Microneedling Skinnie: Skin MPLS Style
Learn all about how this modality works and what it can do for your skin! Also, check out our video and see microchanneling in action!
So, actually, our new service is microchanneling. But, since most people have heard of microneedling – we thought we would lead with that. Let’s settle the confusion of microneedling vs microchanneling with a little science lesson!
They both involve stamping mini needles into the skin to generate the production of new skin cells (and with that comes new collagen). Originally, the thought was you needed needles that punctured very deeply and caused pain and bleeding to get better results (microneedling). Studies are now showing that you can get similar and better results by creating more shallow wounds because it still signals new skin cells (microchanneling). And, the results with microchanneling are less pain, blood, and less downtime. Also, microchanneling can be done in the same treatment with dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, and peels (our favorite part!).
Alright, we’ve got your attention. Now, is microchanneling good for you? Unless you have active inflamed acne or are pregnant, the answer is yes! All skin types and tones are safe to microchannel as long as there are no inflamed lesions. (This doesn’t mean you need to cancel your appointment if you have a pimple, we can work around that and will even perform gentle extractions beforehand.) But, if your main concern is active acne, it’s not the right time for you to try this. Microneedling's major benefit is generating collagen and this makes it a leader in non-invasive anti-aging treatments. It can also do wonders for acne scarring and evening skin texture.
Will one treatment give you results? Yes and no. You will feel immediate tightness and see your products work better. However, if we have taught you well, you know by now that a quick fix rarely exists. You will want either a series of treatments close together for a specific concern or a few microchanneling sessions a year for maintenance.
How much does it cost? The best news? Other than the results… is our price! Like always, we want our treatments to be affordable and accessible for everyone. But, this treatment does come at a slightly higher price than you’re used to with us because the microchanneling tips and special products that are used with it are expensive and one-time use. The typical price for this treatment is $300+ and that’s what others charge. But we want you to be able to get microchanneling done without hesitation and as often as your skin needs, so it’s just an extra $100 on top of your usual facial treatment (we’ll do this in a Focused Facial Treatment, a Favorite Facial Treatment, or the Signature Facial Treatment). In true Skin MPLS fashion, you won’t have to worry about making decisions like what add-ons you want or if you would like your neck and chest done for extra $$$. We’ll just go ahead and take care of that for you as your trusted skin experts. :)
A couple more logistics and you are ready to book!
What is the downtime and homecare? Basically, avoid the sun, sunscreen, and makeup for the rest of the day after your treatment (after 8 hours you can apply makeup, though, in “emergencies”). Your skin will be quite pink for about 90 minutes and will feel like it has a mild sunburn for up to two days. You will take it easy on exfoliation for a week and only use cleanser, gentle toner, peptides/growth factors, hydrating products, moisturizer, and SPF. You may feel drier, so you will want lots of hydration and moisture. We will be happy to send you home with samples, but a true well-rounded skin regimen will have all that you need already!
Lastly, does it hurt? It doesn't feel great. It is, after all, tiny needles being stamped into the skin. But, you are used to our extractions, peels, and other sometimes uncomfortable treatment tactics all in the name of beautiful skin. You will most likely report anywhere from 2-5 on the pain scale and your aesthetician will go gentle on you the first time, if needed. From there, you’ll get more used (and dare we say even addicted) to it.
Are you excited as we are? Good! Check out this video of studio manager Amanda getting a micro-channeling from Pamela. We all know you love to watch all things professional skincare.