I am such a huge advocate of microneedling. Oftentimes when we hear about microneedling we associate that with 'medical needling' or collagen induction therapy (CIT). Whether CIT is performed in the treatment room or at home, it is an extremely effective treatment for anti-aging. But CIT doesn't come without caveats. As the needle depths are 0.5mm+, extra care needs to be taken with hygiene and aftercare. Also, those deeper needles used in medical needling can cause discomfort, so many prefer to prep the skin with a numbing cream, adding an extra step to the process. Finally, redness and peeling can persist for several days with CIT, making it less than ideal for periods where we can't allow for a bit of flakey downtime.
Even with all these caveats, make no mistake, I LOVE medical microneedling (CIT). I think of CIT as my best friend in skincare. Thankfully, my best friend has a younger sister called Cosmetic Needling. And she's, really, really cool and she's my other BFF 🥰.
Think of Cosmetic Needling as, quite literally, a less intense version of CIT. Cosmetic needling may not be your 'exciting' best friend who takes you on the superhighway to collagen induction; but she's your other best friend - the steady one, bringing out the best in you('re skin).
COSMETIC MICRONEEDLING BENEFITS
Releases growth factors which overtime can impact the production of collagen and elastin
Thickens the epidermis
Evens pigmentation
Increases product penetration from 10% (without needling) to upward of 80% (with needling), enabling you to 'infuse' products more deeply to address a variety of skincare issues (laxity, pigmentation, lack of glow, etc)
*Penn Smith Skincare is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program. Many links are affiliate links, meaning I am compensated when you shop through these at no extra fee to you.
A. THE PROCEDURE
Cleanse (you could even dermaplane or do a light microdermabrasion first if you have the time - but not essential)
Use an essence or toner. Because Cosmetic needling is a modality all about infusing the skin with amazing ingredients, we start with an essence or toner that has lots of 'goodies' appropriate for your skin the
Grab your microneedling pen or derma roller! If using a pen I favor the 36 pin cartridges - but the 12 pins are just fine too! Use high molecular weight hyaluronic acid for slip with the pen (but not necessary for a dermal roller!!). I like to work in circular motions. It should take 5-10 mins depending on whether you go down to your neck and chest (I recommend that you do!!)
Splash face with water to remove excess hyaluronic acid and provide a fresh surface for the next step.
B. IMMEDIATELY AFTER - IDEALLY EVENING
Microneedling impacts our skin barrier (we're poking thousands of microscopic holes in that barrier!) and can cause dehydration, so it is really smart to get some ingredients in right away that will rehydrate.
The serum steps:
Copper peptide: copper is integral in so many enzymatic processes in our body one BIG one is collagen synthesis. Topical copper peptides are a HUGE favorite of mine. Do check out my copper peptides videos for even more information. My current copper peptide: https://go.shopmy.us/p-6078960
Growth factors: more collagen please! Growth factors can amplify this treatment if you are working on fine lines and hydration.
Retinoid. I don't recommend using a Retin-A/Tretinoin after microneedling, as for most people, an OTC retinoid will be more than strong enough (although I do think for general use Retin-A/Tret are amazing). Deeper - skin rejuvenation.
Moisturizer. This is really important because we want to hydrate, soothe and promote repair and seal in water. This one is great: https://amzn.to/35Ojq3D
Other good options for post-Cosmetic Microneedling serums are brightening serums with arbutin, glutathione, tranexamic acid (a favorite), and beta glucan. The choices are many and the list is LONG, making this a very customizable treatment! A good one is this one by Naturium: https://amzn.to/3oRszjv
C. THE NEXT DAY - MORNING
You may still be a bit pink but all of those channels we created are already closed. In the morning we'll use actives that complement those we used the right after micrneedling.
Cleanse. Feel free to wash your face with a gentle cleanser - it can be nice to get off any flakes and product that you applied after needling.
Vitamin C. Is the compliment to CP (the night before), GF and retinoids - working synergistically to promote collagen and fresh, beautiful skin- I like this one by Strivectin (although it has fragrance...it's otherwise amazing! An interesting Vitamin C from Strivectin (does have fragrance so be aware, otherwise super interesting): https://amzn.to/3mzWVXo
Antioxidant. I love Maysama!!! (Code Penny10 for a 10% discount)
Moisturiser (use what you have and love!)
SUNSCREEN!! See below for my recommendations :)
Find more Cosmetic Microneedling supplies here
The key to Cosmetic Microneedling is CONSISTENCY. I think it can be very helpful to plan your microneedling out so it fits with your schedule and your other skincare 'commitments' such as microcurrent, radio frequency and peels.
BEFORE AND AFTER MICRONEEDLING FROM THE BOOK DERMAL NEEDLING BY DR. LANCE SETTERFIELD
*This before/after is Dr. Setterfield himself, three years apart (ages 51 and 54).
* I've included FAQ at the very bottom of this blog, so do look there if you need any clarification!!
RESOURCES
Dr. Pen A7 https://amzn.to/3IvitBr
Dr Pen A6 https://amzn.to/3NPynWo
REAL needle dermaroller https://amzn.to/38Q3zUk
Cos De Baha HA https://amzn.to/35LpqKx
Complete Skin Solutions Copper Peptides https://shop-links.co/1748096279004298059
Drmtlgy Retinol https://www.drmtlgy.com/products/retinol-complex-5 (Code Penn 20% off) La Roche Posay Toleriane Night Cream https://amzn.to/3iksToz
DERMAL NEEDLING BOOK (before and afters are IN THIS BOOK!) https://amzn.to/3p3tQEl
Maysama Serum (this green rooibos rather than green tea, but it shares many properties, and I LOVE it)
US/UK: https://maysama.com/us/?coupon-code=Penny20 (Code Penny10 gets 10% off)
OTHER products I like:
Top 2 Dr Pens on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3z6flq2
Topical Vitamin C
Drmtlgy CE Ferulic is excellent
Use code MH991 for 20%off
Retinoids
Sunday Riley Luna Retinol (6.5%)
Cos de Baha Retinol Serum (2.5%)
Retinal (a.k.a. Retinaldehyde): This is my preferred form of non-non-prescription retinoids as it is stronger than retinol yet tends to cause far less irritation. I find this works well for beginners and sensitive skin.
Osmosis Renew (0.15%) or Correct (0.075%) (use code penn20 for 20% off)
Avene RetrinAL (0.05%)
MyChelle Retinaldehyde (1.0% yes, I double-checked!!) It contains a special formulation called IconicA® which seems to make it more stable. I'm not sure if the others use this too? https://covalence.com/blog/iconica®-was-created-first-stable-retinaldehyde-industry
Gentle cleanser
Vanicream is amazing https://amzn.to/3bHXwCY
SPF
CeraVe tinted is awesome https://amzn.to/2LU2wJZ
Drmtlgy tinted spf 46 is another favorite https://www.drmtlgy.com/?rfsn=3831425.7cc41f code Penn for 20% off
Red LED
Mito Red LED
https://mitoredlight.com/?rfsn=4255850.08ae3dUse code PENNY for a discount on any Mito products!
FAQ
COSMETIC MICRONEEDLING PROCEDURE
Q. How much time do I have after needling to infuse products before the channels close up?
A. Work fast. Think 15-20 minutes to get products infused.
Q. Can I use my serums to microneedle directly into the skin rather than using high molecular weight hydronic acid?
A. Yes you can. Cosmetic needling is MUCH more flexible in this regard (than medical needling). I like to use HA so I don't "waste" the more expensive serums. But use what you like!
Q. I've seen your videos where you use gloves and alcohol swabs prior to medical microneedling. Is that necessary with Cosmetic Microneedling?
A. The risk of infection with cosmetic needling is incredibly low. Local and systemic infections are not likely so while we should still be aware of sanitation it is no where the same as medical needling.
Q. Are there any products/serums that I should NOT use immediately after Cosmetic Microneedling?
A. I personally avoid AHAs and BHAs (irritating).
Q. What’s the real difference in tools.- Roller vs. Pen vs. Derminator vs. Stamp?
A. Just different ways of making the holes people. Use what feels right for you :)
Q. Do growth factors have a special role in Cosmetic Microneedling (will I get more benefit from my growth factors if I use them during/after cosmetic needling vs. on normal clean skin?)
A. Yes! These are messengers. Getting them "in" to the skin will encourage the release of MORE growth factors deeper in the skin where collagen production can be affected.
Q. Are there any ingredients that shouldn’t use DURING and IMMEDIATELY AFTER Cosmetic Microneedling?
A. I try to avoid fragrance and citrus peel oils. Anything that normally irritates your skin slightly will irritate it much more with needling.
Q. What are the best serums to use in cosmetic needling if I have hyperpigmentaion?
A. Queen 7-1 brightening serum (a cocktail of brighteners)
Vitamin C
Niacinamide
MICRONEEDLING PENS
Q. Can I reuse Dr. Pen cartridges after cosmetic needling if I sterilize them?
A. They are one time use cartridges.
Q. If I’m needling my face and immediately after my neck/décolletage do I need to change cartridges?
A. No, one should be fine with this shallow depth.
Q. What speed settings should I use on my Dr. Pen?
A. I always use the highest two settings with cosmetic needling.
Q. Is it okay for me to share my microneedling pen with another member of my household?
A. Yes, but never cartridges.
Q. I'm trying to save money. Can't I sterilise my Dr. Pen cartridge and get a second use out of it?
A. I don't recommend it.
DERMA ROLLERS FOR COSMETIC NEEDLING
Q. I prefer to use a derma roller. What should I look for? Are there any that you recommend?
A. ALWAYS look for the needles going all the way through the roller. If you can't see the entire needle skip that device!
Q. How do I clean/store a derma roller between use?
A. I show roller sanitation in this video https://youtu.be/4TzOBrO7qHQ
Q. If I use a derma roller how often do I need to replace it (I'm using it 1x per week)
A. 10-30 uses is ideal. I know that that is a range but you need to assess your roller. Inspect it closely for bent needles before each use.
COSMETIC NEEDLING AND OTHER TREATMENTS
Q. I have an LED mask - can I use that safely after cosmetic needling?
A. Yes, you would use this immediately PRIOR to needling on clean skin.
Q. How quickly after cosmetic needling can I resume my... (microcurrnet, Peels, RF, etc)?
A. The very next day you may do any treatment you like as long as you watch for irritation.
Q. How quickly after cosmetic needling can I do a light/medium/strong peel?
A. The next day on. Obviously waiting a little longer is better but technically you may as soon as the very next day.
GENERAL
Q. Do I need to numb before cosmetic needling? Are there any risks?
No. There are always risks. Please research even more especially if you have allergies, auto immune issues or a history of adverse reactions to treatments.
Hope this helps!!
Love you all, stay safe!
XOPenn
FTC: Links in this post are affiliate ~ Please note that all links on this page are affiliate and I participate in the Amazon Associates program which is an affiliate program. Any time you see an Amazon link it is affiliate. If you choose to use my links please know that I appreciate it!
Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided on this blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or skin related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this website should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare/skin professional. The statements made about specific products throughout this website are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. It is important that you check labels to determine if a product is right for you. Before starting any treatment at home consult a health care or skin care professional to determine if it’s right for you.
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