Also known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling can deliver drastic results without the risks and recovery periods of invasive surgical procedures. It’s a safe and effective tool to combat fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, acne scars, and uneven skin texture throughout the face and body. But many clients wonder if microneedling will hurt.
It’s completely understandable. After all, piercing the skin with needles doesn’t sound particularly enjoyable on the surface. However, most clients say microneedling causes mild discomfort at the most, not pain. Let’s explore the factors affecting the comfort level of your session.
What to expect with microneedling
Before we discuss if microneedling may hurt, let’s cover what to expect before, during, and after your treatments:
Before your appointment
Proper preparation can help ensure a comfortable microneedling session. In the weeks leading up to your appointment, drink plenty of water and protect your skin from sun exposure. Ask your esthetician about medications that may interfere with treatment.
About a week before your session, stop using retinols, exfoliants, and harsh active ingredients. Skip the bikini wax if you plan to microneedle loose skin around your thighs or lower belly. You’ll have a consultation with your esthetician before your treatment. Feel free to ask any lingering questions about prepping your skin for optimal results.
During the procedure
When you arrive for your appointment, your treatment provider will cleanse your skin and apply a numbing cream to ensure the microneedling process doesn’t hurt. Then, they’ll use a device, such as an electric dermapen, to create microscopic punctures throughout the treatment area.
Once they’ve covered the entire surface, they may apply various topical products like hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma to enhance your results and kickstart the healing process. Most treatments take 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
After microneedling
Redness and mild swelling are common after a microneedle session and typically last for two or three days. As your skin recovers, stay out of the sun and avoid excessive heat and sweating.
Your skin may peel or flake, but a gentle moisturizer and ultra-gentle skincare routine can help. You should begin to see noticeable improvement within the first week, with the full effects appearing after several months as your baseline collagen levels increase.
Read more: Your Guide to Virtue RF Microneedling
Is microneedling painful?
Let’s get into the big question: Does microneedling hurt? It turns out that the answer depends on various factors, including:
Needle depth
Microneedling uses needles of different lengths to achieve certain results. Shallow needles may be used to improve mild textural concerns, smooth fine lines, and enhance product absorption.
Deep needles are generally used for large stretch marks on the stomach, deep acne scars, and more advanced anti-aging treatments. As needle length increases, so does the pain level of your microneedling session.
Pain tolerance
Some people naturally have a higher pain tolerance than others and may only experience mild discomfort, even with deeper microneedling treatments. On the other hand, those with sensitive skin or those addressing concerns in sensitive treatment areas may have a more painful session.
Numbing cream
Your esthetician may offer a topical numbing cream to ensure a more comfortable microneedling experience. Unless you have an allergy to any ingredients, this addition can make a world of difference in your pain level during treatment.
Related: SkinPen: An Elite Microneedling Treatment
How to make your microneedling treatment more comfortable
Microneedling doesn’t have to hurt. Here are a few tips to tone down the intensity:
Over-the-counter pain meds
You can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) about an hour before your microneedle treatment to minimize pain during your session. Be sure to avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen, as they can thin your blood and encourage bleeding and bruising.
Numbing creams
Lidocaine-based numbing creams used 20 to 30 minutes before microneedling can help ensure your treatment doesn’t hurt. Ask your esthetician about your options during your consultation. If they are unable to provide a prescription, consider scheduling an appointment with your dermatology office to get a prescription before your session.
Cool compresses
If your skin feels hot, itchy, or inflamed after microneedling, a cool compress can be your best friend. Wrap an ice pack with a soft, clean cloth and place it against your skin without rubbing or creating friction. You can also incorporate pure aloe vera gel and hyaluronic acid into your recovery protocol to soothe your skin and promote the healing process.
Proper aftercare
Appropriate microneedling aftercare can simplify the recovery process and ensure optimal comfort as your skin heals from microneedling. Keep your skin moisturized, wear plenty of sunscreen, and avoid topical products with harsh active ingredients.
Elevate your microneedling experience at The Wellness Club!
Microneedling can be intense, but it shouldn’t hurt. At The Wellness Club, we prioritize the safety and comfort of our clients so you can look forward to effective treatments with minimal discomfort. Ready to get started? Reach out today to learn more or book a consultation online!