Types of microneedling
Did you know that there are different types of microneedling devices as well as different types of microneedling treatments? This article will explain the differences between them to help determine which options are right for you
Microneedling devices
There are mainly 3 different types of microneedling devices when considering microneedling treatments. I’ll outline them below, along with an explanation of each device.
Derma rolling
This is a microneedling device that is a manual tool with a handle and a cylinder on the end that has tiny needles around the cylinder. It functions by rolling the needled cylinder over your skin in different directions to puncture the skin. Derma rollers come with different needle lengths, depending on what area you are trying to treat and your pain tolerance.
Things to keep in mind with derma rolling: When you roll the cylinder over your skin, you are causing a tear as the needle enters and exits the skin, so it’s not an even puncture.
you should only get a derma roller that has needles made of titanium. Stainless needles can bend, which can cause larger wounds that may scar as it enters and exits the skin.
Skin stamping
This is a microneedling device that is a manual tool with a handle and flat end shaped in a square that has tiny needles. This functions by pressing or stamping the square end into your skin, lifting, moving and stamping again until you’ve covered the desired area.
This is a good option as it doesn’t cause tearing as long as you are careful with the stamping method. It is also an inexpensive option if you haven’t tried microneedling previously, to give you an idea of how it works, what it feels like and if it’s something you want to add to your skin care routine on a regular basis. As with the derma rolling, the skin stamping comes in varying needle lengths depending on the area you want to treat.
Microneedling pens
These are powered devices that have sterile, disposable needle cartridges that you can adjust the depth of the needles and the speed and precision of the punctures. Because of this, these are the gold standard of microneedling devices.
While microneedling pens are the more expensive option, they are on average half the price of one microneedling treatment and far outweigh the manual options with functionality.
Microneedling treatments
Cosmetic microneedling therapy
Cosmetic microneedling treatments are considered cosmetic when the needle depth is around .25mm. The purpose and benefits of cosmetic needling are for better product penetration. The needle depth is just enough to get through the top layer of skin cells, allowing beneficial product ingredients through for better results.
Some microneedling pens even have the ability to use nano needle cartridges specifically for cosmetic microneedling. Nano needles have a flat tip and push skin cells apart instead of puncturing through the skin. While this is a nice option, it’s not necessary as long as the needle depth is .25mm.
You can do cosmetic needling once a week for an extra special facial treatment, since it doesn’t penetrate into the epidermis and affect the skin cycle.
Medical microneedling therapy
A medical microneedling treatment, or collagen induction therapy is considered medical when the needle depth is .5mm or deeper. This is the traditional microneedling treatment. I’ll be honest with you, at a minimum this treatment is uncomfortable. And on some areas like the forehead, it’s downright painful. A numbing cream makes it manageable though.
Microneedling works because tiny punctures at a specific depth in the epidermis will stimulate more collagen production for skin rejuvenation from the skin’s healing process. A microneedling device in your skin rejuvenation journey is highly recommended if you’re looking to treat acne scars, skin tightening, stretch marks, scar tissue, reverse sun damage, treat hair loss, wrinkles, or just have younger looking skin.
Combine any of the following with your traditional microneedling treatment to enhance results even more: growth factors, platelet rich plasma, led light therapy, or radiofrequency energy.
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