What is microneedling and what are the benefits of undergoing this treatment? Since men and women alike started becoming more open towards skincare procedures, microneedling treatments have risen in popularity. This skin rejuvenation and resurfacing technique might have been around for a long time, but the fact that it remains one of the most sought-after treatments is true evidence of how efficient and effective this method is. Many different kinds of medical procedures have been relied upon for decades. This doesn’t mean that they cannot compete with medical innovations today.      

When it comes to science and technology, those that have withstood the test of time are the innovations that went through a lot of development throughout the years and have been made better and more versatile. Methods of microneedling have been around since early history. This ancient technique of restoring and rejuvenating the skin has been proven not only in its effectiveness but also in its ability to quickly improve the appearance of the skin.

The Early Beginnings of Microneedling

Hundreds of years ago, needle-based facial treatments were used back in ancient Chinese medical practices. Emperors punctured certain areas of the face with a needle, believing it could heal diseases and scars. At that time, it was believed that skin irregularities were signs of damages to internal organs. Microneedles, along with medicinal herbs, have also been used to prevent hair loss or baldness in men. Women, on the other hand, used this technique to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Today, however, microneedle technology is more based on a concept adopted in Germany around the 1900s. In the early days of this procedure, the main goal was to eliminate or reduce the appearance of skin imperfections such as acne and scars. The famous German dermatologist, Ernst Kromayer, used a motor microneedling device to treat skin irregularities such as scars, hyperpigmentation, and birthmarks.

Subsequent developments in the field of dermatology and microneedling appeared in the mid to late 1990s. Dr. André Camirand performed a procedure on his patients, during which he tried to hide enlarged hypertrophic scars by tattooing their skin. He then noticed that the pigments tattooed on the patients were gradually dissolving and were replaced by melanin naturally. 

Dr. Camirand soon came up with the idea of ​​using a tattoo gun on the skin without adding pigment. The results were stunning as the scars began to improve markedly in texture, color, and overall appearance. Shortly after, Dr. Des Fernandez developed a tool that is popularly known today as a dermaroller. He was able to create a simpler and more portable microneedling device. Initially, sales for the dermaroller began in Asian countries, but the device soon gained international popularity.

What is microneedling today? The concept of microneedling at present time has undeniably gone through many developments and modifications from its early days. These technological milestones have only made this innovation better and more reliable. In recent years, new devices have even been invented which incorporate or combine the functionality of this technology.
 

Popular Microneedling Techniques Today

Different kinds of microneedling techniques began to gain traction from the general public in the early 21st century. As the technology grew in popularity, experts have also found ways to diversify its applications and incorporate other skincare methods. Today, there are several types of microneedling techniques that have become available through the development of science and technology.
 

PRP+Microneedling - A testament to what the advancements of microneedling can do, platelet-rich plasma or PRP can be added to a regular microneedling session and can reduce redness and swelling after the procedure. 

Some studies show that this type of microneedling also significantly improves the results of treatment for acne scars. Many people prefer microneedling+PRP because it can speed up the results of conventional microneedling procedures. It can escalate the reduction of scars or wrinkles and improve the overall health of the skin at a faster rate. 
 

RF+Microneedling - As a new addition to microneedling technology, this technique combines the capabilities of two tried and tested skin resurfacing and rejuvenation methods. It uses both radiofrequency and microneedling technology to achieve optimal results. 

The treatment effectively stimulates the production of elastin and collagen by delivering radiofrequency energy through the tips of each microneedle. This technique causes less damage to the skin and therefore requires less downtime compared to other treatments. Like other methods, this improved form of microneedling can effectively remove or reduce wrinkles, scars, and hyperpigmentation.
 

Dermarolling - Since microneedling has adopted different types of applications, it has also taken form in many shapes and sizes. A dermaroller is a type of small microneedle stamp that can be purchased for home use although it works similarly to a microneedling device. It looks like a small stamp with a rolling mechanism that is covered by microneedles on one end. 

The rolling mechanism allows the needles to penetrate the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production. When used for at-home skincare, dermarolling can make the skin smoother and healthier. Similar to the original microneedling technique, it can also help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Dermarolling needles are available in a variety of sizes depending on the skin condition you wish to address.
 

Original Microneedling - What is microneedling without its purest form? This age-old technique has been tried and tested by experts and is still considered one of the most effective skin rejuvenating and resurfacing techniques today. At present time, microneedling is done and works exactly as expected in the past. Using multiple small microneedles to pierce the skin, the treatment stimulates the production of collagen and elastin to renew, repair, and rejuvenate the skin’s outer appearance.

The microneedling technology we have today remains one of the most reliable skin treatments for removing fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps improve skin texture by removing scars and blemishes. Microneedling is minimally invasive and requires minimal downtime. After all these years, many people still prefer the original method as their go-to skincare treatment, and its reliability and effectiveness answer the question of what is microneedling capable of.