Unlocking the Benefits of Microneedling: How to Achieve Firmer, Smoother, and More Radiant Skin
Wondering what all the hype is on microneedling? If keeping your skin looking firm, smooth and youthful is important to you, it’s (in my opinion) an absolute MUST and should be part of your skin care treatment regime once you hit your 20’s. If you’re already looking at your 20’s in the rear view mirror, don’t worry, it’s never too late to start!
Here’s why you’ll want to join the club: As we age, our bodies naturally slow down in collagen production. Collagen is a protein that gives our skin its strength, elasticity, and structure. It's also a key component of our connective tissues and bones. Starting from our mid-20s, collagen production begins to slow down by about 1% per year. This decline accelerates as we age and by the time we reach our 50s, our bodies are producing about 50% less collagen than when we were in our 20s. Yikes! This decrease in collagen production is one of the main reasons our skin starts to lose its elasticity, firmness and wrinkles appear.
Other factors like sun exposure, pollution, poor diet, smoking, and lack of sleep can also contribute to collagen loss , which is why you see some people aging faster than others, like this study done on the environmental factors with aging in twins.
While the body's natural collagen production slows down with age, there are ways to boost collagen production and help to maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin. This is where microneedling comes in. It is one of the best procedures that stimulates collagen production and improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars and other types of scars.
Here’s how the treatment works: Microneedling is performed with a device that has fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. The needles used are usually made of stainless steel, and they can vary in length and thickness depending on the area being treated and the desired outcome. The needles are used to create controlled micro-injuries to the skin, which triggers the body's natural healing response.
When the skin is injured, the body releases growth factors and other substances that promote the healing process. As the skin heals, new collagen and elastin are produced, which can help to plump and firm the skin, improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars.
The amount of collagen production that can be achieved through microneedling can vary depending on several factors such as the needle length, the number of treatments, the individual's skin type, and the individual's overall health (as mentioned above). A study published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery found that a series of four micro-needling treatments led to a 400% increase in collagen production after three months. Isn’t that incredible!?
Now, let’s dive a little more into lifestyle practices and why it’s so important to incorporate proper nutrition and lifestyle in your collagen boosting journey. In my personal and professional opinion, a skin care plan is not complete without some lifestyle integrations! If you’re investing in the cost and downtime of microneedling treatments, you’ll want to do everything possible to slow down any future degradation. Here’s a few examples of some of the dietary and lifestyle factors that contribute to the breakdown of collagen and the development of aging in the skin:
Sugar: Consuming too much sugar can lead to a process called glycation, which can damage collagen and other proteins in the body.
Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to the breakdown of collagen.
Processed foods: Processed foods are often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which can contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
UV radiation: Sun exposure can damage collagen and other proteins in the skin, leading to the development of wrinkles and other signs of aging.
You’ll want to focus on incorporating plenty of bright, nutrient rich foods instead, like fruits, vegetables, and anything that falls within nature’s rainbow, every single day. My rule of thumb is to “Eat a Salad a Day”. Make it colourful and change it up often for a wide range of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidant support. Bonus - you get much needed fibre too!
Oh - and one more NON-NEGOTIABLE - I can’t stress this one enough. Protect the skin from UV radiation by wearing sunscreen and protective clothing. All. Year. Round.
It’s important to note that, as with any cosmetic procedure, individual results may vary and the importance of finding a good skin care professional is crucial. In some cases, microneedling is not for everyone. Your skincare professional will be able to assess your skin and recommend the best course of treatment for you.
Happy Microneedling :)
~Natasha
( Rowe, D.J., Guyuron, B. (2010). Environmental and Genetic Factors in Facial Aging in Twins. In: Farage, M.A., Miller, K.W., Maibach, H.I. (eds) Textbook of Aging Skin. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-89656-2_45)
(Litchman G, Nair PA, Badri T, et al. Microneedling. [Updated 2022 Sep 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459344/)
