Microneedling in Alderley Edge: what does it actually do and is it worth it?

Microneedling is one of my favourite skin treatments.

That does not mean I think everybody should have it.

At DR JACKSON SKIN in Alderley Edge, I use microneedling as part of a wider approach to improving skin quality. The important bit is working out whether the problem you want to improve is actually something microneedling is likely to help.

What is microneedling?

Microneedling involves creating multiple controlled microscopic injuries in the skin using very fine sterile needles.

That sounds slightly counterintuitive when the objective is better skin.

The point, however, is the response those controlled injuries stimulate.

Skin begins a wound-healing process involving cellular signalling and remodelling of the extracellular matrix, including collagen.

This is why microneedling is sometimes described as a “collagen induction” treatment.

What can microneedling help with?

Depending on the individual, microneedling may be useful for concerns including:

• skin texture

• acne scarring

• fine lines

• photoageing

• general skin quality

What I don't promise is completely poreless, textureless skin.

Real skin has pores and texture. The objective is improvement, not turning your face into an Instagram filter.

When will I see results from microneedling?

Microneedling isn't an instant-result treatment.

Some people notice their skin looking fresher after the initial recovery period, but collagen remodelling takes time.

For many indications I recommend a course rather than expecting one isolated treatment to create a dramatic change.

This is particularly important if you're planning treatment before a wedding or another major event: start early rather than trying to squeeze several treatments into the final few weeks.

Is microneedling painful?

A topical anaesthetic can be used to make treatment much more comfortable.

Exactly how treatment feels will depend on the area being treated and treatment parameters.

Your skin will usually look red afterwards — often compared with mild-to-moderate sunburn — and there may be some sensitivity while the skin barrier recovers.

Who shouldn't have microneedling?

This is the bit that doesn't always make it into Instagram posts.

Microneedling is deliberately creating controlled injury. I therefore want the skin to be in an appropriate condition to respond to that injury.

If your skin is very inflamed, infected or significantly irritated, treatment may need to wait.

Active inflammatory acne is also different from treating established acne scarring.

Your medical history, medications, tendency to scar and other individual factors can also affect whether treatment is appropriate.

This is why I assess patients before treatment rather than treating everybody who books an appointment.

What skincare should I use after microneedling?

Immediately after treatment, boring skincare is generally a good thing.

The priority is allowing the skin barrier to recover rather than throwing every active ingredient you own at freshly treated skin.

I'll give you individual aftercare instructions, including when to restart active skincare.

Sun protection is particularly important.

Is microneedling worth it?

For the right indication, I think it can be an excellent treatment.

I have microneedling myself because improving skin quality and stimulating longer-term collagen remodelling fits with what I want from my own aesthetic treatments.

But there is little point paying for treatments intended to improve collagen while ignoring the things affecting your skin every day.

Consistent sun protection and sensible home skincare still matter.

Smoking and repeated UV exposure don't become irrelevant because you've bought a course of microneedling.

How many microneedling treatments will I need?

This depends on what we're treating.

For general skin rejuvenation or more established concerns such as scarring, a course of treatments may be recommended, spaced to allow appropriate recovery and remodelling between sessions.

At consultation I can advise whether I think a single treatment or course is appropriate for your skin and goals.

Microneedling in Alderley Edge, Cheshire

DR JACKSON SKIN offers doctor-led microneedling treatments in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, within easy reach of Wilmslow and surrounding areas.

My approach is not to sell everybody a course of treatment.

We start with what you actually want to improve, assess your skin and then decide whether microneedling makes sense.

If it does, we can build it into a realistic treatment and skincare plan.

If it doesn't, I'll tell you that too.