So, you're thinking about microneedling.
You've probably seen before-and-after photos, read about collagen stimulation and heard that microneedling can improve everything from acne scars to fine lines.
Then the practical questions start.
Does it hurt? How red will I be? Can I wear makeup the next day? How many treatments will I need? And how do I know whether microneedling is actually right for my skin?
These are exactly the kinds of questions you should be asking.
Before your first treatment, here are ten things we think are worth knowing.
1. Microneedling Isn't the Right Treatment for Everything
Microneedling is particularly useful when we're trying to improve concerns involving skin texture and collagen remodeling.
We commonly consider it for:
- Acne scarring
- Uneven or rough skin texture
- Enlarged-looking pores
- Fine lines
- Certain scars
- Overall skin quality
But sometimes a client comes in asking for microneedling when another treatment would make more sense.
If your primary concern is brown spots or visible capillaries, for example, IPL photorejuvenation may be a better option. If significant skin laxity is the concern, we may discuss radiofrequency treatments instead.
You don't need to diagnose your own skin before coming in.
Tell us what bothers you. Determining the appropriate treatment is our job.
2. Your Microneedling Treatment Should Be Customized
Professional microneedling isn't simply a matter of turning on a device and moving it over the entire face at one setting.
Different areas of the face have different tissue thicknesses. Different concerns can also require different treatment approaches.
Someone being treated for acne scarring may not receive the same treatment as someone primarily interested in fine lines or general skin texture.
At Glow Luxe, we use SkinPen®, which allows the treatment depth to be adjusted by the provider.
But the device doesn't decide how your skin should be treated.
The person holding it does.
That's one reason provider training, experience and clinical judgment matter with microneedling.
3. Microneedling Is Usually More Comfortable Than People Expect
The idea of tiny needles repeatedly entering the skin understandably makes some people nervous.
Before treatment, we apply a topical numbing cream and allow adequate time for it to take effect.
Most clients find the actual procedure quite manageable. We've even had the occasional client become so relaxed that they start drifting toward sleep.
Some areas can feel more noticeable than others. The forehead, upper lip and areas close to bone may feel different from fleshier areas of the face.
You will probably feel something.
But you shouldn't feel as though you simply have to endure the treatment.
4. Expect to Look Like You've Had Something Done
Microneedling isn't generally a treatment we'd recommend scheduling immediately before an important event.
Your skin will usually be red afterward and may feel warm, tight or sensitive—somewhat like a mild sunburn.
For many clients, the most noticeable redness settles within a day or two, although everyone heals differently. Temporary dryness or mild flaking can also occur as the skin recovers.
Give yourself some breathing room.
If you have a wedding, photography session or important event coming up, tell us. We can help you plan your treatment accordingly.
5. Your Aftercare Matters
Once you leave the clinic, your skin still needs time to recover.
Freshly microneedled skin should be treated gently.
This isn't the time to decide that your skin looks a little dry and reach for an exfoliating acid, retinol or the newest active serum in your bathroom cabinet.
Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your practitioner and keep things simple while your skin settles.
That generally means gentle skincare, careful sun protection and temporarily avoiding products or activities that could unnecessarily irritate the skin.
And try not to touch or pick at your face.
If you're unsure whether you should use a particular product after treatment, ask us.
6. The Immediate "Glow" Isn't the Real Result
It's common to notice that the skin looks particularly fresh once the initial redness settles.
That's nice—but it isn't really why we're doing microneedling.
The changes we're interested in happen gradually.
Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries that initiate the skin's natural healing response. Collagen remodeling doesn't happen overnight, which means improvements in texture and scarring need to be evaluated over weeks and months rather than days.
Microneedling is one of those treatments where patience matters.
7. One Microneedling Treatment May Not Be Enough
How many treatments you need depends on why you're having microneedling in the first place.
Someone who incorporates occasional microneedling into an overall skin-maintenance program has a different goal from someone trying to improve established acne scarring.
For concerns such as scarring or more significant texture changes, we commonly begin with a series of approximately three treatments spaced several weeks apart and then reassess.
Some people may benefit from additional treatments.
We prefer to watch how your skin responds rather than assume everyone needs exactly the same number of sessions.
8. There Are Times We Won't Microneedle Your Skin
Sometimes the correct treatment decision is not to treat.
Active infections, significant inflammation, certain skin conditions, medications, medical considerations and a history of abnormal scarring can all affect whether microneedling is appropriate.
Active acne also deserves careful assessment. We don't simply run a microneedling device over inflamed lesions because someone booked a microneedling appointment.
This is one of the reasons we believe consultation and skin assessment matter.
Knowing when not to perform a treatment is just as important as knowing how to perform it.
9. More Blood Doesn't Mean Better Microneedling
This is worth saying because social media has created some strange expectations around microneedling.
A face covered in blood makes dramatic content.
It doesn't prove that someone received a better treatment.
Some pinpoint bleeding can occur during professional microneedling depending on the treatment area and parameters being used. But bleeding isn't the objective.
Neither is extreme redness or inflammation.
We're trying to create an appropriate controlled response that encourages the skin's healing and remodeling processes.
More aggressive doesn't automatically mean more effective.
Your skin doesn't need to look traumatized for the treatment to have been worthwhile.
10. Ask Questions Before Someone Microneedles Your Face
You should understand why a treatment is being recommended.
Before your first microneedling session, don't be afraid to ask questions such as:
- Why do you think microneedling is appropriate for my skin?
- What are we trying to improve?
- What microneedling device do you use?
- How do you determine treatment depth?
- How many treatments do you think I may need?
- What should I expect during recovery?
- What should I avoid afterward?
- Is there anything about my skin that makes you cautious about treating me?
A knowledgeable provider should be comfortable answering those questions.
We've written separately about why the person performing your microneedling treatment matters, because even an excellent professional device still requires appropriate technique and clinical judgment.
What About DIY Microneedling?
If researching microneedling has led you to inexpensive dermal rollers or at-home microneedling pens, we'd encourage you to understand the difference before trying to reproduce a professional treatment yourself.
Microneedling intentionally disrupts the skin barrier. Treatment depth, needle quality, hygiene, technique and what you apply to the skin afterward all matter.
We've taken a closer look at this in our article Is DIY Microneedling Safe? Why We Don't Recommend Microneedling at Home.
It's worth reading before reaching for a dermal roller.
Thinking About Your First Microneedling Treatment?
You don't need to arrive at Glow Luxe already knowing exactly what treatment you need.
Tell us what you're noticing about your skin and what you'd like to improve.
We'll assess your skin, explain whether professional SkinPen microneedling makes sense for your concerns and discuss what you can realistically expect from treatment.
And if we think another treatment would be more appropriate, we'll tell you that too.
Call 250.590.5459 or text 250.889.7549 to arrange a complimentary consultation.
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