In the quest for radiant, healthy skin MiNDFOOD STYLE editor, Nicole Saunders, puts microneedling to the test.
To say I’m not a fan of needles would be an understatement. But in the quest for radiant skin, I decided to visit Caci with an open mind and put a treatment to the test that involves not one, but multiple needles. When it comes to beauty treatments, it’s best to seek the advice of an expert. And at Caci, Microneedling procedures are undertaken by Registered Nurses – so you know you are in expert hands.
It also means the treatment is able to achieve better results, explains Brandy Wehinger, Caci Clinical Director. Unlike at-home derma rollers – which use a shorter, constant needle length – nurses are able to adjust the needle length during treatment for different areas across the face. I soon discover why this is important: certain areas, which vary from individual to individual, are much more sensitive.
When I arrive at Caci, Registered Nurse Annie Wong takes me through a thorough consultation to ensure I’m the right candidate for Microneedling, before going on to explain exactly what I should expect during and after the procedure. Because of its broad range of applications, Microneedling is suitable for most people. It’s also quite quick – the treatment involves about 30 to 40 minutes of waiting for an anaesthetic cream to work its magic, and the actual treatment is over in around 20 minutes. “Plus the downtime is relatively short, with most people noticing any redness and swelling reducing after only a few hours,” explains Brandy.
How does microneedling work?
The best candidates, she says, are those wanting to improve skin texture, soften lines and wrinkles, increase tightness, restore skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of scarring. Despite being informed that the procedure isn’t exactly comfortable – but when is anything that involves needles ever comfortable? – the benefits have won me over. I’m all signed up and ready to go.
Application of anaesthetic cream is key to Microneedling, as it numbs the skin and makes the procedure more comfortable. As we wait for it to take effect, Annie explains to me how Microneedling can benefit your skin. In layman’s terms, the procedure works by forcing the skin to rejuvenate and heal itself. Youthful-looking, resilient skin is strong and firmer thanks to an abundance of collagen, and Microneedling will give your skin’s collagen production a boost.
“Vitamins and amino acids are the building blocks for collagen,” says Brandy. “Microneedling triggers the skin’s own healing response, producing collagen tissue, making skin stronger and firmer than before.” As the procedure is conducted, a combination of hyaluronic acid, multivitamins and amino acids are infused into the skin to further boost collagen production. Once the anaesthetic cream has been given ample time to do its job, it’s time to get down to business. Annie tells me to expect some discomfort, but I’m pleasantly surprised by how bearable it is.
Caci uses the latest Electroporation technology, which is much gentler than its predecessors. While the delicate eye area and forehead is slightly more sensitive, I only feel a slightly heated sensation as Annie works the Microneedling pen over my face. I’m surprised by how quick the procedure is, and I’m happy that I’m able to tolerate a decent needle depth – which Annie says will give me better results.
What results will I see from microneedling?
When I look in the mirror I’m expecting my skin to be angry and inflamed, but it just looks like I’m a little sunburned. Though it would be fine to return to the office after the procedure, you’d probably want to avoid Microneedling on a day when you had something special on in the evening.
After-care is important, and Annie applies Skinsmiths Daily Defence Sunscreen SPF50 to my face to keep it protected from the sun. She advises that I avoid active skincare ingredients for the next couple of days and keep make-up to a minimum. I go to bed that evening with a slightly flushed face, and get up the next day with skin that has returned to normal, as far as redness and inflammation is concerned.
I notice that my skin feels and looks stronger and firmer. The fine lines between my brows, across my forehead and around my eyes aren’t quite so noticeable, and my skin appears more luminous. Although Microneedling is extremely popular because the results are noticeable in a very short time, as I discovered, the best results come from having a series of treatments. “Over a course of treatments, collagen fibres are strengthened and the skin becomes stronger, smoother, and firmer, with improved texture,” explains Brandy. Armed with resilient, glowing skin and with my fear of needles dissipated, I’m all set and ready for round two.
Visit caci.co.nz to find out more and to book a complimentary consultation to find out if Microneedling is right for you.
