What Happens to Your Skin After 3, 6, and 12 Months of Microneedling Treatment

Microneedling, formally known as collagen induction therapy (CIT), has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure used for skin rejuvenation and improvement. This highly effective, minimally invasive procedure involves using tiny needles that create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This stimulates the body's natural collagen production. 

As a result, it helps enhance skin texture, decreases the appearance of scars & enhances overall skin appearance. If you have considered this treatment, you are probably wondering: What can you expect from microneedling before & after 3, 6, and 12 months?  In this blog, we will discover the progressive changes your skin undergoes following Microneedling Dermapen treatments and what to expect at each stage. 

Microneedling Results: A Timeline 

Understanding how your skin progresses after microneedling treatment can help you set realistic expectations & create a plan for maintenance treatments. 

Month 1: Initial Healing and Early Improvements 

Healing Process

Right after your treatment, your skin will likely feel a bit tender. Expect mild to moderate redness & swelling, similar to a mild sunburn. This is completely normal and part of the body's natural response to the micro-injuries caused by the procedure. You might also experience light flaking or peeling as the skin regenerates.

Collagen production begins shortly after treatment, although early microneedling results may not be immediately visible. The early stages of healing are crucial in setting the foundation for future improvements, so it's essential to follow your post-treatment care instructions carefully.

Visible Changes

While the changes at this stage are subtle, your tone and texture may start to show some minor improvements. Fine lines and minor scarring may appear softer. At this point, however, significant changes are not expected, and the real transformation will unfold over the coming months.

Considerations

Patience is key during the first month. The changes you're hoping to see take time to develop. Stick to your gentle skincare routine and give your skin the time and space it needs to heal and respond to the treatment.

Month 3: Peak Collagen Remodeling

By the third month, collagen remodeling is at its peak, and you will start to notice real improvements in your skin. Collagen, which gives your skin its strength & elasticity, continues to be produced, firming and thickening the skin. This is the stage where the most dramatic transformations typically occur.

Visible Changes

Your skin will look firmer, smoother & more even. Wrinkles, fine lines, and scars continue to soften. Acne scars, especially the older ones, may soften, and your skin will feel firmer & more youthful. Your skin may also appear more radiant and fresh, with improved overall texture. If you have larger pores, you might notice that they start to shrink, giving your complexion a more refined appearance.

Maintenance

At this point, your skin is benefiting from the collagen boost provided by the treatment. To prolong these effects, you might consider follow-up treatments. These can help maintain the progress and prevent any regression in skin quality. Regular microneedling sessions can help maintain strong collagen production.

Month 6: Enhanced Skin Quality, Sustained Improvements

At six months of microneedling treatment, you can expect to see lasting improvements in your skin quality. Your skin will undergo significant changes as collagen and elastin levels increase. Your skin's elasticity will be noticeably better, reducing sagging and fine lines. The pore size will be smaller, and the overall texture will feel much smoother.

Hyperpigmentation and acne scars, especially those deep-rooted scars, will show visible improvements. Your complexion looks smoother, and imperfections from sun damage and old scars are significantly reduced. 

Longevity of Results

While the improvements at this stage are often dramatic, results can last anywhere from six to eighteen months, depending on various factors such as your skin type, lifestyle, and whether you maintain your treatments. That said, lifestyle, sun exposure, and natural aging can all influence how long your glow lasts. 

Maintenance

Use products containing Vitamin C, retinoids, and SPF daily to ensure you're protecting your skin from the sun. This is particularly important with Winnipeg’s fluctuating weather. Regular facials or touch-up treatments can also help maintain your skin's radiance.

Month 12: Long-Term Benefits and Maintenance

After the one-year mark, you'll likely notice that your skin's texture and tone have continued to improve over the course of the year. While collagen production may start to slow down slightly, the benefits of your treatment remain. Your skin will look more youthful, more even, and smoother overall. Fine lines, wrinkles & acne scars are less prominent, and your skin's elasticity will continue to give you a more youthful and firmer appearance. By this time, you will have established long-term results, and your skin will look refreshed & rejuvenated. However, the effects are not permanent, so maintaining a regular skincare routine is essential.

Maintenance Treatments

To help preserve your results & keep your skin looking fresh all year round, consider scheduling maintenace sessions every 6 to 12 months. These sessions will help maintain the results & prevent any signs of aging from returning. 

Skincare Tips

As you continue your microneedling journey, consider incorporating products like serums and creams containing Vitamin C, which supports collagen synthesis, and retinoids, which encourage cell turnover. These ingredients will help to keep your skin looking youthful, even between treatments.

Conclusion 

Microneedling is a transformative treatment that improves skin texture, reduces scars & enhances overall skin health over time. With each month, your skin gets healthier, stronger, and more radiant. With a nice gentle skincare routine, you can expect the benefits of microneedling treatment to last well beyond a year. Are you ready to experience your own microneedling before & after transformation? Consider scheduling a consultation with our certified dermatologists in Winnipeg today to discover how microneedling can benefit you. Don't wait; your smoother, firmer skin is just a treatment away!