I’m going to call it and say I’ve tried pretty much every facial treatment going. Largely because I’m curious, but also, it’s good to be able to offer advice to friends on what to try based on their skin concerns (once ‘less rosé’ has been ruled out). Next up, we’re talking microneedling – ‘the one that uses actual needles’- to make my skin appear fresher and all-round younger.
By Liz Hambleton
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1 It felt scratchy, but didn't sting
My treatment used the smallest needle available (0.5) with no numbing cream and, honestly, it wasn’t painful. I’d describe the process as a prickly, scratchy feeling which intensified over bonier areas (cheekbones and jaw). Anyone who has had microblading – the sensation is sort of similar. For more intensive results, the needles increase in size and numbing cream is applied, but you’ll still feel something.
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2 My skin didn't look great straight away
Microneedling is not an instant gratification kind of treatment – don’t expect to walk out the appointment a new person. In fact, I left looking blotchy and a little pink (wondering why I’d paid for such an experience). It had settled by the next day, but it was on day five that I noticed my skin was really starting to improve.
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3 I saw the benefits after a month
I was told I’d see full results in my next skin cycle, and I did. Around 4-6 weeks later, I looked fresher and more youthful (mission successful). My skin felt renewed thanks to the collagen and elastin that had flooded in – as part of the natural healing process microneedling triggers. Regular selfie-taking confirmed the above.
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4 I would have it again
But only for a specific skin concern. Though I saw good results, anyone treating a specific issue, like wrinkles, acne scarring or sun damage, would see more significant results. That’s where microneedling really comes into its own. For the overall ‘shot of youth’ I was hoping for, I’d rather head for Radio Frequency.
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5 Where to try it?
My top spots for microneedling in London would be Primas MediSpa and Chelseé Beauty Salon. Enjoy.
With Treatwell, you can book beauty online at all your favourite salons – simple, hassle-free, and you can do it on the go. Discover amazing salons in your area.
FAQs
What does microneedling feel like during the treatment?
You can expect a prickly, scratchy feeling during microneedling, especially over bonier areas like your cheekbones and jaw. Using the smallest needle (0.5) without numbing cream is not painful for most people, though the sensation may intensify as needle size increases.
How soon do you see results after microneedling?
You typically notice your skin starting to improve around five days after microneedling, with full results appearing in 4-6 weeks. Your skin may look blotchy or pink at first, but this usually settles by the next day as your natural healing process boosts collagen and elastin.
Is microneedling suitable for treating specific skin concerns?
Microneedling is particularly effective for targeted issues such as wrinkles, acne scarring and sun damage. While it delivers a fresher, more youthful overall look, people dealing with a specific skin concern often see more significant results.
Do you need numbing cream for microneedling?
You generally do not need numbing cream for treatments using the smallest needle (0.5), as discomfort is minimal. For more intensive treatments with larger needles, numbing cream is applied, but you may still experience some sensation during the session.
Where can you book microneedling appointments in London?
You can book microneedling at popular London spots like Primas MediSpa and Chelseé Beauty Salon. Using Treatwell makes it simple to book beauty treatments at your preferred salon, hassle-free and on the go.