Have you guys read Lauryn’s post on microneedling her arms? Yes her arms. Well microneedling is not so new, but it’s still very much on trend.
If you haven’t heard of microneedling, let us fill you in. Microneedling can go by many names – these include collagen induction therapy, skin needling, and dermarolling. All of these names are pretty much interchangeable. Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure for your skin. It uses thin needles to make tiny holes that puncture your skin. Those tiny needles stimulates your skin.
Basically, microneedling is an anti-aging skincare treatment that is usually performs the procedure on the face (aka: the vampire facial). However, it can be performed all over the body, including the arms, hands, and scalp. Yes, the scalp.
But, today, we’re going to focus on microneedling the hands.
So, how does a microneedling treatment work, you ask? This treatment uses teeny tiny sterile needles to prick the skin all over which, in turn, stimulates new cell growth and a faster rate of cell turnover. If you have a decent pain tolerance, it probably won’t hurt at all. And, if you’re one of those people that totally hates pain, the treatment always comes with the option of a numbing cream.
For a more in depth look at the process from a professional point of view, check out the interview with Dr. Gwendolyn Henao.
So – how does this help the skin on your hands? The skin on the hands is prone to wrinkles as a person ages. Plus, the skin can sag and become loose over time. These are the main issues that microneedling the hands works to prevent – because no one wants gross, shriveled up, old-lady hands. Thanks, but like, NO THANKS. Especially not if there’s something we can do to prevent it.
If that’s not reason enough to start microneedling your hands, there are plenty of other benefits as well. But, you don’t just have to take my word for it. Let’s break down all the benefits of microneedling the hands so you can see just how much you NEED this beauty hack in your life.
Why You Should Microneedle Your Hands
♡ It’s not as harsh as other beauty treatments
First and foremost, microneedling is one of the least invasive beauty treatments you can perform on the skin. This makes it the ideal choice for your anti-aging needs. Unlike chemical peels, lazers, and Botox, this process uses no chemicals (except the numbing cream if needed), it’s totally natural, and it promotes organic healing and tightening of the skin.
♡ Increases production of collagen
Anytime we encounter any sort of injury, the body immediately starts to create new cells to replace the damaged ones. This is true for cuts, scrapes, burns, and those little pricks you get from microneedling.
The same can be said for collagen. As soon as the body knows there is an injury to the skin, it starts creating more collagen (a main structural component of skin that is basically a connective tissue) to replace the collagen it just lost. But, why is more collagen better? More collagen = more hydration and increased elasticity. Total win.
As a side note, if you’re looking to up your collagen game, be sure to try these delicious collagen teas or this collagen smoothie.
♡ Increases thickness of skin
It might not seem important now, but as we age, the skin thins. Like, it gets really thin. This makes bruising and small cuts look and feel so much worse. And even worse than that, with age, these injuries take so much longer to actually heal. These growth factors can be so annoying.
The good news is, increased production of collagen can thicken the skin. It literally enhances the strength of the skin, making it tougher and less likely to break. Our skin is our first layer of defense against injuries, gross bacteria, and even sickness. So, long story short, having thicker skin, especially on your hands where you touch so many things on a daily basis, is a huge benefit of microneedling.
♡ Reduces the look of old scars
Our hands are one of the most vulnerable parts of our body. Because we do literally everything with them, they are constantly getting little cuts, knicks, burns, and so on. Like – who hasn’t burned themselves with their straightener before?
When you microneedle your hands, you are basically breaking up all the scar tissue from previous scars. When you do this, the scar tissues start to degrade and break apart, and thus, they begin to fade. Eventually, they are cleansed from the body either by being absorbed by white blood cells (inside the body) or as dead skin (outside the body). For a little scientific breakdown of this process, check out this research. (And, just by the way, this works with acne scars on the face, too).
♡ Prevents fine lines and wrinkles
As we mentioned earlier, microneedling promotes increased collagen production and cell turnover. In turn, this helps reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and stretch marks by tightening the skin. Yes, even those teeny tiny wrinkles on the hands. It even helps reduce those deep forehead wrinkles and those hard to reach fine lines around the mouth. As your cells and collagen replenish themselves, the skin tightens and makes a dramatic difference in the appearance of these signs of aging.
♡ Evens out the skin tone & texture
In case you couldn’t tell already, microneedling is a game of collagen. Almost all of the benefits that come along with microneedling directly stem from the fact that microneedling greatly increases your collagen production. So, it’s no surprise that increased collagen production also helps to even out skin tone and texture.
Because microneedling promotes fast and immediate healing of the skin, the skin has no time to soak up gross dirt and grime and no time to be affected by UV ray damage (or any other type of damage for that matter). Thus, when your skin heals, it heals with a nice and even color and free of blemishes caused by environmental factors.
And speaking of UV ray damage, GET THE FUCK OUT OF THE SUN. But, seriously, never ever forget your sunscreen, especially after you microneedle. Like any facial treatment, it’s best to avoid direct sunlight during the healing process. For tips on how to reapply sunscreen without fucking up your makeup, click here.
Everybody ages – but hotties age gracefully…
We’re all going to get old and wrinkly one day, but if there’s anything we can do to slow the process, we’re into it. Let’s all try to be the hottest grandmas on the block – with the sexiest hands too. LOL.
But anyway, let’s leave with these final thoughts…
Can You Microneedle At Home?
Be sure to remember that not all microneedling devices and treatments are created equal. Yes, you can perform this treatment on yourself at home. And, if you’ve got some experience with this, you should try it.
But, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, home microneedling treatments just don’t provide the same quality and effectiveness as getting this treatment done by a professional. If you’re not sure which option to choose, don’t be afraid to reach out to your local dermatologist for a little medical advice.
And, if you love the effects of microneedling, don’t be afraid to take it a step further with PRP. PRP stands for a treatment called Platlet Rich Plasma. These two treatments are complimentary, and when done together, they have some seriously amazing results.
Alright, that’s all for today guys. If you’re ready to finally have soft and sexy hands like you’ve always wanted – you know what to do.
x, The Skinny Confidential Team
+ stalk all of Ashley Wahler’s hair tips here.
++ check out this interview with a pro facialist.
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I am going to have to do this!
Danielle | thereluctantblogger.co.uk