Microneedling 101: How to Prep Your Skin for Best Results

TL:DR Summary

• What is microneedling? A cosmetic procedure that creates tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production.
• Why microneedling? It can improve skin texture, reduce scars, wrinkles, pores, pigmentation and stretch marks.
• How to prepare for microneedling? Avoid sun exposure, exfoliation, retinoids and blood thinners before the treatment. Hydrate and moisturize your skin well.
• What to expect during microneedling? A numbing cream will be applied to your face. A device with fine needles will glide over your skin. You may feel some discomfort or pain.
• What to do after microneedling? Apply soothing products like aloe vera gel or hyaluronic acid serum. Avoid makeup, sun exposure, alcohol and spicy food for 24 hours. Use sunscreen and moisturizer daily.
• How often to do microneedling? Depending on your skin condition and goals, you may need 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.

Introduction: How to Adequately Prepare for a Microneedling Session

In my journey through the aesthetics industry, both in Singapore and Australia, I’ve encountered a diverse range of skin concerns and aspirations, especially among young adults in their 20s and 30s.

One treatment that often sparks interest is microneedling, a technique that has gained popularity for its effectiveness in enhancing skin texture and appearance. As someone who has seen the transformative impact of this procedure, I understand the importance of proper skin preparation to achieve the best results.

The Foundation of Microneedling Success

Microneedling, while minimally invasive, is a procedure that requires your skin to be in its optimal state to fully reap the benefits. From my experience, the key to successful microneedling lies in the preparation phase. In the comprehensive article that follows, I will guide you through essential steps to prepare your skin for microneedling. This includes understanding your skin type, the importance of hydration, and the role of certain skincare products in enhancing the procedure’s efficacy.

Microneedling: Before the Treatment

Microneedling is a treatment option that has been shown to improve the appearance of skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. However, like any other type of treatment, there are risks and benefits associated with microneedling.

If you are considering this treatment, it is important to consult with a physician or a specialist to determine if it is the right treatment for you and to learn about the risks and benefits. At Wellaholic, we provide consultation to assist you with any pre-treatment queries.

“Preparing your skin for microneedling doesn’t have to be intimidating – start small and take the time to get your skin ready for the best results!”

Preparation Guidelines for Microneedling

Avoid Direct Sun Exposure

Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 24 hours unless you are wearing strong SPF to protect your skin, before your microneedling session. You should avoid tanning beds for 24 hours after your skin care treatment.

Avoid Acid-based Skincare, such as Retinoids

While addressing your skin, you may have to forgo using various skincare remedies, including retinoids and acid-based ones, like azelaic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid. These products may have excellent benefits for your skin, but they should be avoided prior to and immediately after a fractional and microneedle treatment to prevent it from undergoing irritation or over drying.

Avoid Blood Thinning Medication

If you are taking blood-thinning medication, then you may need to temporarily stop taking it for one to three days before the appointment. You should avoid NSAIDs in the week leading up to your treatment session. Bruising is caused by interna

bleeding and NSAIDs thin the blood, making internal bleeding more likely to occur.

Microneedling can improve the appearance of acne scars on Asian skin – A study by Hassan 14 and compiled by by Wellaholic included 70 patients who reported to be Asian with “dark skin” and found that microneedling alone or with subcision significantly improved the appearance of atrophic acne scars

On Your Microneedling Appointment

On the day of your appointment, wash your face with a gentle facial cleanser. Try to show up to your treatment with clean skin free of make-up or products. Doing so will make sure that you are fully prepared to begin your treatment as soon as you get there. We will provide facial wet wipes for you to self-cleanse your face. During the start of the treatment, we will also be doing an additional cleansing with a facial toner to remove any impurities.

For Your Comfort During Microneedling

For people who suffer from sensitive skin, it can be useful to take Tylenol or painkillers about an hour before your appointment to alleviate possible discomfort from your procedure. And you can also take extra steps for the convenience and safety of our patients, such as an application of numbing cream many hours before the procedure starts.

Nevertheless, at Wellaholic, we are able to gradually increase the intensity (and needle depth) of our microneedling treatments such that there is no need to take any painkillers nor opt for numbing cream. In fact, we do not advocate the use of numbing cream for microneedling treatments.

Health Officials Warn: Numbing Creams Can Kill

People who use large amounts of skin-numbing creams and lotions, often in conjunction with cosmetic procedures, are at risk of irregular heartbeats, seizures and even death, as reported by US health officials (source).

This is because a lethal dose of chemicals can enter the bloodstream, especially when when microneedling is used right after the application of numbing cream. Even at Wellaholic, we have seen several patients with averse effects, and hence would strongly recommended not to use numbing cream before microneedling treatments.

Does the Microneedling Treatment Hurt?

Microneedling procedures are not painful, but they can be uncomfortable for patients who may be afraid to have blood drawn or who are concerned about needles. Microneedling involves placing small needles into the skin; doing so stimulates collagen production, to produce younger, more attractive skin.

Understanding Discomfort During Microneedling

The microneedling tool is sterilized and intended only for single use. Once the microneedling treatment begins, our consultant will move the dermapen across your face. The most common sensation during the procedure is a warm, scratching feeling as the tool is moved around the face. You may also notice some pain on the “bonier” areas of your face, such as your hairline, forehead, and jawline.

After the Microneedling Procedure

After the microneedling procedure, choose from three possible facial serums to reap the best benefits of your microneedling treatment:

Here’s what each serum can do for your skin after the Gold RF Microneedling treatments:

HYALURONIC ACID 2% + VITAMIN B5

• This formula uses three forms of HA with varying molecular weights, as well as an HA Crosspolymer.
• This offers full-depth hydration and visible plumping without drawing water out of the skin.
• B5 further enhances surface hydration.
• USAGE: HYDRATION AND PLUMPING

RESVERATROL 3% + FERULIC ACID 3%

• This formula combines very high concentrations of two of the most powerful and important antioxidants in skincare: Resveratrol and Ferulic Acid.
• Skincare formulations generally incorporate Resveratrol at 1% or less and Ferulic Acid at 0.5% or less.
• This formula has an exceptionally high concentration of resveratrol.
• USAGE: ANTI-AGEING

MATRIXYL™ 10% + HYALURONIC ACID

• Matrixyl™ is a trademarked peptide composition developed by Sederma Inc. in France.
• This highly-effective composition has been shown to reduce the look of static and dynamic wrinkles.
• This formula contains two generations of Matrixyl™, at a combined concentration of 10% by weight in a specialized Hyaluronic Acid delivery system.
• USAGE: INTERNAL PLUMPING TO FILL UP SCARS AND WRINKLES

If you are interested in the other serums which you can use with your microneedling treatments, here is a table showing various serums that can be used with microneedling:

Serum	Benefits
Hyaluronic Acid	– Provides deep hydration to the skin – Improves skin texture and elasticity – Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Matrixyl	– Supports overall skin health – Reduces signs of ageing, including fine lines and wrinkles
Vitamin C	– Helps to brighten the skin – Improves skin tone and texture – Reduces the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation
Growth Factors	– Stimulates collagen production – Promotes skin cell regeneration – Improves overall skin health and texture
Retinol	– Helps to increase skin cell turnover – Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – Improves skin texture and tone
Niacinamide	– Helps to improve skin hydration – Reduces inflammation – Improves skin texture and tone
Peptides	– Helps to stimulate collagen production – Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – Improve skin texture and elasticity.

Using serums with microneedling can enhance the overall effectiveness of the treatment by delivering nourishing and active ingredients directly into the deeper layers of the skin.

Conclusion

From my experience, the foundation of microneedling success lies in the preparation phase. In this comprehensive article, I have guided you through essential steps to prepare your skin for microneedling. This includes understanding your skin type, the importance of hydration, and the role of certain skincare products in enhancing the procedure’s efficacy.

Microneedling Aftercare: Avoid & Maintain

In conclusion, based on my interactions with customers who undergo treatments related to this area, I recommend that you consult with a physician to determine if microneedling is the right treatment for you and to learn about the risks and benefits.

It is also important to avoid sun exposure, exfoliation, retinoids, and blood thinners before the treatment, and to hydrate and moisturize your skin well. After the treatment, apply soothing products like aloe vera gel or hyaluronic acid serum, avoid makeup, sun exposure, alcohol, and spicy food for 24 hours, and use sunscreen and moisturizer daily.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Gold RF Microneedling Facial

• ⭐ Uses Up to 64 Micro Needles. Gold RF Microneedling: Ultimate anti-aging treatment with 64 needles to penetrate the skin, release RF energy, and trigger collagen and elastin production for a clearer complexion and firmer skin
• ⭐ Safe and Minimally Invasive. Gold RF Microneedling is a safe, minimally invasive.
• ⭐ Effectively Treats Acne Scars, Pigmentation & Wrinkles. Extremely effective aesthetic treatment for treating acne scars, pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles.
• ⭐ Stimulates Collagen Growth. Gold RF Microneedling stimulates collagen and elastin for new, youthful-looking skin.
• ⭐ Award-Winning. Wellaholic’s treatments have been recognized by top beauty publications such as Daily Vanity, Beauty Insider, and Tropika Club Magazine.
• ⭐ Over 2000 Verified Customer Reviews. Wellaholic has over 30 industry awards and over 2000 positive reviews from customers, and >50% are repeat customers.

Gold RF Microneedling is a skin treatment that combines fractional radiofrequency (RF) with microneedling to treat acne, acne scar, pigmentation, stretch marks, enlarged pores, saggy skin, and dull and uneven skin tone.

Unlock Radiant Skin: Microneedling 101 – How to Prep Your Skin for Best Results in Singapore