Micro-needling or skin needling is a form of Collagen Induction Therapy with the intends to smooth wrinkles, improve depressed acne scares as well as reducing the appearance of stretch marks. It's quickly growing in popularity and is one of the most successful of skin treatments available. It is a process that can be carried out clinically as well as in the home. As the process gains awareness it is important to understand what micro-needling as well as consider whether it is suitable for you.

The process for micro-needling is carried out with a roller made up of many miniature needles. The needles pierce the upper layers of skin up to 2 millimetres (depending on the needle used). This process has two major benefits. It effectively stimulates collagen formation at the same time as providing a clear channel for topical gels and creams to be absorbed more effectively through the top layer (epidermis) of skin. Micro-Needling creates a very minor trauma which lasts for a short period of time and does not result in bruising or swelling in the treated area.

The small puncture wound stimulates collagen production in the dermis layer as breaks some of the blood vessels directly below the surface of the skin. As the blood clots, it creates the right environment for collagen and elastin formation. It is these key ingredients which help the skin to appear rejuvenated.

Although this sounds drastic, the process happens on a microscopic level and the outward appearance of trauma is negligible. Clinical use of skin needling involves the use of numbing agents on the skin, so that the treatment can be carried vigorously with minimal discomfort. The Derma-Roller is intended for extended use at home. It should be used far more gently over a longer period of time. In this way, it becomes part of your daily routine, produces the same great results but costs a fraction of the price of expensive clinical visits.

There are alternatives to skin needling which by and large require visits to beauticians or other clinical specialists. These include Chemical Peels, Micro-Dermabrasion and Laser Therapy. Results from these processes do differ from one person to the next as everyone's body reacts differently to each treatment. However, using a Dermaroller is certainly far less invasive, has a far lesser risk of complications and is generally much cheaper. (Especially considering carrying out the treatment at home).

Micro-needling is a great choice for people who haven't had success with any other type of treatment, for those who would prefer tackling their skin issues in the privacy of the home, or those who wish to achieve success without the hugely inflated cost of clinical visits.

Also bear in mind that the use of skin creams or oil products are greatly boosted by using a Derma-Roller as the absorption rate of the skin is raised considerably through the channels which are created by skin needling through the epidermis.