Microneedling – also known as CIT, or collagen induction therapy – promises healthier, smoother skin for patients of all ages. It’s all the rage these days, with both DIY and professional treatments flooding the social media feeds of those seeking the latest and greatest aesthetic treatments.
We’ve already covered its benefits, why you should skip at home microneedling and visit a professional, so now you might be wondering: is microneedling worth it?
We sat down with Desiree Dacres, Nurse, and Monique Poirier, medical aesthetician at HealthOne, to hear their honest thoughts.
Microneedling is an aesthetic procedure that uses a pen-like device with tiny needles to puncture small, sterile wounds in the skin. This stimulates the body’s natural wound-healing response, which creates more collagen and elastin.
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in our skin that keeps it supple, youthful, and plump. “We start losing collagen in our 20’s, so the sooner you start microneedling, the better,” Monique says.
By creating more collagen and elastin, microneedling can reduce the appearance of a variety of skin concerns, including:
Acne scars
Surgical or traumatic scars
Fine lines and wrinkles
Pigmentation
General anti-aging
Skin texture
Results build slowly over time, so you’ll notice a gradual improvement in these conditions as you get more treatments. If you opt for microneedling with PRP (platelet-rich plasma), instead of a traditional hyaluronic acid serum, you’ll also see a more noticeable glow.
“That’s why it’s so popular – it gives that instant 'post-treatment' radiance,” Desiree shares. “However, true visible results show up after 2-3 sessions. That’s when most clients start to see significant improvements in their skin texture, scars, and tone.”
Microneedling is suitable for all ages. “Whether someone is 17 or 65, it’s beneficial. In fact, the older you are, the more you want to stimulate collagen because you have less of it,” Monique explains.
It’s also a great aesthetic treatment because it’s safe on all skin tones, unlike certain lasers, which can pose a risk to those with richly pigmented skin.
There are certain contraindications to be aware of: you shouldn’t get microneedling if you have a lot of active acne (think: red, inflamed whiteheads), sunburn, a cold sore, or any open wound.
It’s also not recommended if you’re taking antibiotics, recently tanned, have been using active ingredients within seven days of treatment, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Microneedling – especially with PRP – offers powerful, natural skin rejuvenation. However, it’s important to recognize that there are certain things it doesn’t treat.
Example A: If your main concern is pigment, redness, deep scars, or unwanted hair removal, a laser such as Aerolase, HALO, or BBL may be a better option. Our Medical Aestheticians can assess your goals and recommend the best treatment (or treatments) to help you get there.
Example B: If you’re an older patient with deep wrinkles that have developed over the years, microneedling can only do so much. You’ll still get the benefit of collagen production, but you won’t see much of a visible difference in your wrinkles. Preventative treatments such as neuromodulators, microneedling, lasers, and/or skincare earlier on your journey may have reduced how deeply they formed.
These examples demonstrate why an initial consultation with a medical aesthetician is so important.
“By meeting with the patient beforehand, we can determine their aesthetic goals and create a treatment plan to help them achieve them,” Desiree says. “That might include skincare products, microneedling, laser treatments, or all of the above – each patient is different, and every treatment plan is, too.”
This leads us to the ultimate question: Is microneedling worth it?
Microneedling can be worth it if your goals are smoother skin texture, softer acne scars, improved glow, early anti-aging support, or gradual collagen stimulation. However, it may not be the best first choice for deep wrinkles, severe pigmentation, active acne, or concerns that may respond better to laser treatments, injectables, or a personalized skincare plan. The best way to know if microneedling is worth it for you is to have your skin assessed by a trained provider.
“It’s absolutely worth it,” Monique says. “I know for myself personally, and for other people – especially older skin types – we want to produce more collagen, and we want to do that all the time!”
“It’s definitely worth it if you’re looking for a natural anti-aging treatment,” Desiree says. “Some people aren’t quite ready to do injectables, but they want something that’s preventative anti-aging. Microneedling is a great first step for them.”
At HealthOne Skin Clinic, we believe that when you see what you love in the mirror, the rest of your life will flourish. Microneedling is a simple way to invest in your skin – not only how it looks, but how it functions on a cellular level.
Whether you’re just starting your journey or you’re a seasoned skincare expert, it’s never too late to add collagen induction therapy into your routine.
Our team of experienced medical aestheticians would love to show you the magic of microneedling! We’ll start with a thorough assessment of your skin to ensure you’re a good candidate and answer any questions you have.
While we typically recommend a course of multiple sessions, we’ll work with your lifestyle, preferences, and budget to create a treatment plan that you’re comfortable with.
Get started by booking a complimentary microneedling consultation with Desiree at The Well or Monique at Harbourfront!