Introduction to Microneedling
By creating tiny, controlled micro-injuries on the surface of the skin, microneedling promotes the production of collagen and elastin for maintaining smooth, firm, and youthful skin.
As an acupuncturist with deep expertise in skin health, I use a holistic approach that not only focuses on the appearance of your skin but also addresses the root causes of skin conditions, such as inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and stress.
Microneedling has its origins in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where practitioners used a technique known as plum blossom needling (or seven-star needling). This ancient method involved tapping the skin with a small tool composed of several fine needles arranged in a pattern resembling a plum blossom. The practice was designed to stimulate Qi flow, improve circulation, and promote the skin’s natural healing processes.
With each session, you’ll experience a treatment that nurtures both your skin and your overall well-being, resulting in a rejuvenated complexion that glows from the inside out.
Benefits of Microneedling
Microneedling offers a wide range of benefits, making it a versatile treatment for those looking to improve skin health, address specific concerns, and support overall wellness. Below are the key benefits:
1. Boosts Collagen and Elastin Production
Microneedling stimulates your skin’s natural healing process, resulting in increased collagen and elastin production. These proteins are vital for maintaining firm, elastic, and youthful-looking skin.
2. Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles
By encouraging skin regeneration, microneedling diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting smoother and more youthful skin.
3. Improves Skin Texture and Tone
This treatment helps reduce uneven skin tone, rough texture, and large pores, leading to a more refined, even, and smooth complexion.
4. Diminishes Scars and Hyperpigmentation
Whether from acne, injury, or other causes, microneedling can significantly improve the appearance of scars and hyperpigmentation by encouraging new skin cell growth and fading discoloration.
5. Reduces Post-Acne Pigmentation and Scarring
Microneedling is highly effective in addressing acne-related pigmentation and scars. It enhances the skin’s ability to repair itself, reducing the visibility of both dark spots and textural acne scars over time.
6. Balances Skin Pigment
The treatment helps regulate and balance pigmentation, improving uneven skin tone caused by sun damage, melasma, vitiligo, or other pigment conditions.
7. Minimizes Stretch Marks
Stretch marks can be difficult to treat, but microneedling stimulates collagen production in these areas, helping to minimize their appearance and smooth the skin.
8. Stimulates Hair Growth
Microneedling can also be used on the scalp to stimulate hair growth by stimulating renewal of the hair follicle, boosting blood circulation and improving nutrient delivery, and triggering new hair production, especially in those experiencing hair thinning or early hair loss.
9. Enhances Absorption of Topical Products
The tiny channels created by microneedling allow for deeper absorption of serums, moisturizers, and other skincare products, maximizing their effectiveness and delivering nutrients to the deeper layers of your skin.
We also incorporate traditional therapies throughout your treatment such as facial massage, acupuncture, and LED light therapy to enhance the rejuvenating capabilities to promote both skin health and overall well-being.
What to Expect During a Microneedling Session
When you come in for a microneedling session, you can expect a relaxing, safe, and rejuvenating experience that addresses your skin’s needs while promoting overall wellness.
1. Consultation and Skin Assessment
Before the treatment begins, I will conduct a thorough consultation to understand your skin concerns, overall health, and goals. As an acupuncturist, I also assess any underlying imbalances that may be contributing to your skin issues, such as stress, digestive concerns, or inflammation. This personalized approach ensures that your treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs.
2. Preparation for the Treatment
Your skin will be cleansed to remove any impurities, makeup, or oils. A topical numbing cream may be applied to ensure your comfort during the microneedling process. This typically takes about 20-30 minutes to take effect, making the procedure virtually painless for most clients.
During the period of the numbing cream, you can have a complementary acupuncture treatment focused on digestion, stress, or homones.
3. Microneedling Procedure
Once your skin is prepared, I will use a professional microneedling device from MDPen for the treatment. The depth and intensity of the treatment will be customized based on your skin type and specific concerns, whether you’re addressing fine lines, acne scars, pigmentation, or overall skin texture.
The treatment will be performed in sections, moving across your face, neck, or other areas being treated. The process is quick and precise, taking about 20-30 minutes depending on the size of the treatment area.
4. LED light Integration
To enhance the effects of microneedling, we may incorporate LED light therapy immediately following the treatment. Depending on your specific skin concerns, we will use red light to stimulate collagen production and reduce inflammation, or blue light to target acne and bacteria. The LED therapy helps calm the skin, speed up healing, and amplify the overall benefits of the microneedling session. This additional step takes approximately 10-15 minutes and is designed to maximize your results.
5. Post-Treatment Care
After the microneedling session, your skin may appear slightly red or feel warm, similar to a mild sunburn. This is completely normal and typically subsides within 24-48 hours.
I will apply soothing serums and a protective barrier to promote healing and hydrate your skin. You will also receive personalized post-treatment skincare recommendations to enhance the healing process and maximize your results, including using gentle, non-toxic products.
6. Recovery and Results
There is minimal downtime with microneedling, and most people can return to their regular activities within a few days.
Here’s what to expect and how to care for your skin post-treatment:
Recovery Timeline:
- Day 1: Redness may vary depending on the depth of the procedure, similar to a mild sunburn.
- Day 2: Redness or pinkness continues; swelling may be more noticeable.
- Day 3: Skin color returns to normal, and swelling subsides.
Avoid makeup for 24 hours post-treatment. Only use sterile applicators if necessary.
Sun Protection: Avoid direct sun exposure for 3–5 days. Apply mineral based sunscreens afterward for an initial 24 hours.
Product Use: We will provide a post treatment kit with advanced skin care products including a cleanser, stem cell serums, and ceramide based moisturizer for you to use during the 2 weeks after your treatment.
Results typically start to become visible within 1-2 weeks, with smoother texture, reduced pigmentation, and firmer skin. For optimal results, a series of sessions is recommended, depending on the specific goals we’ve outlined during your consultation.
7. Ongoing Care and Holistic Support
Treatments are given every 4-6 weeks over the course of 6 months. In order to support your skin’s long-term health and results, I may recommend complementary treatments such as LED light therapy, herbal supplements, Gua Sha/Cupping, or additional acupuncture sessions to address underlying issues such as stress or inflammation. This holistic approach ensures that your skin remains vibrant and healthy beyond the microneedling treatments.
By the end of your session, you’ll feel rejuvenated not just in your skin but in your overall sense of well-being, knowing you’ve taken a step toward enhancing your natural beauty from the inside out.
Conditions Treated with Microneedling
Microneedling is a versatile treatment that addresses a wide range of skin concerns by stimulating your body’s natural healing processes. Below are some of the key conditions that can be effectively treated through microneedling:
1. Fine Lines and Wrinkles
By boosting collagen and elastin production, microneedling helps to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin a more youthful and firm appearance. It is particularly effective for areas like crow’s feet, forehead lines, and laugh lines.
2. Acne Scars and Post-Acne Pigmentation
Microneedling can significantly improve the texture and appearance of acne scars by breaking up scar tissue and encouraging new skin growth. Microneedling is particularly effective in fading dark spots left behind after acne heals. By encouraging skin regeneration, it accelerates the process of shedding old, pigmented cells and revealing fresh, even-toned skin.
3. Hyperpigmentation and Uneven Skin Tone
Whether caused by sun exposure, melasma, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, microneedling can help balance skin tone by promoting the turnover of damaged cells and reducing pigment irregularities.
4. Vitiligo
Microneedling can be used as a supportive treatment for vitiligo to stimulate the production of melanocytes and improve pigmentation in affected areas and can complement Chinese medicine treatment for the condition.
5. Stretch Marks
Often found on areas like the abdomen, thighs, and arms, stretch marks are a result of rapid skin stretching. Microneedling promotes collagen renewal, which can help smooth out these marks and improve their overall appearance.
6. Hair Loss and Thinning
Microneedling can be used on the scalp to stimulate hair follicles and promote new hair growth. By improving blood circulation and nutrient delivery to hair follicles, it can help with thinning hair and early hair loss.
7. Skin Laxity (Sagging Skin)
Over time, skin can lose its firmness due to a reduction in collagen. Microneedling helps to tighten and firm sagging skin by boosting collagen and elastin, making it a great option for areas like the face, neck, and décolletage.
8. Sun Damage
Sun exposure can lead to premature aging, uneven skin tone, and texture. Microneedling encourages the turnover of sun-damaged cells, promoting healthier, more radiant skin.
9. Scars from Injury or Surgery
In addition to acne scars, microneedling is effective in softening the appearance of scars from injuries, surgeries, or other trauma by encouraging new tissue formation and remodeling of scar tissue.
10. Dull or Rough Skin Texture
If your skin feels rough or lacks radiance, microneedling can help by promoting cell turnover and boosting circulation. This results in a smoother, brighter, and more revitalized complexion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Most clients report minimal discomfort during microneedling, especially when a topical numbing cream is applied beforehand. The sensation is often described as a light prickling or scratching feeling. After the treatment, your skin may feel warm and tight, similar to a mild sunburn, but this usually subsides within a few hours.
There is minimal downtime after microneedling. You may experience redness and slight swelling immediately after the treatment, but this typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours. Depending on the depth of treatment, you might have mild flaking or peeling for a few days. Most people can return to normal activities within a day, though it’s important to avoid direct sun exposure and heavy exercise for a few days.
Visible improvements in your skin can start as early as one to two weeks after the first treatment, with continued progress over the following months as collagen production increases. For best results, a series of treatments is often recommended. Results are cumulative, so improvements in skin texture, tone, and firmness become more pronounced with each session.
The number of sessions required depends on your individual skin concerns and goals. For general skin rejuvenation, 3-6 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart are usually recommended. For more targeted concerns, such as acne scars or deep wrinkles, more sessions may be necessary. During your consultation, we will develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your specific needs.
Yes, microneedling is safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin. However, it is important that the treatment be performed by a trained professional to ensure proper technique and safety. If you have specific skin concerns, such as active acne, rosacea, or certain skin conditions, a tailored approach will be used to avoid irritation and promote healing.
Yes, microneedling is highly effective for reducing both active acne and acne scars. By promoting collagen production and cell renewal, microneedling helps smooth out acne scars and improve overall skin texture. It can also help balance oil production and reduce breakouts when paired with complementary therapies like LED light therapy and acne-specific serums.
Right after your microneedling session, your skin will appear red and may feel tight, similar to a mild sunburn. This redness typically fades within 24-48 hours. You may also experience slight swelling or sensitivity. It’s important to keep your skin hydrated and follow post-care instructions to aid in the healing process. Avoid sun exposure, heat, and strenuous exercise for a few days after treatment.
Side effects are typically mild and short-lived. The most common side effects are redness, slight swelling, and a tight feeling in the skin, which usually resolve within a day or two. In rare cases, there may be minor bleeding or bruising, but this is temporary. Following post-care instructions and avoiding harsh skincare products will help ensure a smooth recovery.
Absolutely! Microneedling can be combined with complementary treatments like LED light therapy, acupuncture, and advanced serums (including those with stem cells or hyaluronic acid) to enhance results. These combined therapies work synergistically to improve skin texture, boost collagen production, reduce inflammation, and promote faster healing.
Avoid sun exposure, tanning, and harsh skincare products (like retinoids or exfoliants) for about a week before your microneedling session. Make sure your skin is well-hydrated leading up to the treatment. During your consultation, I will provide specific guidelines tailored to your skin type and concerns to ensure the best possible outcome.
After your treatment, it’s important to keep your skin hydrated and avoid direct sun exposure for several days. Use a gentle, hydrating moisturizer and sunscreen as part of your post-care routine. Avoid using active ingredients like retinoids or acids for at least a week, and follow the skincare regimen provided to support healing and optimize your results.
Microneedling is a transformative treatment that bridges the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with the advancements of modern skincare. By stimulating your skin’s natural healing processes, microneedling helps to address a wide range of concerns, from acne scars and pigmentation to fine lines and hair loss.
When combined with complementary therapies like LED light therapy, acupuncture, and advanced serums, this treatment not only enhances the health and appearance of your skin but also promotes overall balance and wellness. Whether you’re seeking to rejuvenate your skin or address specific concerns, microneedling offers a safe, effective, and holistic solution tailored to your unique needs.
Take the next step toward radiant, healthy skin—your journey starts here.
Is Microneedling right for me?
Microneedling is a versatile treatment that addresses a wide range of skin concerns, from fine lines and acne scars to hair loss and pigmentation. If you’re unsure whether microneedling is the right choice for your skin goals, call us for a free telephone consultation. We’ll discuss your concerns, evaluate your needs, and determine the best course of treatment to help you achieve radiant, healthy skin.
