Can You Draw on Your Skin With Micro Pens
I think it's important to write a disclaimer first: I wrote this originally for my friend because I wanted to share my recipe for successful microneedling treatments. I am not a doctor, but had sought care (professional care) to even out and reduce my pox scars (similar to the ice pick scars you see with acne).
The professional office I went to didn't have the right needle depth to help me, and buying a micro needling pen quickly became the best option. I am not advocating this treatment to be performed at home for anyone else, it was just best for me and I wanted to share my experience. Since I am not a doctor, I cannot advise you, only share my experience and strategy for best results.
Though most professionals will agree microneedling (and strong peels) should be done in-office for safety and consistent results, I have done these myself because I can keep on a consistent regimen with my busy schedule. It's been very helpful during COVID-19 to do this at-home; even more, it's been great not seeing anyone while my face is red as a tomato.
I cannot emphasize enough that these are typically in-office treatments for many reasons, including infection, risk of scarring/pain/bleeding/bruising, and expertise for best results.
My Skin type: Dry skin
Texture issues: Large pores, age spots, dull skin, chicken pox scars on forehead, 11 lines
My before and after with the Derminator 2. My skin texture, wrinkle between my brow, scar color/skin tone, and overall skin tone has dramatically evened out and improved. This is after 3 treatments. I'm still continuing to treat and am hoping to completely smooth out my scars and eliminate the discoloration.
Safety First
Infection — never reuse a needle . If you use a mild derma roller (I like this roller from Environ and this one from BioBeauty ), I've seen people say it's safe to use with proper storing and sanitizing up to 10x, but I have yet to see a professional back this up.
Scarring risks — My research has shown this to be a possibility because of going too deep, or reusing a needle that has become dull. Therefore, the micro-tears are much larger and no longer "micro."
Expertise — I definitely recommend getting this done at least once professionally so you can ask questions, like how deep (needle length) they're going on your face for your specific issues, how your skin feels after a treatment so you can discuss with your professional, etc. Also, to make sure you're an ideal candidate for this treatment.
After I scared you, why would you still want to put tiny needles into your skin??
Microneedling benefits
Fine lines and wrinkle improvement
Smaller pores
Smoother, less deep scar tissue
Lightened age spots caused by sun damage
Less noticeable stretch marks
More even skin tone
More elasticity
I have super sensitive skin. I don't tolerate peels well and basically…my professionals tried to do peels on me and my skin is just too sensitive. Microneedling is great because you aren't using a bunch of acids to encourage collagen and elastin. Instead, you are creating micro injuries that your skin must repair by healing itself.
Why a Pen
I use the Derminator 2 and absolutely love it! If this were a review just about the Derminator 2, I would give it 6 out of 5 stars. It's so easy to use. Sarah Vaughtner produced an at-home pen that won't create microtearing . She's a very well-respected member of the dermaneedling world. This site has lots of YouTube videos you can watch to see how other people do the procedure.
Another choice is the Dr. Pen Ultima A7 or the Dr. Pen Ultima A6 (which is wireless derma needling with 36 pins cartridges for a faster session). I can't tell you if this company's pens work since I haven't used them.
Before and after 3 treatments–real and true skin with no filters/edits! Great skincare and the right treatments allow skin to look its' best! Still working on my dark spots and 11 lines, but I'm improving slowly by allowing my skin to heal itself. You can see my eye circles/dark spots/skin tone have improved as well as my scars! See my skin texture article to see how I'm improving using skincare.
Skin Prep
I found this great instructional page for this procedure here. Nothing like finding the right protocol for the best results!
Needle Cartridges
I use a 12 pins cartridge for my full face. This is fast, but still allows me to really get in there for different areas of the face. I also use 1 needle cartridges on my very deep scars with a 2.5mm depth. I've seen significant improvement compared to multiple pins–it just reaches deep areas better for me.
How Deep
I found an amazing chart I've been using when I do my pen sessions. What I love about the Derminator is the adjustable needle length since it's a digital machine. I've also created my own little custom kit including a couple different needles, some silicon healing patches, etc.
Thank you mdneedlepen.com for this awesome chart!
Deep needles and pain
Numbing cream is essential. I put NumbSkin on my face for 45 minutes with seran wrap before taking a needle to my face. Obviously don't cover your nose, mouth, and eyes with the seran wrap. While my face is numbing, I usually prep my area to make sure it's very clean, pull out my needles and my depth chart.
I do my face and body at the same time
This helps with my stretch marks too!
What Product I use to keep "slip"
I use pure hyaluronic acid while needling (helps the needle glide) and THAT'S IT. Personally, I like the HA5 from Skinmedica, but it doesn't have to be expensive. The Ordinary makes a great one as well. Food for thought: I've heard experts say HA isn't an expensive ingredient to make.
Isn't this a Vampire Facial ?
When you do this procedure in office, many do microneedling with PRP, which means Platelet-rich plasma (PRP 😉 or stem cells is a more basic term). Basically, your blood gets spun into plasma, separates the prp, and then applied to your face to help you heal faster, hence, a Vampire (or blood) facial.
Microneedling devices themselves are considered a collagen induction therapy, but PRP is a great way to speed up collagen production to assist with the healing process, with a bonus of some extra anti aging benefits with minimal side effects; this is your own blood and a minimally invasive addition to your procedure. When it's injected back in your skin, it can help even more with acne scars and skin texture.
I've found alternatives for similar results to PRP by using Growth Factors . I've used Skinmedica's TNS Serum and BioEffect's Serum. This is an important step for shrinking my pores and wound healing ( I wrote about it here ).
Peels and Exfoliators
First off, NEVER do peels/exfoliators and microneedling together–skin is very delicate during this process. The recommendations I've read, and I abide by, are to space microneedling 4-6 weeks apart and chemical peels should be more than 2 weeks out from your microneedling.
What I avoid in my skin care while microneedling
"To ensure the most ideal healing environment, do not use AHA'S (Glycolic Acid), retinols, Vitamin C Serums or any alcohol-based toners for 2-3 days after your procedure."
My Microneedling Aftercare
I don't go outside for 24 hours (because sunscreen is necessary to go outside and I don't want to put ANYTHING on my skin during its' healing mode, soaking in everything I put on it).
I use my Growth Factors and Hyaluronic Acid (for moisture) for 2 days–ONLY these products. I treat my skin like it's brand new. Then I add in my Potency710 Gold Serum to my routine (order: cleanse, Growth Factors, Potency No. 710 Gold Serum, Hyaluronic Acid, sunscreen for outdoors). I also do Red Light Therapy to speed up the healing. You can read more about it in my article here. My aftercare routine typically lasts a month after each session.
NEXT: How I Got Rid of My 11 Lines WITHOUT Botox
Can You Draw on Your Skin With Micro Pens
Source: https://www.thevanillaplum.com/glamour/how-to-use-a-microneedling-pen-at-home/