People who desire younger-looking skin, but don't want to turn to botox injections or go under the proverbial knife, are turning to a procedure called "microneedling" for results that are often just as effective. A relative newcomer to the world of aesthetic dermatology, microneedling sounds terrifying in theory, but is actually quite safe, despite the fact that it involves making thousands of tiny puncture sites in your skin.
"Microneedling uses numerous small needles to make micro injuries to the skin," says board certified dermatologist Skylar Souyoul, in an email. "These micro injuries stimulate new collagen production and can help the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles or scars."
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The benefits of microneedling have long been suspected, with a German dermatologist named Ernst Kromayer experimenting with the concept as far back as 1905. More recently, dermatologists began offering the procedure in office around 1995. The concept has since spun off into various lines of home-use dermaroller products, such as the one touted by derm-giant Rodan & Fields, although big-box retailers now peddle much cheaper versions.
True microneedling, however, is done in the dermatologist's office, under care of a board-certified professional, typically a dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon or plastic surgeon.
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