Can you really turn back the clock and kickstart the regenerative process in your body? Sometimes, the answer is yes! Exfoliating the skin or creating tiny injuries on the surface of the skin trigger the production of new skin cells and collagen. The collagen helps your skin look and feel firmer and smoother. The new skin cells help you look refreshed and more youthful than before.
Although it’s not a new treatment, microneedling has gained popularity in recent years, in part thanks to procedures like the so-called Vampire Facial. Along with being available as an in-office treatment, there are also at-home kits for microneedling available.
If you’re considering microneedling, is it worth doing at home or will only an in-office treatment make the grade?
Why Roll Needles Over Your Face?
Before looking at the differences between at-home microneedling and an in-office treatment, it worth looking at the reasons why you might want to try it in the first place. When you microneedle, you use a small tool that likes like a miniature paint roller. The roller is covered with tiny spikes or needles.
When you roll the microneedling device over the surface of your skin, it makes tiny wounds. These tiny holes in the skin are thought to help skincare products absorb, increasing their efficiency.
The wounds will also trigger the production of collagen beneath the surface of the skin. With the increase in collagen, skin is likely to look firmer and more youthful over time. Increasing collagen production can also help to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
How Is Home Microneedling Different From an In-Office Treatment?
One way to think about the difference between an in-office microneedling treatment, such as the SkinPen, and an at-home version, is to look at the difference between prescription skincare products and over-the-counter versions. Prescription skincare tends to be much stronger. It also often has higher-quality, more specialized ingredients.
Over-the-counter products might contain some of the same ingredients as those found in medical-grade products but in considerably lower concentrations. An over-the-counter anti-wrinkle cream will do something, but a medical-grade, prescription-strength cream will do it better.
Usually, the needles found on an at-home microneedling tool are much shorter and less sharp than those equipped on an in-office tool. That’s both a good thing and a bad thing. On the plus side, you’re less likely to injure yourself using a blunt, short needled tool. On the negative side, you’re not going to get dramatic results.
Microneedling has two functions: increasing collagen production and helping products absorb better, but at-home kits usually are only able to provide one function. They’ll only help your skincare products absorb better.
Is Microneedling at Home Worth It?
While you won’t get the same results from microneedling at home as you would from an in-office treatment, it might still be worth doing. Just as using some moisturizer or skincare products is better than not using any, trying microneedling at home can be better than not doing anything to help improve the look of your skin.
Tips for At-Home Microneedling
If you decide to try the treatment at home, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, try not to share the tool you use for microneedling. Like a razor or other tools you use in personal areas, there’s the risk of spreading disease or infection if you share your roller.
It’s a good idea to start small with at-home microneedling and work your way up. Try using the roller once a week at first. If you don’t have an unpleasant reaction to it, you can increase the use. You might also want to start with the shortest needles available (around 0.2 mm) and work your way up from there.
Like a razor blade, you’ll need to change out your roller’s needles on a fairly consistent basis. They do lose their sharpness over time. Try replacing your roller needles every month or so. You can keep them for longer if you use the device infrequently.
If you’re looking for a more in-depth microneedling experience, Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique in Houston offers treatment with the SkinPen. To learn more about it, call 281-810-9083 to schedule a consultation.