Are you on a quest to tighten sagging skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles? These signs of aging often indicate a lack of collagen, but it’s possible to boost collagen levels and restore dewy, younger-looking skin with microneedling. So let’s take a look at how to increase collagen in the skin through microneedling.
What exactly is collagen?
Collagen is a protein that is naturally abundant throughout the body. It is found in connective tissue in areas such as the bones, ligaments, muscles, tendons, and of course, the skin. Collagen keeps the skin firm and supple and activates cell renewal and repair, so it’s considered the foundation of healthy, youthful skin.
Unfortunately, the body produces less collagen as we age, and as a result, the skin starts to sag, wrinkle and create fine lines. Boosting collagen levels can help reverse these signs of aging, and restore younger-looking skin. But how can you increase collagen in the skin? That’s where microneedling comes in.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation treatment in which short, tiny needles are used to create microscopic holes in the skin. These micro-channels trigger the skin’s natural repair process. Microneedling has been around for decades, but it has gained mass popularity in recent years thanks to a new generation of devices like SkinPen.
SkinPen
SkinPen is an advanced microneedling device that can be used to treat various skin types and is suitable for use on both the face and body. SkinPen has adjustable needle depth settings, so treatment can be customized based on the needs of each patient. This feature also makes it possible to treat a variety of areas, including delicate skin around the eyes (click here to learn more).
How to Increase Collagen in the skin through microneedling
Microneedling is also known as collagen induction therapy, because of its ability to boost collagen stores in the skin. Here’s how it works.
During treatment the microneedling device is moved rapidly across the skin, creating tiny controlled injuries in the epidermal layer, while leaving normal skin in between. These micro-injuries help to spur the skin’s natural repair process. As the skin recovers, the collagen-producing cells which are known as fibroblasts are activated, resulting in the formation of new collagen. The added collagen provides support for the skin, so it looks smoother and more youthful as it heals.
The collagen remodeling process also plays an important role in strengthening the skin and enhancing the structural components required to make it thicker and firmer.
Benefits of Microneedling
Microneedling increases collagen in the skin, and because of this, it can target common signs of aging such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and fine lines. It’s, therefore, no surprise that microneedling is popular among men and women looking to rejuvenate their aging skin. Microneedling also reduces large pores, brightens the complexion, and brings back the skin’s youthful glow.
In addition, microneedling makes it easier for cosmetic products to penetrate the skin. Consequently, it is often combined with infusions of anti-aging ingredients, for optimal skin rejuvenation.
Below are answers to some of the questions patients frequently asked about microneedling.
When will I see results?
Most patients notice some initial improvement in skin texture and tightening of the skin immediately after their microneedling treatment. However, full results take time, because the new collagen will form over the course of 4-6 months, so additional improvements will be seen. The results of microneedling look very natural and are long-lasting.
What is the recovery time?
Recovery time after microneedling is minimal. Patients may experience a few hours of redness and peeling which generally lasts 1-4 days.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of microneedling treatments needed will depend on your specific aesthetic goals and the health of your skin. However, most patients need 3-6 treatments on average.
Are there any side-effects
There are no significant side-effects after microneedling.
Is microneedling painful?
A topical cream is used to numb the skin at the start of treatment, so microneedling is virtually painless.
Are you ready to minimize wrinkles and get supple, smooth skin? Ask your doctor about microneedling.
If you are in the New York, NY area, contact Anand Medical Spa for a consultation.
Call 212-653-0366 today to schedule an appointment.
About Author:
Dr. Sunanda Chugh, MD is an internal medicine specialist in New York, NY. She graduated from Saint George’s University School Of Medicine and specializes in internal medicine. Dr. Sunanda Chugh is CEO and Medical Director at Anand Medical Spa New York, USA. Anand Medical Spa specializes in aesthetic procedures such as Botox for wrinkles, Microneedling, Juvederm for smile lines, Voluma and Ultherapy.