What is Skin Pen Microneedling?

There have been some very popular skincare trends in the past few years. Perhaps none have been more enduring than skin pen microneedling. What do you need to know about this procedure?

Skin Pen Microneedling Fast Facts

• Skin pens are the only Class II micro-needling tool that has been cleared and studied by the FDA for use on people.
• Using a skin pen improves fine lines, acne scars, skin tone, and skin texture. It is meant to even everything out.
• The tip is sterile.
• It is meant to stimulate collagen production.
• Some have seen routine skin pen micro needling reduce the appearance of large pores.
  • You cannot actually change the size of your pores, but you can certainly change your appearance.

Where to Go

You can find procedures like this nearby if you look on Yelp, Google Reviews, or ask people in your neighborhood. It is important to go to a reputable establishment. Some things to consider before going through the procedure are the experience of the professionals, their technical and professional backgrounds, customer testimonials, and cleanliness and resources around the facility. 

Though it may seem tiring and excessive to visit every parlor and med spa to find the best fit for you, it will pay off in the end. If you do your due diligence, then you will be extra satisfied with your end results. Additionally, you will feel prepared before the procedure which can reduce any nerves you may have. Though it is a fairly simple procedure, it is okay to feel a little nervous, especially if you have not done it before. That being said, if you are at a location you trust, you should not worry because you will be taken care of.

There are some at-home skin pens that are sold, but you have to be very confident in yourself to use them correctly. If this is your first time undergoing skin pen microneedling, then consider going to a professional instead of trying to do it yourself. You may make things worse on your skin if you take matters into your own hands.

Procedure, Precautions, and Risks

Generally, microneedling is a very short procedure and all professionals say it is painless as well. Here is what you might find to be the procedure at reputable cosmetic centers:

1. Numbing cream is applied to the area that is to be treated.
2. Wait fifteen minutes and make sure the patient’s skin is numb.
3. Cleanse the numbed area.
4. Gel with a hyaluronic acid base is applied to the skin in order to make the skin pen travel more easily.
5. The skin pen goes over the area horizontally, then vertically, then in a circular motion. 

After this procedure, the patient is given more gel and told to apply it over the next twenty-four hours. This plumps the skin and protects it while it is recovering. Any bleeding is very minimal and goes away quickly—it likely will not happen at all. The second day following the procedure is when the skin starts to return to normal and patients can wear makeup on their face again (as long as they use sunscreen as well). 

There are very few risks with this procedure. A patient may feel slight pain or experience a sensation similar to a sunburn, but that does go away fairly quickly. The biggest risk would be infection, which can be very easily avoided if a patient cleans their skin as the professional suggests and applies the gel as recommended. If any discoloration occurs, it is temporary. Some patients with darker skin have noticed this temporary discoloration.

All of this is a very general guide, and if you are looking to get this procedure done, you should speak to the professional working with you to develop a personalized plan that follows these general safety guidelines. People can react differently to the exact same thing, so do not panic if something not listed here happens (or if something listed here doesn’t happen). Calmly ask your practitioner about any irregularities and see what the next steps—if any—are.

Results

People see skin improvements right after the procedure, but true and sustainable results will be noticeable about four weeks after. Many people get procedures every four weeks until they have done three to four procedures. This would put the entire process at about three to four months. 

If you are willing to spend that time to make your skin look smoother and brighter, research this procedure. It is very safe and popular, and the risks are incredibly minimal. You will likely experience none of these risks if you go to a trusted professional and communicate about your goals.

When to Consider This

If you are insecure about fine lines, the appearance of pores, or discoloration on your skin, then this procedure may be for you. While it is very normal for people to have these things on their faces, some people do not want these signs of aging to show on their faces. The choice should be entirely yours, and the decision you end up making doesn’t increase or lessen your worth as a person. 

Another important factor to think about is the reputation of the places that offer these services in your area. If you are unsure, it is best to wait or travel to another area where you know the services are clean and trustworthy.

Texture and aging on skin is a part of life, but not everybody wants their face to reflect this. In a society where physical appearance is greatly valued, that makes sense. People may do this procedure to feel better about themselves, which in turn can increase their confidence in their personal and professional lives.

When you feel comfortable in your own skin, nothing can stop you. Obviously, you must embrace your imperfections, but if you want to change certain things then that should be respected. Make sure those around you understand that you’re making this decision for yourself and you want to be the most confident version of yourself that you can be. As long as you don’t only place importance on your physical appearance, there is no issue with getting a few procedures done here and there.