So my first encounter with Microdermabrasion was in 2012, my dad’s friend is a Harley Street dermatologist, and we kind of got the V.I.P skin treatment once every few months, we went to his house,  he set up the machine, and there it was in its full silver lined glory, hundreds of tiny needles about to go into my face. Sounds gruesome right? It absolutely wasn’t, in fact, it’s a skin treatment that has become so widespread in the last few years,  you can order a version of it right to your doorstep from Amazon no less.

So what is it?

Defined by the NHS, microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that uses fine crystals and a vacuum to remove the dead skin cells on the face. The aim is to reduce the effect of fine lines and minor skin blemishes, it helps for people who suffer from Rosacea, a common, “acne-like benign inflammatory skin disease of adults”. The symptoms of Rosacea include pink or reddening of the facial skin. Microderbravasion works on all skin types and shouldn’t cause any skin colour changes or scarring. It can be quite pricey depending on if you see it as a priority, one session can range anywhere from £40- £80. A local anesthetic isn’t necessary, for me, it felt like a light numbing sensation on my cheeks, with a higher intensity surrounding areas of my face with less flesh, closer to the bone (my forehead). The whole process can take up to an hour, ensure prior to the treatment to find a reputable practitioner who will encourage the necessity of cleanliness and safety.

Afterward

So straight after the treatment, your face will pretty much look like you sat in front of the sun with a solar panel, yes it can go very red, with some swelling, just make sure not to make plans for the days that follow the treatment. Drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated.  Definitely, don’t use certain creams that are scented that may irritate the skin, It may feel a little hot, irritated, and begin to flake, this is all normal, see it as shedding your old face to make way for a beautiful shiny piece of fresh art beneath the old skin cells. I remember I went to University straight after I did the treatment, (because we have to get on with life right) and people looking majorly concerned when looking at my face. I couldn’t hide out forever, so after the holidays I returned, with absolutely smooth, revitalized, and strong skin. I didn’t feel the need to put makeup on to cover anything up, it was purely for the enjoyment of painting an already blank and wonderfully nicely textured canvas, and it was very light, in fact, I didn’t really feel the need to wear makeup at all.

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 Bring it Home

So Microneedling is a little different, and a lot safer for the casual individual looking for sustainable ways to keep your skin looking healthy at low cost. So this treatment is basically created with a device of a roll of small needles with a handle for you to hold. The small needles that are rolled around your face and neck,  create tiny controlled mini punctures in the skin, which essentially forces your skin to repair itself. The length of the needle can vary from 0.5mm to 3.0mm (I personally have tried and tested the 0.5mm needle). It can be used around any part of the face, they do however advise that you test it on your hand first to apply the right amount of pressure, the needles can pierce the skin instantly, therefore it is advised to roll carefully, the more gentle and careful the less you irritate your skin, light motions over the areas you wish to help rejuvenate is all that is needed, it may feel like you are barely doing anything, but a light tingling sensation is all you need to feel, after a while it will feel a little numby. Remember before use, cleanse your skin well and make sure it is dry. Ensure you have a good serum to use after rolling the device on your skin.

Process

What is happening, is that the skin is repairing itself anyway, with your body’s natural ability to produce elastin and collagen, this is what gives the firm plumpness in the skin, the derma roller is used to turbocharge this process. A leading  Oculoplastic surgeon and aesthetic doctor Maryam Zamani said, “it can help reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and it creates a more youthful skin tone.”  I personally have found it really helps with tightening pores, as this is can be a real aging quality for young skin, this is why it is best to do it post facial cleanse afterthe pores have been cleared out.

Serums:

I would recommend Radha Beauty serum as it has vitamin C+E and Hyaluronic acid for just £14.95 as it has been tried and tested by a number of people and said to be very effective.

Order Rollers Online:

TinkSky Pink derma roller o.5mm microneedle roller £6.99 featured above

Swiss Clinic Skin Roller, for £42, if you don’t mind splashing the cash a little, with the original Swiss clinic skin roller, for  with 540 microneedles

The derma master microneedle system at just £4.99 with needles of 1.0mm which comprises 540 Titanium Coated Micro-Needles.