MICRONEEDLING

As if acne isn't frustrating enough, sometimes you might have to deal with scars that pimples can leave behind. Acne scars can develop from cystic acne or from picking at your skin. Like other types of scars, those from acne can last for several months or even years. If you've tried over-the-counter products to no avail, you might consider micro needling to get rid of your acne scars. As the name suggests, micro needling uses fine needles that prick your skin. During the skin-pricking process, your skin produces more collagen in an effort to heal the small wounds from the needles .The theory is that new collagen that's formed will help smooth out your skin's appearance, helping to fill in fine lines, wrinkles, and scars. To that end, skin needling may be used for: burn scars, acne scars, surgical scars, melisma, sun damage, stretch marks, sagging skin, large pores and hair loss. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, micro needling works best for depressed- not raised - acne scars. This has to do with the collagen-inducing effects. If you have raised acne scars, you already have excess collagen in the area. Some studies have also noted that the effects of skin needling on acne scars are even better when the treatments are combined with vitamin C or PRP. Unlike other minimally invasive skin corrective treatments, such as laser therapy, micro needling is considered safe for darker skin tones. This is because it doesn't damage or remove the outer layer of skin. Micro needling is also considered safe for thin and sensitive skin as well.

Takeaway:

Acne scars can improve on their own over time. However, they're still permanent unless treatment measures are taken. Some anti-aging serums and creams can go a long way in improving scars on your face, but they may not get rid of them completely. Plus, the effects wear off once you stop using the products. Before settling on micro needling, weigh all your options to determine the safest and most affordable approach while also getting the results you're looking for.

What's micro needling?

Micro needling, often referred to as derma rolling or collagen induction therapy, is a cosmetic procedure in which thousands of tiny little needles are inserted into the surface of skin via a rolling or stamping device. Derma rolling works by creating microscopic wounds which induce collagen and elastin production. If you didn't know, collagen is the most abundant protein found in the human body and is responsible for holding together connective tissue like skin, muscles, tendons, cartilage, and bones. This lovely protein is also what keeps us looking young and gorgeous. Unfortunately, it's believed that collagen production slows down by about 1 percent per year after the age of 20, which translates to the big A word aging. Despite how terrifying derma rolling may seem, it's actually considered a minimally invasive procedure with little to no downtime. However, the recovery process does depend largely on the length of the needles used. Obviously, the longer the needles, the deeper the wound - and that means the longer the recovery time. Since we're all about simplicity, here's a table summarizing what length should be used depending on what you're trying to treat.

Needle length (millimeters):

shallow acne scars 1.0 mm, deep acne scars 1.5 mm, enlarged pores 0.25 to 0.5 mm, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (blemishes) 0.25 to 0.5 mm, skin discoloration 0.2 to 1.0 mm (start with the smallest ), sun damaged or sagging skin 0.5 to 1.5 mm (a combination of both is ideal), stretch marks1.5 to 2.0 mm (avoid 2.0 mm for home use), surgical scars 1.5 mm, uneven skin tone or texture 0.5 mm, wrinkles 0.5 to 1.5 mm.

• Fast facts About: Micro needling is a derma roller procedure that uses small needles to prick the skin. The purpose of treatment is to generate new collagen and skin tissue for smoother, firmer, more toned skin. Micro needling is mostly used on the face and may treat various scars, wrinkles, and large pores.
• Safety: Micro needling is minimally invasive, requiring no downtime. It's considered safe for most people who are in overall good health. The procedure isn't safe for people who use certain acne medications or for women who are pregnant. You'll experience minor redness and irritation for a few days after the procedure.
• Convenience: Total prep and procedure time is about two hours.
• Efficacy: It's considered effective in treating minor scarring related to acne, wounds, and aging. You'll likely notice brighter, firmer skin, too. Ideal results are achieved after multiple sessions. Microneedling is far more effective than at-home rollers.