Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses fine, short needles to support skin rejuvenation.
This holistic technique originated in China and encourages the body’s own repair mechanisms to improve skin texture and tone. Microneedling creates small wounds on the skin, encouraging the body to respond by producing collagen, stem cells, and elastin. This helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, age spots, sun spots, and other skin conditions. When used on the scalp, microneedling can also help to encourage regrowth of hair. Additionally, microneedling increases skin absorption by approximately 3000%, allowing for greater receptivity to topical skincare products.
From a Chinese medicine perspective, microneedling has a similar effect as acupuncture, supporting the body in using its own resources to promote healing and encouraging the movement of qi, blood, and interstitial fluids to the area of treatment. This improves the health of the tissues, and also frees up the area to invite a fuller expression of qi, allowing your inner glow to radiate!
At our clinic, we offer microneedling in combination with body acupuncture and LED light therapy for a holistic approach to skin care, general health, and effective stress management.
Holistic microneedling sessions might be right for you if you…
desire immediate and lasting improvements in skin tone and texture
want to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and discoloration
want to promote hair regrowth at the hairline and on scalp
have not seen the results you hope for with facials, peels, or other topical treatments
are interested in holistic, non-invasive approaches to improving your complexion and overall wellbeing
What happens in a holistic microneedling session?
First, you will have a brief intake with your acupuncturist, where you will discuss your primary skin concerns, goals, and general health history. Then you’ll get cozy on the treatment table! The practitioner will apply numbing cream to your face and neck, to help ensure you are comfortable during microneedling. While the numbing cream activates, the practitioner will gently insert acupuncture needles on your limbs, to help support your overall health and promote relaxation. Then numbing cream will be wiped off, and high quality skincare products from TOMA Essential Skin Therapy will be applied to prepare your skin for microneedling. It will take 10-15 minutes to perform microneedling on your neck and face. When the microneedling is complete, an LED light hood will be placed over your face and neck, while you quietly rest for an additional 10-15 minutes. After, additional TOMA products will be applied to help nourish and moisturize your skin. You’ll feel relaxed, glowy, and ready to for the rest of your day!
How many treatments are recommended?
Microneedling has a cumulative effect. We recommend that patients plan for 3-6 sessions, spaced one month apart, for best results. The degree of change you see visit to visit varies based upon several factors, including the general condition of your skin, your age, your lifestyle habits, and your skincare regimen. Individuals in their 20s and 30s and who have fewer skin concerns will typically see results after 3 sessions, whereas individuals ages 40 and older, and individuals of any age who have significant hyperpigmentation, sun damage, lines/wrinkles, and/or scarring, will typically need a total of 4-6 monthly sessions to see the most improvement.
Packages are available. Your practitioner will check in with you along the way to create a treatment plan that best supports your goals.
How soon will I see results after a holistic microneedling session?
Patients often see immediate brightening in their skin and spirit in the days and weeks following their first treatment. As shared above, individuals in their 20s and 30s and who have fewer skin concerns will typically see results after 3 sessions, whereas individuals ages 40 and older, and individuals of any age who have significant hyperpigmentation, sun damage, lines/wrinkles, and/or scarring, will typically need a total of 4-6 monthly sessions to see the most improvement.
Additionally, because our sessions also include full body acupuncture treatment, you may feel more relaxed and see other improvements in sleep, digestion, or energy. The results are cumulative and you will see continued improvement from session to session.
What care is needed before and after treatment?
Downtime is very minimal. It’s normal to experience some light redness and mild sensitivity that will resolve in 1-2 days.
After your treatment:
Do not wear makeup or use any oil-based products the day of treatment
Use hyaluronic acid or a light spray of hydrosol anytime your skin may feel dry, and before bed the day of treatment.
Avoid washing your face for the first 24 hours.
Don’t exercise for 48 hours after your treatment, as sweat will irritate.
No swimming, or exposure to chlorine, for at least 3 days, to prevent irritation and infection.
Your skin may feel more sensitive to cold immediately after microneedling, so we recommend bundling up if it’s breezy outside.
Your skin will also be more sensitive to the sun, so avoid sun exposure the day of and for a few days post treatment, and wear a high quality sunscreen when spending time outside.
No targeted skincare treatments for 3 days post-treatment. This includes AHAs such as glycolic acid, retinol, vitamin C, and enzymes.
24 hours after treatment:
24 hours after treatment, you can return to your normal skincare and makeup routine.
You may experience temporary dryness, peeling, or tenderness as the skin heals, so we strongly recommend applying moisturizing topicals like hydrosol, serums, and moisturizers to seal in moisture.
Continue using sunscreen if spending time in the sun. detailed aftercare instructions will be provided to patients at their appointment.
Is microneedling safe for everyone?
Microneedling is appropriate for patients of any skin tones and a range of ages, however the following circumstances require extra care or caution:
Patients should wait at least 2 weeks AFTER Botox treatment so that the injectable has already “settled” in the treatment area before the microneedling procedure.
Patients should wait at least 1 month AFTER treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser skin resurfacing before receiving microneedling, and should avoid these treatments while on a microneedling treatment plan.
Do not use any retinol products while on a microneedling treatment plan.
Microneedling should not be done on areas of active acne, warts, local infections, or scars with keloids, during pregnancy, or during chemotherapy or radiation.
Ready to use holistic microneedling to improve your skin?
Book an appointment for a one-on-one session with our team.
