Struggling with acne marks, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation? Chances are, your dermatologist or aesthetician has recommended microneedling or nano-needling to you.
The thing is, how do you know which to choose?
We know it can get very confusing, especially when both procedures sound the same! We all want our skin in its best possible condition, so it’s important that you know which treatment to take. What better way to inform your judgment by knowing the similarities and differences between both procedures?
Good thing you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll be walking you through absolutely everything you need to know about microneedling and nano-needling. Informed with these facts, you’ll be able to pick between the two for your next trip to your dermatologist!
All About Microneedling
First off, let’s talk about microneedling. This procedure has been around since 1995, and has been a craze much longer than nano-needling has.
But what exactly does it do? Can it deliver its promises? Let’s find out.
What is microneedling?
Can you imagine being your skin being pricked by small, fine needles?
Well, that’s essentially what microneedling is!
It certainly sounds scary, but in fact, it’s not. There’s no need to worry about pain, because you’ll have some numbing cream to make sure you don’t get hurt during your session.
More importantly, though, microneedling is a controlled procedure—the tiny punctures you get in your skin won’t hurt nor damage your skin in any way. In fact, it does the opposite!
Microneedling promotes skin rejuvenation. The needles used in this procedure are designed to penetrate your skin and reach your dermis. By using thin needles around 0.5 to 2.5 millimeters thick, you get to create extremely small wounds on the skin. It’s exactly with these exceptionally small and controlled injuries that microneedling boosts collagen formation from within your skin.
That’s because your skin’s reaction to trauma or injury is to repair the damage right away. However, since the “wounds” that microneedling creates are minimal and almost negligible, the collagen formed in your skin ends up addressing other skin concerns you have.
Now, we know collagen is the protein in our body responsible for giving our skin its structure. It’s also what gives the skin its elasticity, which is what keeps the skin looking youthful and radiant!
So, what exactly happens now that you supply your skin with more collagen, you ask? Here’s what—you get rid of acne scars, minimize your pore appearance, and even get rid of wrinkles and fine lines!
Given these amazing benefits, it’s no surprise that microneedling is recommended by dermatologists around the world.
There are many centers and dermatologists who offer this procedure. If you’re looking for a proven, tested, and reliable place to have your microneedling sessions done, why not try out Introlift’s Microneedling services? Here, you’re sure to reap the many benefits microneedling provides.
Curious about what microneedling can do for the skin? Let’s explore its benefits and advantages in more detail.
Benefits of Microneedling
There are many skin concerns that microneedling is known to address, such as: wrinkles, acne, scarring, stretch marks, and issues with skin pigmentation.
Aside from this, microneedling can also foster hair growth through stimulating dormant hair follicles. In fact, a recent study found significant hair growth in a group of participants with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia after treatment with microneedling.
However, while microneedling can provide results just after the first session, more often than not, multiple sessions are required in order to see the results you want. As with all skincare treatments, this isn’t a one-stop miracle to fix everything you need! You need consistency, even with procedures like microneedling.
The good thing about microneedling, though, is that it can be used in conjunction with other treatments for maximum results. This ensures that you finish your sessions with a more even complexion, less visible lines and winkles, less acne marks, and even with less noticeable pores.
Perhaps the most common treatment done alongside microneedling is using Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). Simply put, PRP is a serum processed from your own blood prior to treatment. Our blood contains factors that facilitate collagen and elastin production—the two fibers essential towards building and rebuilding the skin. With microneedling, PRP can readily sink into the skin to boost collagen synthesis even more.
Microneedling with PRP is a staple in many establishments, especially with reliable ones like Introlift. This comes as no surprise, as combining these two methods together can do wonders for the skin!
Aside from PRP, other serums can be administered to the skin alongside microneedling. For instance, antioxidants and niacinamide can work alongside microneedling to address hyperpigmentation or fine lines more effectively.
Microneedling is also constantly being improved and reinvented. One of the latest technologies in the field involves the use of radiofrequency energy directly into the dermis. Heat in the dermis can further speed up collagen production, and even promote tightening of the skin’s tissues.
Important Notes on Microneedling
Microneedling definitely poses a lot of benefits despite being non-invasive and readily available. However, this procedure doesn’t come without possible side effects, nor without the need for precaution. Let’s check this out further.
Rarely, side effects can occur after a microneedling treatment. These include:
- Swelling
- Discomfort
- Redness
- Bruising
- Flaking
- Dryness
Bleeding is a very uncommon side effect, but one that may occur if the treatment targets deep into the skin. People with bleeding disorders, as well as people taking blood-thinning medication, are also more at risk of bleeding after the procedure. Make sure to inform your dermatologist or aesthetician about this prior to treatment.
Other serious side effects are:
- Changes in skin pigment
- Reaction to topical medication used during treatment
- Infection
These side effects can be minimized if you have your procedure done by a professional. That’s why, although microneedling can be done at home, it’s still best to refer to an expert to have this procedure done.
Lastly, microneedling can’t be done for some people. Make sure to disclose if you:
- Have active acne
- Have active skin infection/s
- Have keloid scarring
- Have an unstable skin type
- Are currently pregnant
You may want to try other treatments for the time being, or wait for your conditions to get better before booking a microneedling session.
All About Nano-Needling
Now, let’s move on to nano-needling—a procedure relatively newer than microneedling, that’s been making a name for itself in the realm of beauty, too!
What is Nano-Needling?
Nano-needling is a non-invasive transdermal serum delivery system. A stylus is used to tap nano-cartridges to the skin—thousands of microscopic pyramid-like tips that penetrate the skin’s epidermis. These cartridges are thinner than human hair, and, when they touch the skin, form as much as 200,000 nano-channels.
It’s through these channels that serums that can address different skin issues are delivered. The result? A significantly higher absorption rate of up to a whopping 97% for these serums, which target specific skin issues, all while the skin’s collagen production is stimulated.
The boost in collagen production, coupled with the serums working their magic on the skin, effectively treats your skin’s issues. You’ll find a reduction in scarring and hyperpigmentation, and even lessened appearance of fine lines and wrinkles! That’s exactly how nano-needling renews the skin.
Let’s delve deeper into the wonders that nano-needling can do for you.
Benefits of Nano-Needling
Nano-needling is used to work on different target issues. This treatment is most commonly used to address the following concerns:
- Aging skin
- Fine lines
- Hyperpigmentation
- Large pores
- Scarring
- Stretch marks
Apart from this, though, nano-needling can also be used to target crow’s feet and lip lines. As a minimally invasive procedure, it can also be used in sensitive spots or areas where chemical peels or microdermabrasion can’t be performed on!
There are tons of benefits you can derive from nano-needling. Aside from being able to effectively tackle the issues outlined above, you get added benefits for your skin, to boot!
Nano-needling works by enhancing the skin’s ability to absorb serums that are beneficial for the skin. Aside from this, though, the procedure also triggers the skin’s natural regenerative processes—it boosts collagen and elastin production, which allows the skin to heal and address different target issues.
But wait—there’s more!
Apart from those major benefits, nano-needling can also do the following:
- Increase skin smoothness and hydration
- Exfoliate the skin
- Improve microcirculation in treated skin
- Even out skin tone
- Improve skin texture and acne scarring
- Make lines and wrinkles less noticeable
- Make the skin healthier and firmer
Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?
Nano-needling, unfortunately, isn’t as readily available as microneedling. You may want to ask a trusted dermatologist or aesthetician if they offer this service.
If you’re looking for a tried and tested nano-needling provider, though, you’ll never go wrong with Introlift’s BB Glow Nano-needling treatment. This procedure doesn’t only rejuvenate your skin—you even get light coverage from your treatment, which works much like a semi-permanent foundation on the face!
Important Notes on Nano-Needling
Want to know another secret about nano-needling?
It’s such a gentle process; you won’t have to worry at all about serious side effects post-treatment.
However, there are still some things you may want to know if you’re planning on booking a nano-needling procedure.
While there’s little known side effects for this treatment, there are many contraindications for nano-needling. This procedure may not be suitable for people who have the following:
- Keloid or raised scarring
- Infections from Herpes Simplex
- Diabetes
- Recent facial injections (usually, within 10 days from treatment)
- Scars less than 6 months old
- Raised lesions, moles, or warts
- Open cuts, wounds, or abrasions
- Active acne or cold sores
- Immune-suppression diseases
Pregnant women are also discouraged from nano-needling, as studies are yet to prove its safety for expecting moms.
As with microneedling, patients taking blood thinners are also advised not to have this procedure done.
It might be best to book a different appointment, or to have your nano-needling session after your contraindications are resolved. Still, make sure to disclose any concerns, and consult with your dermatologist prior to booking an appointment!
Microneedling vs Nano-Needling: The Verdict
Since microneedling is able to target as deep as the skin’s dermis, it’s best used for issues rooted deep within the skin, such as deep lines and scars. This is also perfect for people who don’t want to apply serums onto the face, and instead prefer the skin’s natural regenerative process to do the trick.
However, if you hate needles, or are allergic to lidocaine in numbing creams, perhaps nano-needling is right for you. It’s also a better option if your issues lie only on the skin’s surface (i.e., the epidermis) and if you’re wary about the uncommon side effects that microneedling poses.
There you have it! That’s been everything you need to know about microneedling and nano-needling. Hopefully, with this information in mind, you’ll know how to pick between microneedling and nano-needling. Here’s to the start of your journey towards healthier skin!
