TREATMENT PROGRESS: MICRONEEDLING & DERMAPLANING

5 months ago >>> Now. No filter or editing (obvs)…

Since June I’ve had three microneedling sessions and one dermaplaning facial, all with Kerry Courtney (who I would recommend to anyone). The photo on the left was taken straight after my first microneedling session in June and the right taken this week after a dermaplaning facial. Skincare throughout as recommended by Lionne (who I’ll soon be working with as a Skin Mentor).

I had wanted to try microneedling and dermaplaning for a while to help with acne scarring and pigmentation. I’m happy with the results… less texture and pigmentation, smoother skin and less fine lines. Although the pitted scars on my cheeks are less noticeable, it hasn’t reduced them as much as I’d hoped & the sun damage on my forehead is still quite visible, but there are definite improvements. I’ll continue with treatments and share updates on progress for pitted scarring & sun damage.

What do these treatments involve?

Microneedling uses tiny, sterilised needles to prick the skin, either in the form of a roller or a pen shaped tool (which is safer). Small wounds are created by the needles, which encourages the skin to produce more collagen and elastin, regenerating the skin with new tissue. After a few sessions, microneedling can help to minimize pigmentation from acne or sun damage, the skin can appear more youthful and it can help to reduce acne scars as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is a little painful but only during & it takes less than 20 minutes.

Dermaplaning is a type of manual exfoliation that involves using a scalpel to essentially 'scrape' the top layer of skin from your face, leaving a smoother & brighter complexion. It can also help to improve acne scars and pigmentation. This sounds a lot more scary than it is, it’s actually quite relaxing and didn’t hurt at all.

If you’re interested in trying either of these treatments, my advice is to first speak to a dermatologist to check it would be right for your skin. It’s so important to find someone you trust who is experienced and don’t try & DIY with these, as it can so easily go wrong without any training. Getting a recommendation is ideal… or if you can’t, make sure you meet them before to find out about their process. For microneedling I would look for someone who uses a dermapen rather than a roller & who doesn’t go particularly deep into the skin. To save a few pounds, look for someone who doesn’t use numbing cream… it’s not essential and takes 30 minutes to work, so you’re paying for their time for that half an hour. If you have an active inflammatory skin condition such as acne, rosacea or psoriasis, or your skin barrier function is compromised, it's not advised to try either treatment. Sometimes clinicians will offer both treatments in the same session, but I wouldn’t recommend doing this as it could damage your skin barrier. Nourishing and hydrating skincare is a must to help to regenerate the skin, as well as SPF every day, as usual!

If you have any questions, you'll soon be able to book an appointment with me at Lion/ne. Coming soon...

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