Microneedling: The Periodic Boost you need for your Maintenance Facial Regimen
A Guide to Skin Prep for Skinpen® Microneedling
Microneedling is a revolutionary treatment that stimulates collagen production, promoting skin renewal and a radiant complexion. It is used as a medical treatment to treat a variety of skin conditions that cause depressions in the skin such as acne scarring, surgical scars, burns, neck lines, enlarged pores, wrinkles, and even stretch marks.
Whether you're a microneedling veteran or considering it for the first time, proper skin preparation is key to maximizing results and minimizing potential side effects. This is why the partnership between expert skincare esthetician practices (like Dermaplus + Pono Boutique) and Mosaic Skin Studio was formed - the collaboration between skin maintenance and microneedling medical treatment maximizes each treatment to improve overall skin texture and prevent signs of aging.
Understanding Microneedling
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, involves the use of tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This process triggers the body's natural healing response, leading to increased collagen and elastin production, ultimately improving the skin's texture, tone, and firmness. Although the treatment is more invasive, its beneficial effects are deeper in the dermis and are longer lasting than a regular maintenance facial. Take a look at approved indications for use both in the US and internationally - it's amazing!
Prepping Your Canvas
1. Consultation is First
Before diving into microneedling, schedule a consultation with your experienced injector at Mosaic Skin Studio. This step is crucial to assess your skin type, address concerns, and customize a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. Not everyone is a good candidate for microneedling. Medical issues like keloid formation, diabetes, scleroderma, skin cancers, open wounds, pregnancy, and breastfeeding are contraindications.
2. Stay Hydrated
Hydrated skin is more resilient and responsive to treatments. In the weeks leading up to your microneedling session, ensure you're drinking plenty of water to maintain optimal skin hydration. We would recommend receiving regular hydrating facials to help prep the skin in the weeks leading up to microneedling.
3. Gentle Exfoliation
A week before your appointment, incorporate a gentle exfoliant into your skincare routine. This helps remove dead skin cells, allowing for better product absorption during and after microneedling.
4. Avoid Sun Exposure
Protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Excessive sun exposure can increase the risk of complications during microneedling. If outdoor activities are unavoidable, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
5. Discontinue Active Skincare Products
Refrain from using active skincare products containing retinoids, AHA or BHA acids at least 7 days leading up to your microneedling session. Deep exfoliating peels should be avoided 14 days prior to microneedling, this includes the Dermaplus BioRepeel and the Mosaic Skinmedica Retinol peels. These can sensitize the skin, making it more prone to irritation and prolong healing. Discuss with your clinician what is acceptable.
6. Nourish Your Skin
Invest in a skincare routine rich in antioxidants and nutrients. A well-nourished skin is better equipped to recover and rejuvenate post-microneedling.
7. Avoid Blood Thinners
In consultation with your clinician, he/she will ask you to avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements to reduce the risk of bruising during the procedure.
Stephanie Hwang, NP, of Mosaic Skin Studio using the SkinPen® on a patient.
The Day of Microneedling
1. Come with a Clean Face
Arrive for your appointment with a clean, makeup-free face. This allows for a sterile environment and ensures optimal treatment results.
2. Numb while laying back and relaxing
During the first half hour of the microneedling session, a strong numbing cream will be applied to the area - usually the face and neck. The tiny needles used are designed to cause minimal discomfort but can still be stingy or spicy. The numbing cream eliminates almost all of this sting and makes the procedure quite comfortable. The numbing cream is contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
3. Post-Treatment Care
Follow the post-treatment care instructions provided by your injector. This typically involves avoiding any products for 24 hours except the approved hyaluronic acids with the Skinpen® face mask or Dermaplus non-irritating face mask. After 24 hours, you can use a gentle cleanser and wear makeup and sunscreen/moisturizer, but continue avoiding direct sunlight. It's important your clinician knows you and your lifestyle to customize a treatment regimen for you. Mosaic Skin takes pride in keeping careful notes of each treatment, depth, tolerance, and after effects to be able to ensure the best outcome for every treatment.
Prepping your skin for microneedling is a collaborative effort between you and your skincare professionals who know you and your skin inside and out. Similarly, the partnership between Mosaic Skin and the expert estheticians at Dermaplus + Pono Boutique was forged to offer our clients world-class, evidence-based medical treatments and facial maintenance to maximize each treatment. We look forward to caring for your skin and maximizing the potential that microneedling and professional skin maintenance has to bring facial radiance and youth.
More detailed aftercare instructions for Skinpen® microneedling can be found here. Book a treatment at Mosaic Skin Studio in Glen Park, SF or any of our partner sites (located in the Marina District of SF, Portero Hill of SF, or Hayward, CA).
