PUSHING THE NEEDLE

A minimally invasive treatment that boosts collagen and helps with pigmentation? Yes, please! FAIRLADY photographer Liza van Deventer signed up for a few microneedling sessions at The Laser Beautique.

- As told to Liesl Robertson

The true testament to a good skin treatment? The skincare specialist herself swears by it. 'I love micro-needling,' says Andiswa Dingiswayo, a therapist at The Laser Beautique. 'The results are incredible when it comes to the firmness of skin and the glow. I do it on myself – and on my partner!

‘I like doing treatments on myself because then I can offer clients advice from experience.’

How exactly does it work?

This minimally invasive treatment is mainly used for skin rejuvenation. A motorised handheld device uses fine needles to puncture the skin, creating micro-channels into the top layers of the epidermis. These tiny micro-injuries trigger a healing response, stimulating the skin to produce new collagen and elastin. In addition, injury to the keratinocytes promotes epidermal growth factors and increases cell turnover.

As a result, skin looks plumper. The treatment improves texture, firmness and hydration, and reduces fine lines, pore size, scarring, sun damage, stretchmarks and pigmentation. Since the procedure also creates micro-channels, specialised cosmeceutical serums are applied, which can then be absorbed deeply into the skin.

What kind of device is used?

The Laser Beautique uses the Dermapen, which has been the market leader in professional microneedling equipment since 2011. The microneedling pen, characterised by its automatic, high-speed vibrating mechanism and fine needles, causes minimal discomfort by making swift vertical insertions into the skin.

How many sessions do you need?

For best results, 4–12 sessions are recommended – but it all depends on your skin’s condition.

Does it hurt?