If you've been thinking about skin needling, you probably have a few questions. Is my skin suitable? Does it hurt? Can it help my acne scarring? These are the questions I'm asked most in clinic, so here are my honest answers.
What is skin needling?
Skin needling (also called medical microneedling) uses very fine, sterile needles to create tiny channels in the skin. This prompts the skin's natural renewal process and can help support collagen. At Solas Skin, I chose the Exceed because, after more than 20 years in skin, I believe it's one of the best microneedling devices available. It's a medical-grade device that meets a wide range of international quality and safety standards.
Why your skin may need some preparation first
I won't put you on the bed and start needling just because you've booked in. Every needling journey starts with a skin consultation, where we look at:
Your skin barrier. Is it strong and intact, or is it compromised?
What you're using at home. Which ingredients are you using, and are you overusing anything?
How you're nourishing your skin, both with skincare and from the inside.
This is the corneotherapy approach I work by: look after the skin barrier first. If your barrier is compromised, needling isn't the best place to start, because your skin may not respond as well. So depending on where your skin is at, we may spend some time preparing it first. Strengthening your barrier and feeding your skin the right ingredients gives it the best chance of responding well to needling.
If your skin barrier is healthy and your home care is already supporting your skin, we may be able to go ahead with needling on the day.
On each treatment day, I'll also check that needling is still the right choice for your skin that day.
Does it hurt?
Honestly, you'll feel it, but most people find it very manageable. I've used many needling devices throughout my career, and the Exceed is the most comfortable I've used. Its high-quality needles sit on a tilting plate that follows the curves of your face, so it glides over tricky areas like the bridge of the nose and the jawline. In my experience, other devices can drag in those spots.
I don't usually recommend numbing cream. It changes how the skin responds, and I need to see that response during your treatment. If you're worried about comfort, we'll talk it through at your consultation.
What will my skin look like afterwards?
Straight after: your skin will be quite red, a bit like sunburn. Every needling treatment finishes with a calming, cooling, hydrating mask (included, not an add-on), which helps settle some of the redness before you leave.
The next day: some pinkness is normal, and your skin may feel a little tender. Everyone's skin settles differently.
Around day 3: your skin may feel dry. Days 1 to 3 are your skin's recovery time.
After day 3: this is a great time to come in for an enzyme and LED treatment, to support your skin as it settles.
Can skin needling help with acne?
Acne scarring: yes. Medical microneedling can help improve the appearance of acne scarring. Scarring usually needs a longer course, because remodelling the skin takes time.
Active breakouts: needling may be suitable for some mild, non-inflamed acne-prone skin. If your skin is red, sore or inflamed, we'll start by calming it and strengthening your barrier. Once it's settled, we can look at needling to help with congestion or post-acne scarring.
How often should I have my sessions?
Everyone's skin is different, so we'll work out the right plan for you at your consultation. Depending on what we're focusing on, sessions can be as often as every 3 to 4 weeks, or every 6 to 8 weeks.
For general skin rejuvenation, I recommend a minimum of 3 treatments. If you're wanting to work on scarring or texture, you'll usually need 6 or more, as remodelling the skin takes time.
Can I have skin needling in summer?
Yes. It depends on your lifestyle, and we'll talk this through at your consultation. While your skin is recovering, it's important to avoid the sun, so if you spend a lot of time outdoors, we'll plan the best timing for you. SPF is a must, along with a hat and the usual sun protection when you're outside.
Is skin needling right for you?
The best way to find out is a skin consultation. We'll look at your skin together, talk about what you'd like to achieve, and work out whether needling is the right next step, or whether your skin would benefit from some preparation first.
Book a skin consultation or read more about skin needling at Solas Skin.
Solas Skin is a corneotherapy skin clinic inside Wholelife Pharmacy Wellness Centre, 32 Wises Road, Maroochydore. Results vary from person to person.
