Microneedling: How Often Should You Refresh Your Skin?

When it comes to achieving youthful, radiant skin, there are countless treatments and products available on the market today. One increasingly popular and effective method is microneedling, a minimally invasive procedure that can work wonders for your skin's texture and appearance.

At Aesthetic Allure one of the most popular questions we get when it comes to microneedling is: how often should you get microneedling? So let's dive into the world of microneedling and explore the ideal frequency for this amazing treatment.

Understanding Microneedling

First things first, let's get familiar with microneedling if you haven’t already. Basically, microneedling is a procedure that involves the use of a device with fine needles that create thousands of tiny, controlled punctures (micro-injuries) on the surface of your skin. These micro-injuries stimulate your skin's natural healing process, leading to the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential for healthy, youthful-looking skin.

The Skin's Healing Cycle

To determine how often you should get microneedling, it's crucial to understand your skin's healing cycle as the whole concept behind microneedling is ultimately hurt, heal, repeat.

So let us go over the three most important phases to your skin’s healing cycle immediately following the microneedling procedure:

1. Inflammation Phase:

This is the initial response of your skin to microneedling. Immediately after the treatment, your skin will appear red and possibly swollen. This is entirely normal and is a result of the micro-injuries created by the fine needles during the procedure.

During the inflammation phase:

Increased Blood Flow: Blood vessels dilate to transport more oxygen and nutrients to the treated area, aiding in the healing process.

Cytokine Release: The body releases cytokines, which are signaling proteins, to initiate the repair and regeneration of damaged skin cells.

Swelling: Swelling is the body's way of protecting the area, as it can help immobilize the injured tissue.

This phase typically lasts for a few hours to a couple of days. After this initial response, your skin will move on to the next stage of healing.

2. Proliferation Phase:

The proliferation phase follows the inflammation phase and can last from several days to a few weeks after microneedling. During this stage:

Collagen Production: Fibroblasts, specialized cells in your skin, kick into high gear to produce new collagen and elastin fibers. Collagen is vital for skin's firmness and elasticity.

New Skin Cells: Skin cells called keratinocytes migrate to the surface to replace damaged or dead skin cells.

Improved Blood Flow: Blood circulation remains elevated, ensuring that the newly formed collagen gets all the necessary nutrients for optimal healing.

Healing of Micro-Injuries: The tiny punctures created by the microneedling device gradually heal, leaving behind smoother, more youthful-looking skin.

It's crucial to note that the effects of collagen production and skin remodeling will become more noticeable as this phase progresses.

3. Remodeling Phase:

The final phase, known as the remodeling phase, is when you start to see the full benefits of microneedling. This phase can extend from several weeks to months after the procedure, depending on the individual and the extent of the treatment. During this phase:

Continued Collagen Production: Collagen synthesis remains elevated, further improving skin texture, reducing fine lines, and addressing scars.

Visible Results: Your skin becomes smoother, firmer, and more radiant as it continues to heal and renew.

Optimal Outcomes: This is the stage where you can assess the effectiveness of the microneedling treatment fully. You'll notice improvements in skin tone, texture, and overall appearance.

Understanding these phases helps you appreciate the importance of allowing your skin sufficient time to heal and regenerate between microneedling sessions. The interval between treatments should align with the natural progression of your skin's healing cycle to achieve the best results and minimize any potential side effects.

How Often Should You Get Microneedling?

Now that we understand how the skin works to become stronger after microneedling, it is important to finally understand the frequency of microneedling sessions.

How often you should get microneedling varies depending on your skin's specific needs and your skincare goals. Here are some general guidelines our team at Aesthetic Allure created for you to consider:

Mild Skin Issues.

If you're using microneedling primarily for mild skin issues like fine lines, uneven texture, or minor scarring, you can typically schedule sessions every 4 to 6 weeks. This allows your skin to complete its healing cycle between treatments.

Moderate Skin Issues.

For more moderate concerns, such as deep wrinkles or acne scars, you may benefit from sessions spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart. These issues require more intensive healing time.

Maintenance.

Once you've achieved your desired results, you can reduce the frequency to 2 to 3 times a year to maintain the benefits of microneedling.

Although microneedling is a great and effective treatment it is important to consult with our licensed skin care professionals to assess your unique skin concerns as well as determine if you are a good candidate for microneedling.

Our team at Aesthetic Allure provides complimentary skin consultations that can provide personalized recommendations for your microneedling schedule as well as additional tricks and tips. Contact us today to help you get started on your new skin journey.