Microneedling has long been proven as a safe method of skin rejuvenation if done correctly. It is important to follow the instructions carefully, allow your skin time to heal in between treatments, and also not combine microneedling with any other intense treatments such as acid peels. In fact, you should wait at least 8 weeks after an intensive topical treatment (e.g. acid peel, laser etc) and microneedling.
Furthermore, microneedling should be avoided in the following cases:
- Active acne - If you microneedle active acne spots then you will spread bacteria and cause your acne to become worse. You should only microneedle acne scars.
- Herpes outbreaks - Do not microneedle over active herpes outbreaks, even if they seem minor. Herpes can be spread to other parts of your body. You should also not microneedle over warts and other local infections.
- Severe eczema - This should not be treated by microneedling as you will likely make the condition worse.
- Keloid scars - Microneedling works on most scar types but keloidal scars should be avoided. Keloidal scars develop due to an overactive healing response and if you are susceptible to them then microneedling is not a good idea.
Microneedling should also be avoided if you have:
- Sunburn
- Blood dyscrasias
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Autoimmune issues
- Unstable skin
And it should be avoided if:
- You are a regular smoker
- You have taken Roaccutane recently
It Is Important to Microneedle Using a Reliable Device
Not all microneedling devices are created equal. Derma rollers, derma stamps and automated derma pens are all possible options to treat your skin. However, there can be deficiencies which we will go over briefly below (at some point we will put up a longer guide).
Derma rollers - Low-quality derma rollers may have bent needles, which will cause wide skin tears and this might lead to scarring.
Derma stamps - As with derma rollers, low-quality units may have bent needles.
Derma pens - Cheap brands, or copies of good quality brands do not have the power to fully insert needles into your skin. This will become noticeable when moving the pen over your body as it will not be smooth and will feel like it's dragging. This is effectively the needles being pulled across your skin, which is doing no good and may leave you with scratches and tears.
It Is Important to Disinfect Your Microneedling Device
Always disinfect your device in rubbing alcohol before and after every use. Otherwise, you will be needling bacteria straight into your skin.
It Is Important to Give Your Skin Time to Heal
The time between treatments depends on the needle length you are using. Remember, when it comes to derma rolling, derma stamping etc then less is more. Your skin needs time to heal, and the healing process continues long after the visible signs have gone from your skin.
0.2mm: Twice a week
0.25mm: Twice a week
0.3mm: Once a week
0.5mm: Once a week
0.75mm: Once every two weeks
1mm: Once every two weeks
1.5mm: Once every 4 weeks
2mm: Once every 6 weeks
2.5mm: Once every 8 weeks
3mm: Once every 8 weeks.
A Final Tip for Beginners
If this is your first time using a microneedling device then you should wait at least 4 weeks before your first session and the second one (yes, even for the shortest 0.2mm length needles). This is so you can see how your skin reacts to the treatment.
