Wrinkles aren’t just creases on the surface – they’re a map of time, lifestyle, and skin health. As we age, our skin naturally loses its ability to regenerate quickly. Collagen and elastin, two crucial proteins that give skin its structure and bounce, begin to decline. Repeated facial movements, sun exposure, dehydration, and even pollution can accelerate the breakdown of these fibres. Fine lines tend to appear first – those subtle crinkles near the eyes and mouth – before deepening into more established wrinkles.
So, how do we press pause on this process without going under the knife? That’s where we discover microneedling.
The Science Behind Microneedling
Microneedling, also known as skin needling or collagen induction therapy is a non-invasive treatment designed to prompt your body to do what it does best: heal itself. It involves puncturing the skin with tiny, sterilised needles using a pen-like device. These controlled micro-injuries stimulate the body’s wound-healing response, leading to increased skin cell turnover and the formation of fresh collagen and elastin.
The result? An almost instant plumping effect that not only softens existing wrinkles but also helps prevent new ones from forming.
This approach taps into your skin’s natural regenerative powers, making it a go-to for those who want a more radiant, youthful complexion without the downtime of more aggressive treatments.
[All you need to know about microneedling.]
How Controlled Micro-Injuries Trigger Skin Rejuvenation
During the treatment, we glide a microneedling device evenly across your face. Though the pinpricks are nearly invisible to the naked eye, they send a powerful message to your skin: it’s time to regenerate.
These micro-injuries trigger your skin’s healing cascade. Fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen are activated. Over the following days and weeks, your skin works overtime, creating new, collagen-rich tissue that’s smoother, firmer, and more even in tone and texture.
What’s especially impressive is how this process improves not only fine lines and wrinkles, but also pores, scars, and uneven pigmentation all in one go.
Collagen and Elastin: The Dynamic Duo for Youthful Skin
Think of collagen as the scaffolding that keeps your skin firm, and elastin as the stretchy netting that lets it bounce back. Together, they form the supportive network that gives your skin structure, elasticity, and that sought-after youthful glow.
As we age or experience injury, illness, or environmental stress, our levels of these proteins drop dramatically. That’s when skin begins to sag, wrinkle, and lose its vibrancy.
Microneedling directly stimulates the production of both collagen and elastin by triggering the skin’s natural repair mechanisms. Over time, this newly formed tissue creates a smoother, thicker dermal layer reducing the appearance of lines and restoring volume.
Microneedling vs. Other Anti-Ageing Treatments
When it comes to reducing wrinkles, the options are plenty from injectables to lasers to chemical peels. Each has its pros and cons.
Microneedling offers a unique benefit: it doesn’t just remove the surface layer or mask wrinkles temporarily. Instead, it initiates internal healing that strengthens the skin’s foundation. It rebuilds, not just resurfaces.
Chemical peels, by contrast, exfoliate the top layer of skin to reveal newer cells beneath. While they’re excellent for improving tone and brightness, they may not penetrate deep enough to rebuild lost collagen especially in deeper wrinkles.
Microneedling is ideal for those seeking gradual, natural-looking results with minimal risk of pigmentation changes or long recovery times.
[Read more on chemical peels.]
What to Expect Before, During, and After Treatment
Here’s what typically happens during a microneedling session:
- Before treatment: A thorough consultation is done to assess your skin and ensure suitability. A topical anaesthetic is applied about an hour before the procedure to reduce discomfort.
- During treatment: The dermatologist uses a pen-like microneedling tool to make fine, controlled punctures across the skin. The process takes about 30 minutes. Most clients describe the sensation as mildly prickly but tolerable.
- After treatment: Your skin may look flushed or feel warm, similar to mild sunburn. A soothing serum or post-treatment mask is often applied to calm the skin and support healing.
Downtime is minimal. Redness usually subsides within 24–48 hours, and some light peeling or flaking may occur as the skin regenerates.
Visible Results: How Long Before You See a Difference?
While some glow is noticeable within a few days, the deeper benefits of microneedling become more visible over time. Collagen takes several weeks to rebuild, so expect to see improvements in fine lines, skin texture, and overall firmness after 3 to 6 sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart.
Results are cumulative, meaning each treatment builds upon the last. In many cases, clients report a smoother, more luminous complexion and a noticeable softening of fine lines especially around the eyes and mouth.
Microneedling for Deep Wrinkles and Delicate Areas
One of the standout benefits of microneedling is its versatility. It’s not limited to faint lines or general textural concerns. It can also address:
- Under-eye wrinkles
- Marionette lines
- Lip lines (“smoker’s lines”)
- Forehead furrows
- Crow’s feet
Because the needles can be adjusted in depth, dermatologists can tailor the treatment to target both surface-level creases and deeper structural skin concerns even in those tricky, delicate zones.
Maximising Results: Aftercare and Complementary Treatments
To keep your results on track, aftercare is essential. Avoid active skincare (like acids or retinoids) for at least 48 hours, and stick to gentle, hydrating serums especially those containing hyaluronic acid. Sun protection is non-negotiable, as fresh skin is more susceptible to UV damage.
Microneedling also pairs beautifully with treatments like LED light therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and targeted serums to accelerate results. For deeper rejuvenation, combining microneedling with a personalised skincare routine will help you maintain and enhance your glow.
Key Learnings
- Microneedling stimulates your skin to repair itself by creating tiny punctures that boost collagen and elastin production, effectively softening fine lines and wrinkles.
- It’s suitable for various concerns, from surface lines to deeper wrinkles around the eyes, lips, and mouth.
- Compared to chemical peels, microneedling offers deeper regenerative benefits without removing the top layer of skin.
- Results build over time, with multiple sessions delivering smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin.
