If you're looking for treatments to stimulate your body's ability to generate collagen and elastin, and therefore to build healthy skin in any area of the body, two treatments that are often considered are known as microneedling and microchanneling. When it comes to microneedling vs microchanneling, which of these skin rejuvenation treatments is right for you?
At Skintherapy Skincare & Acne Clinic, we're proud to offer a wide range of skin rejuvenation treatments for patients around Salt Lake City and nearby parts of Utah, including Procell microchanneling solutions that serve as the cutting edge of collagen and elastin generation. Here's a comparison of microneedling vs microchanneling, including some reasons why the latter tends to be the more beneficial, less invasive option among two solutions that provide similar benefits.
What is Microneedling?
For those just learning about the world of skincare, microneedling is a process that involves making small, controlled punctures in the skin using tiny needles. These punctures are designed to stimulate the body's natural healing response, leading to an increase in collagen and elastin production.
This can help improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and even treat issues like acne scars. Microneedling can be done with handheld devices or via professional treatments at a clinic.
What is Microchanneling?
Microchanneling is similar to microneedling in that it also creates micro-injuries on the skin to trigger the body's healing response. However, instead of using traditional needles, microchanneling creates thousands of what are known as "microchannels" through a process called linear stamping, which creates uniform channels in the skin.
This process improves skin texture by stimulating collagen and elastin production. It can help with a wide range of issues:
- Acne scarring: By stimulating the growth of new, healthy skin cells, microchanneling can help reduce the appearance of acne scars.
- Fine lines and wrinkles: As we age, collagen and elastin production slows down, leading to lines and wrinkles. Microchanneling can help stimulate these proteins for smoother, younger-looking skin.
- Hyperpigmentation: Microchanneling can help even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots caused by sun damage or other factors.
- Rosacea: By increasing collagen and elastin, microchanneling can help reduce redness and inflammation associated with rosacea.
Why Microchanneling is Preferred over Microneedling
While microneedling has its benefits, there are several reasons why microchanneling may be the better option for many individuals:
- Less invasive: With traditional microneedling, the needles puncture the skin multiple times, which can sometimes cause discomfort and microscopic tears. In contrast, microchanneling uses a stamping technique to create uniform channels in the skin, allowing for more precise treatment without the risk of tearing or damaging the skin.
- Faster healing time: Because there is minimal damage to the skin with microchanneling, patients tend to experience faster healing times compared to microneedling.
- Enhanced serum absorption: During microchanneling, a topical serum is applied to the skin and then absorbed through the microchannels. This allows for better penetration of the active ingredients and can lead to more effective results.
- Suitable for all skin types: Whether you have sensitive skin, a darker skin tone or are prone to scarring, microchanneling is a safe and effective option for all skin types.
Who Should Avoid Microchanneling or Microneedling Treatments?
There are a few groups of people who generally are not advised to obtain these skin treatments, mostly those with underlying immune system conditions. This list includes:
- Active radiation or chemo: If you are currently going through radiation or chemotherapy, it is not recommended to undergo skin treatments like microneedling or microchanneling.
- Chronic inflammatory skin disease: Individuals with conditions like eczema or psoriasis should avoid these treatments, as they can cause further irritation to the skin.
- Infections: If you have a skin infection, it is best to wait until it has cleared before undergoing any type of skin rejuvenation treatment.
- Uncontrolled diabetes: Diabetics who are unable to control their blood sugar levels may experience complications during or after these treatments.
- Accutane used in the past two years: If you have taken Accutane in the past two years, it is best to wait before undergoing microneedling or microchanneling treatments. This medication can affect the skin's ability to heal properly.
- Hemophilia or other bleeding disorders: These treatments involve puncturing the skin, which can increase the risk of bleeding for individuals with bleeding disorders.
- Stainless steel allergies: Since many microneedling devices are made of stainless steel, individuals with allergies to this material may experience adverse reactions during the treatment.
- Pregnant or nursing: It's always best to avoid any cosmetic procedures while pregnant or nursing. The effects of these treatments on a developing baby are unknown, and breastfeeding mothers should be cautious about what is being absorbed by their skin.
The Top Provider of Procell Microchanneling Around Utah
At Skintherapy Skincare & Acne Clinic, we understand that everyone's skin is unique and deserves personalized attention. That's why we offer a range of treatments to help you achieve your skincare goals, including Procell microchanneling solutions. With our experienced team and state-of-the-art technology, we will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how microchanneling can give you smoother, more youthful-looking skin, whether you're in SLC or any nearby part of Utah.