I am actively learning formatting threads, my previous thread on micro-needling was not well structured, so I will be reuploading the thread but with much better formatting, and a few tweaks in the writing, the old thread as it is now runs the risk of being seen as a dnr by most readers.
I will be writing about the do's and don'ts of micro-needling.
The modern Looksmax space are correct in only suggesting people use Isotretinoin, Tretinoin, and Tazarotene. Even though I have knowledge across the whole board of aesthetics, I am a big advocate of skincare. However, one thing I must say is that 95% of the skincare industry is obsolete (fake), and unless you do heavy amounts of research into what you need personally, as well as a few trial and error sessions, you will be easily led astray. There are definitely other chemical compounds which can benefit you personally better than tret or taz ever could but these 3 products ARE good if you don't want to look into this specific vector of aesthetics too deeply.
So the basis is yes, Tazarotene, Isotretinoin, and Tretinoin are the products which will work for most people, stick to these products if you are not willing to dedicate time.
The most effective skincare regimen for most people that are not willing to do the research is:
- Isotretinoin (Oral) *
- Cleanser
- Tretinoin (Topical) *
- Tazarotene (Topical) *
- SPF
- Other; eye balms, neck balms, (mostly frauds) etc.
- BB Cream (not necessary)
- Micro-Needling
DISCLAIMER: You are not doing deep research into skincare. So other than the items in yellow asterisk and BB cream which is self explanatory, you are more than likely just using fraud products / copes which don't work.
* Only use 1 of these mentioned products at any given time, unless authorised by the qualified parties.
[Do's]
Equipment | ALWAYS use a micro-needling pen, hands down the best tool, hard to “fake” products with fake needles similar to Derma-Rollers. Derma-Stamps are terrible in terms of speed, and effectiveness whilst also being hard to disinfect. |
Lidocaine | At least 4%. Get a prescription for it if needs be, fairly easy to get though. |
Needle Length | At home: 2.0mm MAX | In Clinic: 3.0mm MAX | Under Eyes & Nose: 0.5mm MAX. |
Session Timing | 40 Minutes MAX; Average 7 minutes on each cheek, under-eyes + nose, and chin area. |
After-care | DO NOT touch your face for at least 12 hours, do not apply any creams to the face rather as soon as the operation is complete you need to use a Hyaluronic Acid mask - there are overnight ones available but if inaccessible to you; it is best to use 3 or 4 disposables during the 12 hours. You can use these masks during the general 72 hour aftercare as well. |
Washing the face | The face can be washed with lukewarm water after 12 hours but other than the masks, nothing should be touching the face until the 24 hour mark. This is why it is best to do the procedure near evening/night time. |
Product application (after-care) | Taz, Tret, whatever topical you are using that is strong relative to these products should not be used for at least the next 3 days, and that's if you have oily skin, if your skin type is different you may need to wait longer. You may not feel burns or sensitivity when reintroducing these products the next day for example, but it will absolutely hinder the progress if this rule is broken. |
Hydration | Staying hydrated, not just with water; but fruit juices, teas, etc. Cranberry Juice is a heaven send, although be wary of it if you are supplementing high doses of Vitamin C already. |
[Don'ts]
Not being cleanly | Uncleaned utensils, needles should be left in 90%+ Isopropyl Alcohol 24 hours before procedure time. Lidocaine cream should be wiped off using Gauze Pads. |
Not using Lidocaine | High cortisol spikes due to pain pressuring can descend skin extremely quickly, giving the procedure a higher chance of a botch. |
Above 2.0mm At Home | You are not an acupuncturist, in desperation you can do 2.5mm at home but this is not recommended whatsoever, this will do irreparable damage to your skin unless under a qualified aesthetician umbrella. |
Long Sessions | Too many intradermal and transdermal micro fractures will essentially make your skin a bacterial party, high risks of chronic inflammation if exceeded usual timings. |
Touching the Face | Applying cold / hot temperatures outside of natural weather, etc. |
Ingredient Usage | Using any ingredients in the first 12 hours apart from Hyaluronic Acid, while this won't be a direct cause for concern, it has high risks of hindering progress. |
Micro-Needling Timeframes | Don't micro-needle for another 4-6 weeks if done at 1.5mm, don't micro-needle for up to 8 weeks for 2.0mm, and anything above that ask your aesthetician, DO NOT do anything above 2.0mm at home, above 2.0mm for the most part means your skin is so bad you will need advanced scans done to review skin, similar to a pre-op for surgery. The aesthetician will also recommend whether or not needle length should exceed 2.5mm, and how to care afterwards for this, you may need a few days off work, school, etc. |
Active Acne | DO NOT micro-needle if you have active acne, you need the topicals or orals mentioned above to fix this first. |
Effectiveness of Micro-Needling | At some point micro-needling does become ineffective, meaning if your scarring is really bad its best just to cough up a few thousand and go through with Co2 Laser Resurfacing, 75-99% of all types of acne scars are obliterated with this procedure. |
There are many "secrets" if you will in here which aestheticians purposely hide from you, the reason for this is so you keep coming to the clinic, all while having you thinking they're superior to At Home operations. Really, its just a few mechanics which they use that allow micro-needling to perform at maximum efficiency, effectiveness, and as they are a business - keeps customers coming back.
I hope this article acts as an excellent guide for you, which saves you money in the long run like it did with me.
