and the angle of their penetration may cause tears, resulting in more side effects and a longer recovery time.
Before purchasing a microneedling pen for home use, anyone new to microneedling treatments may prefer to try it out at a professional clinic. Alternatively, a derma roller could be used to familiarise oneself with the sensation of needles penetrating the skin.
Who is Microneedling For?
Almost everyone can benefit from this method. Everyone’s skin is susceptible to elasticity loss over time, and microneedling combats visible signs of aging.
However, it is crucial not to use a Docter pen microneedling or derma roller on active acne or while pregnant or breastfeeding.
What Does Microneedling Treat?
Microneedling has numerous advantages. In addition to being a preventative treatment against premature signs of aging, microneedling aids in treating various skin-related issues, including acne scars and stretch marks. Here is a list of anticipated advantages:
- Smooths out fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves the skin’s elasticity
- Treats scar tissue
- Minimizes the size of pores
- Minimizes the appearance of stretch marks
- Reduces rosacea
- Helps to treat hyperpigmentation
MICRONEEDLING FOR ACNE
Studies demonstrate that microneedling reduces the visibility of acne scars. In addition, as the skin renews through collagen production, acne scars are encouraged to heal.
When treating acne scars with a microneedling pen, it is essential to consider the size of the needles. Longer needles may cause damage to the skin, while shorter needles may be ineffective. Therefore, using needles between 0.5mm and 1mm in length is recommended, as these should stimulate collagen production and aid in maintaining healthy-looking skin.
As previously mentioned, if you are completely new to microneedling, you should consider beginning with dermarollers at home and consulting a trained aesthetician before attempting microneedling at home (especially for severe scarring). In addition, Dermarolling or microneedling should never be performed on acne that is currently active.
MICRONEEDLING FOR STRETCH MARKS
Increasing collagen production makes skin more supple, and its texture remains soft. As a result, the appearance of stretch marks is also significantly improved! Although stretch marks are notoriously difficult to treat, numerous scientific studies support microneedling’s efficacy in treating stretch marks. Many have reported a 50% improvement in the appearance of stretch marks after just two treatment sessions, so it’s worth a shot!
MICRONEEDLING UNDER EYES
As the skin’s natural production of collagen and elastin gradually decreases with age and due to lifestyle choices, dark circles under the eyes, fine lines, and wrinkles appear. Because microneedling stimulates cell growth and promotes skin self-healing, it is an excellent treatment for those annoying dark circles.
Microneedling Downtime
Recovery from microneedling typically does not exceed twenty-four hours. Most patients can go about their daily activities unimpeded by the treatment. After microneedling, it is recommended to avoid wearing makeup for at least 24 hours. The longer one avoids wearing makeup, the better.
It is essential to wait between four and six weeks before repeating the microneedling process to prevent unnecessary skin damage or irritation. This is especially important when using longer needles but should not be a concern when performing microneedling at home with needles shorter than 2mm.
Microneedling Aftercare
The treatment may only require a few minutes, but the aftercare will take much longer and is equally crucial! After using a microneedling pen, here are a few ways to care for your skin.
- Keep it clean. The treated area should not be picked or unnecessarily touched, as with any other wound. This will aid in keeping the area clean and free of bacteria. As an extra precaution against infection, replacing all linens and towels on the day of microneedling therapy is best.
- Avoid intense exercise and sweating. The skin will be more sensitive in the first twenty-four hours following microneedling.
- Hydrate. After using a microneedling pen, the skin will likely feel drier than usual. By increasing fluid intake, the skin will remain hydrated.
- Consume protein. To support the body, consume foods like edamame, chickpeas, and lentils when undergoing collagen induction therapy. Beans and legumes are high-protein foods that frequently contain collagen-producing amino acids.
- Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol. Smoking causes constriction of the blood vessels, resulting in poor blood circulation, whereas alcohol dehydrates the body rather than nourishes it.
- Eat unprocessed, fresh foods. Consume an abundance of fruits and vegetables and avoid supermarket processed foods. Consuming fresh fruits and vegetables will provide antioxidants and stimulate collagen production, while avocados and nuts provide the skin with the omega-3 fatty acids it needs to keep toxins at bay.
WHAT TO PUT ON SKIN AFTER MICRONEEDLING (AND WHAT TO AVOID!)
After microneedling therapy, it is essential to adhere to best practices for aftercare:
- Use a gentle cleanser. Using a microneedling pen requires extreme cleanliness! Cleanse the skin with a calming cleanser (free of harsh chemicals) and/or thermal water.
- Wear SPF 50+ sunblock. After using a microneedling pen, the skin will be more sensitive, so use a high-quality sunblock to protect it from harmful UV rays.
- Apply collagen-stimulating peptides. Applying collagen-stimulating peptides will help the body produce more collagen. This increases the effectiveness of the stimulation initiated by the microneedling treatment.
This is essential during the initial two to three days following treatment when the skin is most sensitive.
RETINOL AFTER MICRONEEDLING
How to Use Microneedling Pens at Home
If you are completely unfamiliar with microneedling and how to use a microneedling pen safely, here are a few steps to follow:
- Numb the area. Even though this process is entirely optional, some patients may choose to apply a topical anesthetic cream to the treated area. This will prevent the patient from feeling pricking as the needles penetrate the skin.
- Start microneedling. Here, it is extremely important to adhere to the instructions of the microneedling pen, particularly about needle length selection.
- Cleanse. After completing the treatment, thoroughly rinse the affected area with water and pat it dry with a clean towel or cotton face cloth.
- Hydrate. Consider applying a hyaluronic acid serum to the face to retain moisture and prevent the skin from drying.
- Protect the skin. After the treatment, be sure to keep the skin clean and germ-free. Avoid touching the treated area (especially if it’s the face), and keep unsanitary items away from it.
The Microneedling Pen Kit
There are numerous microneedling pens on the market, each with its distinct features and price. Here are some of the best derma pens currently available on the market, each of which has received rave customer reviews.
HYDRA PEN H2 PROFESSIONAL MICRONEEDLING PEN
The Hydra Pen H2 is unique among microneedling pens in that it also dispenses serum. So, in addition to providing the more conventional microneedling treatment at home.
ANGEL KISS A9 MICRONEEDLING PEN
The Angel Kiss Microneedling Pen is a formidable competitor in the market for derma pens. This microneedling pen allows users to select from five different speeds, allowing microneedling treatment on various body parts.
