Microneedling: A Beginner's Guide
I first heard of microneedling, and SkinPen® in particular, when I was prepping for my wedding. I had some leftover acne scars from having acne in my early 20s and had heard it could work wonders for improving my skin texture and pigmentation.
After a course of three SkinPen treatments, a month apart from each other, my skin was noticeably more even and the scaring had gone. It made my makeup sit on my skin better for the wedding and without makeup, and I felt my most confident in my skin yet.
Microneedling was one of the reasons I retrained as a facialist and SkinPen was the first thing I invested in once I was a qualified therapist so I could offer The Microneedling Facial to more people looking to improve their acne scaring or signs of aging. It’s becoming a more popular treatment but I get many questions about what microneedling does and what are the benefits of microneeding.
So, let’s start with the basics of Microneedling!
Microneedling stimulates wound healing by using tiny, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. Also known as Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that stimulates the body's natural healing response, increasing collagen and elastin production – two essential proteins for maintaining healthy and youthful-looking skin.
It is effective for treating dull skin, wrinkles, scarring, and pigmentation and works on most skin types. Another reason so many people love SkinPen in particular, is it can be used all year round (just make sure to avoid the sun for 24 hours to 72 hours).
Whilst nothing can compare with the results of botox for reducing wrinkles, many people wish to avoid botox or opt for less invasive treatment. Microneedling can be a great way to improve skin texture and get rid of pigmentation, both things that can make us appear older. Whilst it can’t get rid of deep wrinkles, it can help with fine lines and can be administered across the face, neck, decolletage, and even the hands!
SkinPen is a clinically, FDA approved procedure to treat visible signs of aging and has long-term benefits. “Why should I care that SkinPen is FDA-approved?” Because it means it has undergone hundreds of rigorous clinical trials backed by evidence (meaning you can trust any claims they make!).
Many people see results for months after SkinPen microneedling as the skin continues to improve, building more elastin and collagen which are essential ingredients in our skin’s health that give us a youthful, bounce to our appearance.
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles: By promoting collagen and elastin synthesis, micro needling can improve skin texture and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Improves acne scars: The treatment aids in the healing of acne scars, resulting in a smoother skin surface
Diminishes stretch marks: Microneedling can help reduce the visibility of stretch marks by stimulating collagen and elastin production
Evens skin tone: The procedure can fade hyperpigmentation and enhance overall skin tone
Shrinks enlarged pores: The collagen and elastin produced during microneedling can help tighten the skin, reducing the size of enlarged pores
Microneedling Facials in Hitchin
Aion is one of only a few clinics to offer SkinPen micro needling in Hitchin and the surrounding Bedfordshire/Hertfordshire area. Offered as part of an in-clinic treatment in Arlesey or delivered on your doorstep with our mobile microneedling service, The Microneedling Facials are the most accessible SkinPen treatments in the area.
We chose SkinPen as it was the first FDA-cleared microneedling device earning a fantastic reputation for safe and effective treatment due to its design, construction, and performance. SkinPen® is a high-quality device that can be trusted, with numerous features including:
Patented disposable cartridge with its in-built reciprocating device for precise calibration.
Fourteen stainless steel, surgical-grade needles, validated for sharpness, durability, and penetration depth – no blunt, uneven lengths or hooked needles.
Exhaust ports and a scalloped edge to prevent suction and bruising.
Internal reciprocating mechanism. Unlike unreliable spring-reciprocating mechanisms used in other devices, SkinPen®’s reciprocating mechanism allows for complete and consistent insertion and retraction of the needles on every rotation.
Validated as safe for use at the specified penetration depth deemed safe for patients.
Ingress protection, minimizing back-flow and risk of cross-contamination.
Validated single-use lock-out feature – no penetration of fluids such as blood or serum.
What to expect during The Microneedling Facial?
Prior to the microneedling procedure, a topical numbing cream may be applied to minimise discomfort. The treatment typically lasts 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the area being treated and if you want to include your neck and decolletage area.
These facials include cleanse, facial massage to stimulate blood circulation, and time under the Dermalux LED light therapy to help speed up recovery time.
After the procedure, your skin will appear red and feel sensitive. These side effects usually subside within a few days but the benefits will last and improve for months after. It is essential to follow the post-treatment care instructions provided, such as avoiding direct sunlight, using sunscreen, and keeping the skin clean and hydrated.
One treatment will give a glow to most people. For those looking for prolonged benefits, treating the skin with multiple microneedling sessions spaced at least one month apart can produce an increase in collagen and skin elasticity.
We offer the Microneedling Facial as a course of 3 or 6 sessions to gain optimal benefits.
How Much Does Microneedling Cost?
The cost of microneedling varies depending on factors such as the size of the treatment area, the number of sessions required, and the practitioner's fees. On average, a single microneedling session can range from £200 to £500 in the UK.
At Aion, we offer The Microneedling Facial at £150 for the face or £170 for the face, neck and decolletage. A course of treatment can offer a 10% saving when booked as 3 treatments (£405) or 15% saving (£765) for a course of 6 treatments.
Sources and further reading