If you've been paying attention to the skincare world lately, you've probably noticed that microneedling is all the rage. And for good reason! Microneedling is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that reduces wrinkles and acne scarring, restores sun-damaged skin, and dramatically improves skin texture.
You may have heard of derma rollers - those cute little devices with needles on a wheel and a handle that you can use at home to give yourself a DIY microneedling treatment. A quick google pulls up any number of various home-use derma roller-style products for as little as $10. But let's be honest, they aren't the same as professional medical-grade microneedling devices, come with risks, and their effects are incomparable.
If you want the best results with the least amount of risk, your microneedling treatments should be performed by a licensed professional acupuncturist using medical-grade equipment. Read on for some need-to-know information.
What is Microneedling?
First things first, Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, involves using a device with tiny needles to puncture the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the body's natural healing process, and stimulate Qi, encouraging the production of collagen and elastin, which results in smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
The Problem with Derma Rollers and Low RPM Non-Medical Grade Oscillating Devices
Microneedling can be performed with a derma roller or an oscillating device, but not all devices are created equal (or anywhere close to equal). For example, professional-grade microneedling pens start at 3 to 4K$ and go up from there, while home-use oscillating pens start at just a few hundred dollars.
What's the difference? The most significant difference in terms of how they affect your skin is RPMs (rotations per minute). The higher the RPMs, the less drag the needles have on your skin, reducing the risk of scarring. Medical-grade devices have incredibly high RPMs and stimulate collagen and elastin production with zero damage to your skin.
Speaking of drag, derma roller devices are tough on your skin because the needles on the roller head enter and exit your skin very slowly by comparison. Even worse, due to the round roller head, they enter and exit your skin at an angle, creating more drag and increasing the risk of scarring, hyperpigmentation, and even nerve damage.
The Benefits of Medical-Grade Oscillating Devices
Only medically licensed professionals (like acupuncturists) can purchase medical-grade devices in California. So if you want to get the best results with the least amount of risk, you should book an appointment with an acupuncturist.
Here's a quick breakdown of the benefits.
1. Precision
Medical-grade oscillating devices offer far greater precision than derma rollers or home-use devices. The depth of the punctures is adjustable based on the patient's skin type and the specific concerns being addressed. In addition, once adjusted, they penetrate the skin at a consistent depth and frequency, resulting in better collagen production and more visible results.
2. Safety
Medical-grade oscillating devices are your safest option for microneedling treatments. Derma rollers can introduce bacteria into the skin, leading to infection. Derma roller needles can also cause small tears in the skin (rather than precision punctures), making it easier for bacteria to enter the body and increasing recovery time.
Medical-grade devices have much finer needles, and the heads are sterile, single-use, and disposable, mitigating the risk of infection and cross-contamination.
Medical professionals understand the importance of sterilization and use sterile tools and surfaces for every patient.
3. No Pain
Derma rollers can be painful and uncomfortable, especially if incorrectly used. The pain and discomfort can deter patients from continuing with the treatment. However, when you get a microneedling facial from an acupuncturist, the benefits go beyond just the higher-quality device. Your acupuncturist will use a numbing cream on your face and will not begin the treatment until it takes effect, virtually eliminating any pain or discomfort.
Final Thoughts
Microneedling is a true skincare game changer disrupting botox, fillers, surgery, and other invasive procedures. You'll see dramatic results without any recovery time with a medical-grade device used by a licensed acupuncturist.
The benefits of microneedling go well beyond wrinkle reduction. The treatment improves scars, pore size appearance, sun spots, and dramatically smooths skin texture. For Oakland or Nevada City microneedling and facial acupuncture, look no further than Root & Stem's 12-week Radiant Aging Cosmetic Acupuncture Program.
If you'd like to learn more, call us any time at either of our clinics (Oakland: 510.519.3413, Nevada City: 530.900.4304) or email hello@rootandstemclinic.com. Ready to grab your spot and get glowing? Book your first session in Oakland or Nevada City today!