Micro-Needling Promotes Softer, Healthier Skin
Researchers from University Hospital of Ghent in Belgium have done a study showing that micro-needling leads to facial healing. It’s a safer method than other skin healing methods, because it stimulates the body own healing mechanisms.
The Body’s Healing Mechanisms Are Stimulated
The researchers have an in-depth explanation. “Methods that stimulate the body’s own regenerative mechanisms have gained popularity. Ablative modalities such as lasers, peelings and dermabrasion are based on partial removal of the epidermis to trigger the growth of new skin to replace scarred or aged tissue. Experience has shown that injuring the deeper layers of the skin entails a risk of prolonged healing times, fibrosis of the papillary dermis, excessive scarring, increased photosensitivity and irregular pigmentation. These problems prompted the development of non-ablative methods that owe their efficacy to triggering dermal neocollagenesis while preserving the stratum corneum and the epidermal barrier function. The use of energy (e.g. non-ablative lasers, fractional lasers, and intense pulsed light) for this purpose still entails some thermal injury and necrosis, while the use of small needles for percutaneous collagen induction reaches the papillary and reticular dermis in a purely mechanical way.”
Microneedling Helps With Many Different Skin Conditions
The results are very positive. The researchers state, “Microneedling was investigated in experimental settings for its effects on atrophic acne scars, skin rejuvenation, hypertrophic scars, keloids, striae distensae, androgenetic alopecia, melasma and acne vulgaris. Several clinical trials used randomisation and single-blindation to strengthen the validity of the study outcome. Microneedling showed noteworthy results when used on its own and when combined with topical products or radiofrequency. When compared with other treatments, it showed similar results but was preferred due to minimal side effects and shorter downtime.” A safe and effective way to heal skin on your face? Biohackers should take notice.
- Ramaut, L., Hoeksema, H., Pirayesh, A., Stillaert, F., & Monstrey, S. (2018). Microneedling: Where do we stand now? A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, 71(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2017.06.006
