Microneedling vs Laser Treatment – Selecting the Right One Depending on Skin Type
Brighter, firmer, and younger skin is almost every person’s dream. And with several effective procedures available in the world of dermatology– achieving the goal has become easier than ever. Microneedling and lasers are two commonly sought-after techniques for reducing several skin concerns, including acne scar treatment in Bangalore. With better accuracy and results, they are gaining popularity. However, are these treatment options safe and effective for all skin types? Let’s find out.
What is Microneedling?
A minimally invasive option for improving the appearance and texture of the skin, microneedling has been one of the most popular procedures. It involves the microneedling tool to puncture microchannels in your skin. As soon as the channels get created, the skin starts its trauma response. This, in turn, produces elastin and collagen — which starts to repair and heal the parts. That is exactly what microneedling aims for.
What can be treated using microneedling?
The process depends on your body’s ability to heal itself, resulting in a youthful-looking skin texture. The best dermatologist in Bangalore recommends this procedure for the effective removal of scars, including the treatment for atrophic scars from acne.
Typical needles used for the procedure can penetrate only the top layer of the skin, treating superficial scars and other shallow skin concerns. Longer needles can be used sometimes to address deeper skin issues such as wrinkles and stretch marks.
How safe is microneedling and how safe is it for different skin types?
Since mechanical microneedling is minimally invasive, it creates microchannels in the skin – and the process is almost painless. This means there’s less downtime and recovery time is also minimum.
People with normal, dry, and oily skin can undergo this procedure, which is completely safe. Proper after-care is enough to reduce the minor redness that is likely to happen.
Those with sensitive skin, active acne, or under medications for acne may not be the ideal candidate to undergo microneedling. Such patients may be asked to come back for a visit when the active acne phase has subsided. Similarly, patients with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis are also not ideal candidates for the treatment.
What to expect after microneedling?
After a session of microneedling, one is likely to experience redness, due to increased blood flow in the area. Allowing it to subside on its own is the best option. A large percentage of people who undergo microneedling get bumps, rashes, and breakouts post-treatment. Peeling or flaking of the skin is also observed in many. However, these usually go down with proper care and are considered normal by dermatological experts.
Caring for skin that has been micro-needled is simple. Mild cleansers and light moisturisers allow enough time for the skin to heal and reveal the new skin underneath.
What is Laser Treatment?
Laser therapy (laser resurfacing) is another up-and-coming treatment procedure to achieve a youthful look and glow on the skin. Lasers minimise the appearance of enlarged pores as well as acne scars. Also known as laser resurfacing, this is an anti-ageing procedure to remove brown spots, and surgical and acne scars.
The therapy uses a handheld laser and cooling device, to heat and cool the layers of the skin. It stimulates frequency in the layers of the skin (dermis), stimulating collagen production. This makes the skin grow tighter, and supple and also gives the skin an even tone. A cooling gel and device are often used to bring down the rapid heating that occurs from the laser.
What to expect from Laser Therapy?
Patients who undergo laser therapy can expect mild redness, swelling, and itching for sometime. Professionals suggest applying ice to the areas that are inflamed as well as taking plenty of sun protection.
Laser resurfacing takes several sessions to show noticeable improvement in acne spots and scars, fine lines, surgical scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks. The procedure may even remove unwanted hair from areas where the treatment is performed. People who have normal, dry, and oily skin can undergo this procedure and expect similar levels of the recovery process.
As per skin experts, lasers have contributed to acne scar treatment in Bangalore. Laser resurfacing has shown certain improvements in active acne in several instances, although it is not widely practiced. Just like microneedling, adequate after-care may be enough to bring down the minor side effects on the skin.
Bottom line
So, which one is ideal for whom? Both microneedling and laser resurfacing therapy are suitable for all skin types unless someone suffers from a skin condition. However, while almost all skin tones can benefit from microneedling, laser therapy is ideal for lighter skin tones. Additionally, these cosmetic procedures must be performed by trained and skilled hands to ensure maximum results and safety. Besides, the best dermatologist in Bangalore recommends combining other anti-ageing techniques to get the best results in a defined time period.
