Microneedling is also known as collagen induction therapy, a popular alternative method used to treat a variety of skin defects, such as acne scars and stretch marks. This revolutionary treatment involves the use of microneedling devices with minute needle sizes that can make controlled puncture injuries on the skin surface. Thus, this leads to natural healing and stimulation of collagen production in the body.
Acne Scars
Microneedling addresses various types of acne scars among other concerns. These scars pose a problem for treatment since they have an emotional impact on people. There is clear evidence that patients suffering from different forms of acne scars may benefit from microneedling; these scars include:
Atrophic Scars: After the wounds of acne lesions have been healed, these are depressed or indented because there is no sufficient collagen built up during repair process.
Hypertrophic Scars: The excessive production of collagen during wound-healing process causes these raised and thickened ones.
Ice Pick Scars: They appear like tiny holes in the skin and are considered some of the most difficult to manage among all types of acne scarring.
When addressing acne scar tissue by using microneedles, a microchannel network occurs which allows topical products to have an easier way into the skin while prompting new collagen and elastin fibers to be made by the dermis tissues. New fibers are then produced upon healing and they fill up pitted blemishes or smooth out hypertrophic or raised ones thereby making overall texture better.
Stretch Marks
The other type treated through microneedling is striae (stretch marks). They usually take reddish or purplish lines or grooves over one’s body brought on by rapid weight gain, pregnancy or puberty growth spurt.
Even though not medically dangerous, many individuals find stretch marks causing them embarrassment. There are ways in which microneedling can help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks through collagen production stimulation and skin rejuvenation.
Microneedling for stretch marks usually involves the creation of tiny punctured channels within the affected regions, thus making the body react naturally. These new collagen and elastin fibers made as a result will then fill in those areas that are depressed due to stretch marks.
Professional vs. Home Microneedling
When opting for microneedling as an alternative treatment to acne scars or stretch marks, it is advisable to decide whether one should go for professional treatment or rather use home-based devices.
The professional treatments entail the utilization of clinical grade microneedles by licensed estheticians or dermatologists. Such experts can adjust the depth and intensity of such procedures depending on their clients’ skin issues and status. Further, professionals may incorporate serums and other topicals which maximize outcomes.
On contrary, home used microneedles come with lesser power compared to what is found in medical clinics since they are manufactured for personal application only. While these tools might be bought cheaper than professional services for regular maintenance works between sessions done by certified doctors, they may not offer as much precision nor desirable effects as the latter.
Considerations and Precautions
In consultations with qualified professionals who can evaluate your skin type adequately and hence give you customized recommendations about treatment options concerning scarring from acne or striae (stretch marks), it is vital that you have them conducted on a licit basis.
For instance, microneedling may not be suitable for patients with active acne, eczema, or rosacea since this could exacerbate such conditions and increase the risk of complications.
Moreover, dark-skinned individuals should be cautious when seeking microneedling because there is a possibility of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and irregular skin coloration.
Additionally, one must follow the directions given by the dermatologist for proper aftercare. For example; gentle moisturizers can be applied, avoiding direct sunlight and other irritants like makeup until the skins heals completely.
However done by a certified professional Microneedling has side effects which include swelling around eyes, redness on forehead as well as probability of getting infection in case sterilization or hygiene practices are not followed.
Below are some more details about using microneedling to treat acne scars and stretch marks:
Realistic Expectations
It’s important however to have realistic expectations regarding what can be achieved by micro needling in the treatment of acne scars and stretch marks. How much you will improve depends on many things including how bad the scar or stretch mark is; your own skin type; how deeply you go into the layers of your skin with each procedure – these factors all affect what kind of results should come from any treatment at all (Bristow 2015).
The more severe acne scars which are deep and older / deeper stretches marks may require multiple treatments using Microneedle coupled with other supplementary treatments to achieve very successful outcomes. It is necessary that you talk openly about your concerns & desired outcome with a licensed professional who offers an objective view concerning possible results.
Combining Treatments
Sometimes other modalities like chemical peeling, topically retinoids use vitamin C serum could also be used together with dermrollers in order to boost collagen synthesis which would further improve texture on face thereby reducing scar appearance due such procedures.
Moreover different areas can be targeted simultaneously using different types of lasers, energy-based treatments like radiofrequency, IPL etc., that are combined with micro needling.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Proper aftercare is crucial for achieving optimal results and minimizing the risk of side effects when using microneedling to treat acne scars or stretch marks. This may include:
Avoid direct sunlight or use broad-spectrum sunscreen until healing occurs completely.
Keep the treated area clean and moisturized with gentle, fragrance-free products.
Do not apply harsh cosmetic products on the skin or even exfoliants after treatment.
Be sure to follow other special instructions from a licensed professional (Moore 2017).
Most professionals recommend maintenance sessions every 6 to 12 months in order to maintain the result attained from microneedle skin therapy done for either acne scars or stretch marks. This would boost collagen synthesis and serve as an opportunity for assessing any new issues or areas requiring attention during future visits thus extending already achieved improvements (Loudon et al.).
Complementary Lifestyle Changes
Apart from undertaking micro-needling procedures having a healthy lifestyle can expedite recovery and enhance outcomes as stated in the subsequent points:
Eat foods rich in antioxidants such as nuts & berries which are good sources of vitamin E required by skin cells.
Drinking enough water keeps you hydrated all day long (Bristow 2015).
Since stress make your skin worse and slow down healing processes everyone should learn how to manage it effectively.
Also avoid smoking cigarette smoking habits while excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages also affects complexion adversely causing dryness among other health problems (Kim et al.).
It should be noted that the results of microneedling may differ between individuals and is more effective in treating acne scars and stretch marks. Some people notice greater improvements than others depending on their skin problems and how they react to the therapy.
There is need, therefore, for you to have a discussion with your licensed experienced professional so that he/she can recommend for you whether or not microneedling would work best for you and put into place an individualized plan to address this problem.
With regular use of appropriate skincare products, good habits which promote healthiness, as well as realistic outlooks in life blended together with continuous application, one will eventually end up having smoother-looking skin which is uniform in complexion hence making acne scars as well as stretchmarks less visible overtime.
Comments