When it comes to facial treatments that rejuvenate and enhance skin health, Micro-needling and Nano-needling are two very popular options. Both treatments involve needling techniques, but they differ significantly in their approach, intensity, and outcomes. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you understand which treatment might be best for your skincare needs.
What is Micro-needling and Nano-needling?
Micro-needling (collagen induction therapy) – an invasive facial treatment that involves the use of a specialised device with fine needles to create micro-injuries on the skin’s surface. This stimulates the production of essential proteins, collagen and elastin, to maintain the skin’s elasticity and firmness.
Nano-needling – a non-invasive facial treatment that uses a device containing fine, stainless steel needles to create microscopic channels in the skin. This increases the amount of serum absorption to 97% and stimulates the body’s natural regenerative processes without causing damage or pain.
What are the treatment processes?
Whilst Micro-needling and Nano-needling are similar treatments, there are slight differences in the treatment processes. These can be seen in the methods below:
Micro-needling:
- Skin analysis in the consultation.
- Double cleanse.
- Numbing.
- Skin preparation.
- Micro-needling with a special serum.
- Apply a non-active moisturiser.
- (optional) LED Light Therapy session to further enhance the benefits.
- Follow the aftercare guidance.
Nano-needling:
- Skin analysis in the consultation.
- Double cleanse.
- Enzyme peel.
- Skin preparation (sterilising skin surface).
- Nano-needling with active serum ingredients.
- Apply a luxury collagen facial mask.
- (optional) LED Light Therapy session to further enhance the benefits.
- Follow the aftercare guidance.
What are the benefits of each treatment?
Micro-needling and Nano-needling facials share many benefits for the skin, such as:
- Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Improving skin texture and tone.
- Enhancing the absorption of skincare products and serums.
- Minimising the size of pores.
- Diminishing the appearance of scars, including acne and other blemishes.
- Evening out areas of hypermigmentation and sun damage.
Nano-needling also has the following benefits:
- It is safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin, because it is non-invasive. Conversely, Micro-needling is less suitable for sensitive skin because it is invasive and can therefore cause potential irritations.
- It has no downtime, so clients can continue with their regular day-to-day activities like normal after the treatment. On the other hand, with Micro-needling it’s likely that you will experience some mild dryness, flakiness and tightness for around 5 to 7 days, and some short-term redness or swelling that will subside within a few hours.
- Due to the needles only penetrating the skin’s top layer, the treatment is normally painfree and requires no numbing. Contrarily, Micro-needling can cause some discomfort from the needles implanting further into the skin, so numbing creams are used.
Who is suitable for each treatment?
If you’re an individual with acne scars, deep wrinkles, or stretch marks, who is looking to rejuvenate their skin, Micro-needling can be a great facial treatment for you! Or if you’re an individual aiming to improve fine lines, mild pigmentation, or skin texture, Nano-needling can be a gentler alternative for more sensitive skin.
How quickly can results be seen?
With Micro-needling, results can start to become visible after the first session, but significant improvements are usually seen after 4 to 6 treatments spaced a few weeks apart. The skin continues to improve over the following months as collagen production increases.
With Nano-needling, results are often visible immediately, with the skin looking more hydrated and glowy straight after the treatment. For lasting improvements, a series of treatments over a few weeks is recommended.
So, which is the best treatment?
There is no overall ‘best’ facial treatment, there is simply the best facial treatment for YOUR unique skin care needs. Micro-needling is ideal for those looking to tackle deeper skin issues like scars and deep wrinkles, while Nano-needling is perfect for those seeking a gentle, quick boost in skin texture and hydration. If you’d like more advice on which treatment aligns best with your skin goals, book your free phone or video consultation today.