Let’s be honest. You have complexion goals, and using natural products, like the skincare line from Simple Beauty, are high on your list. But not all of your goals are achievable through natural products and a healthy skincare regimen. Sometimes you need a little extra.

The latest and quite possibly greatest trend that’s picking up steam right now is micro-needling. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s basically running tiny needles over your skin to reduce scars, erase sun damage, minimize fine lines and wrinkles, firm sagging skin, and more. So, it’s basically magic, but it uses needles. 

Now, don’t get squeamish, these needles are so tiny you will hardly notice them. There’s some science behind micro-needling that might make you want to keep reading.

How micro-needling works

You may have heard micro-needling, also referred to as collagen induction therapy. This alias gives you a clue to the science behind the process. By puncturing the skin all over with pinholes that are so small they’re invisible, you’re still “damaging” the skin and prompting a wound-healing reaction. 

When your skin is reacting to a wound, it increases collagen and elastin. These two compounds are what your skin loses when you age, and the lack of collagen and elastin causes wrinkles and more age-identifying blemishes.

Can you do it at home

Here’s the news on at-home micro-needling. It’s possible, but it’s not exactly the same. Let’s look at home derma rolling versus professional micro-needling.

Derma rolling at home

The cost of rolling at home is much less than it is when it’s done by a professional. A good roller can cost about the same as lunch at your favorite restaurant, depending on your tastes. That said, the adage about getting what you paid for comes into play here. 

At home, rollers don’t have the “reach” that a professional can apply–meaning they don’t puncture your skin very much.

Even though you’ll get better results with a professional, it doesn’t mean there aren’t any results from doing it at home. If you’re simply looking to brighten your skin and deal with minimal signs of aging, at-home derma rolling is a great option.

Professional micro-needling

Each state has different requirements for the licensing necessary for professional micro-needling, so it pays to look into this before scheduling an appointment. It’s also good to know the cost involved. There’s a wide range of reported fees from $100 to $700 per session, and it’s likely that you’re going to need more than one session.

While the cost can be a hindrance to some, the science behind professional micro-needling is very exciting, and the results might be exactly what you’re looking for. 

The best way to get great results with a pro is to meet with them beforehand to learn all you can about their procedure policies. Expect to prepare at least a month in advance with vitamins A and C, for best results.

Who can get micro-needling

Most healthy people are great candidates for this procedure. Currently, professionals recommend people who are pregnant put the micro-needling on hold. Some other people who should skip the procedure or, at least, have a discussion with their physician include:

♦ People with skin diseases or a history of skin issues like eczema and psoriasis

♦ Anyone with a blood clotting problem or anyone who is taking an anticoagulant

♦ Skin malignancies like warts, moles and solar keratosis may not react well

♦ Anyone who is on chemo or radiotherapy

If you’re not pregnant or sick and have no history of skin conditions, then you’re probably safe for this procedure.

Downsides of micro-needling

Because everybody has different skin characteristics, their reactions and results will be different. Some common complaints are listed below. This doesn’t mean you’ll have these side effects, and people with sensitive skin know they might be more susceptible to reactions.

♦ Temporary swelling, redness, and irritation

♦ Some hyperpigmentation shows up after inflammation

♦ Acne and herpes can be aggravated 

♦ Allergic reactions sometimes occur

♦ Infection, if needles aren’t cleaned properly

Most of these side effects are minimal and temporary, but it’s worth considering since it involves your face.

To put it simply

You’re doing all you can to naturally promote healthy skin and have the complexion of your dreams. Micro-needling or home derma rolling can help you in your quest, and you’ll feel good about it because you’re not using chemicals or invasive procedures to get results.

Micro-needling is proven effective, and over the decade or so of its use, it’s become safer. Most people are medically cleared to have this treatment done at home or in-office by a professional, and there are few side effects that typically don’t last long.

The key to having professional micro-needling is finding a certified professional in your state and having a consultation with them to make sure you’re a good candidate. If you’re going to do it at home, start small, and do a little area with gentle pressure to see how you react before continuing. Once you’re done, you can sit back and enjoy the results.