Radically Radiant for a Reason– Microneedling Yields Fantastic Results!

Today on LA’s inner circle, I decided to write about our “Radically Radiant” microneedling procedure. Microneedling is one of my favorite procedures for a few reasons. The first of those reasons is related to the versatility of the glide used during the procedure. A glide is any substance used as a lubricant on the skin to decrease friction between the skin and the Skin Pen. Glides can be any liquid substance that is good for the skin. I have used botulinum toxin, dermal filler, platelet-rich plasma, and hyaluronic acid serum. You can also use injectable B12 and vitamin C. Some companies make specialty liquid formulations, especially for microneedling glides. The second reason that microneedling is one of my favorite procedures is that, in my experience, it yields the best results. Results can sometimes be seen as soon as 3-14 days after the procedure but can take up to six weeks to see maximum skin improvement. 

To understand how microneedling works, you should first understand the basic anatomy of the skin. Your skin is composed of 3 layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous fat. The outermost layer is the epidermis. It is responsible for giving your skin its color; it makes melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin). The epidermis is also responsible for protection. It contains special cells that are a part of your body’s immune system. Finally, the epidermis is responsible for making new skin cells. Your skin has complete cell turnover every 30 days. Next is the dermis; it is just below the epidermis and has many jobs. The dermis is home to your sweat glands and nerve endings. Nerve endings are the reason that, when you touch a hot stove, you realize it is hot and move your hand. Deep in the dermis is where you will find blood vessels. These vessels are responsible for taking nutrients and oxygen to the skin while also taking away unnecessary trash. The last two things the dermis is responsible for our hair growth and oil production. The final layer of the skin is called subcutaneous fat. It attaches your dermis to muscle and bone and helps control your body temperature. It also assists the dermis with blood vessels and nerve endings. As blood vessels and nerve endings get larger, they move through the subcutaneous fat and out into the rest of the body. The final job of the subcutaneous fat layer is storing fat. Fat protects bones from bumps and falls. 

Now that you have a basic knowledge of the skin’s anatomy, I hope to clarify the main misconception regarding microneedling. That misconception is that during the Dracula facial, you will leave with an open, bloody face. The blood vessels are located deep within the dermis. To get the amount of bleeding I have seen in some Google pictures, you would have to go pretty deep with the Skin Pen. I have tried to go deep enough on my face to get even pinpoint bleeding everywhere. First, I was unsuccessful, and I can handle pain. Also, I had the depth of the Skin Pen set pretty deep. More importantly, the only difference I noticed was an extended downtime period. However, I saw no difference in the results compared to results I have seen in the past with needling. Most importantly, this “bloody” result is unnecessary to get good results. 

Microneedling works by causing tiny injuries to the dermal layer of the skin. These injuries then encourage the body to respond by producing more collagen-rich tissue; the result, more even skin tone and texture, and a decrease in pore size and tightening of the skin. It is only the damage to the dermis that counts. This manifests as significant redness that appears after needling an area. In some areas where the skin is thinner, you will likely get some pinpoint bleeding. Still, it is unnecessary to get good results from the microneedling procedure.

Microneedling as routine maintenance is likely to be scheduled every 4-8 weeks. The first few treatments are likely to be scheduled 4-6 weeks apart. Once you achieve the results you are looking for,  you can move the procedure out to every 6-8 weeks. It is best to continue consistent maintenance to keep up your results. Microneedling will continue to improve the tone and texture of your skin for as long as you continue consistent treatments. Otherwise, results from one treatment will generally last about 4-6 weeks after you have reached the final result. At Landy HE, microneedling alone, not with PRP or any specially formulated glide, will run you about $300 per treatment or we sell packages of 3 for $800.

Microneedling is one of the less expensive options compared to lasers or BBL. It is a good treatment option for many skin concerns like: scar reduction, skin tightening, sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, and uneven skin tone or texture. My advice regarding this procedure is not to let the pictures on Google of Dracula facials scare you; it is not nearly as gory as the pictures make it seem. It is an excellent alternative to IPL or BBL for many skin concerns.