Micro-needling is a cosmetic technique or treatment used to improve the appearance of the skin by stimulating collagen production and enhancing the absorption of topical products applied on the skin.
The procedure includes using a device with fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries on the skin’s surface.
The Procedure for Microneedling:
This starts off with a thorough consultation. During consultation, your skin type and conditions, skin concerns, medical history, and any contraindications you may have that may restrict the treatment will be discussed prior to treatment.
The first step is cleansing the skin thoroughly to remove any makeup, oils, or debris, ensuring the treatment area is clean and ready for a micro-needling treatment.
The therapist then applies a topical numbing cream to the treatment area to minimise discomfort during treatment. This is left on for a specified time, based on manufacturer’s instructions, to take effect. Once the area is numb, the Micro-needling treatment is conducted.
At BTI we offer 2 options of devices which are SKN-Pen or the Dermapen 4 Pro.
The depth of the needle length for penetration is adjusted based on the skin concerns being treated.
A gel/serum product chosen to benefit the skin’s needs will be applied. The Skincare Therapist gently glides the micro-needling device over the area of treatment, creating micro-controlled punctures in the skin. It is not painful but may cause a mild tingling or scratching sensation.
The Skincare Therapist then conducts post-treatment procedures such as a calming or soothing cream or serum or a rescue balm to the treated area.
This is the ideal time to further enhance the penetration of beneficial skincare products, as the micro-channels created on the skin by the needles allows even more improved absorption.
A strong focus is on skin recovery and aftercare as the skin may appear red and feel sensitive, like a mild sunburn. This is normal and should recede over the next 1 – 2 days. It is essential to follow the instructions given, which may include avoiding certain skincare products that would aggravate the condition, not wearing make-up, avoiding sun exposure and intense physical activities for a few days.
The results of micro-needling treatments can vary depending on individual skin conditions and the number of treatments the client may require. Multiple sessions may be recommended for optimal results, spaced several weeks apart.
The Benefits of Microneedling:
- Stimulates collagen and elastin production to support the skin’s firmness and elasticity which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leading to more a more youthful looking complexion.
- Improves skin texture and skin renewal. The skin appears smoother and evens out the skin tone. It is effective in treating acne scars, enlarged pores and rough skin texture. It can also reduce the appearance of surgical scars and stretch marks.
- Enhances product absorption through the micro-channels created by the tiny needles during treatment.
- Improvement of hyperpigmentation by helping pigmentation caused by sun damage, age spots and melasma to fade.
- Boosts the turnover of damaged skin cells and stimulates the production of new, healthier skin cells.
- Non-invasive and has minimal downtime.
- Micro needling is safe for all skin types and races. It is commonly known to have lower risk of causing pigmentation issues in darker Fitzpatrick skin types.
Beauty Therapy Institute (BTI) Modules/Courses Required:
At BTI, we require our applicants to have the fundamental course of Manual Facials where they have covered extensive theory of the structure of the skin, skin types and conditions, contra-indications, correct skincare products that best suit client’s needs and benefits of the products. Anatomy and Physiology of the skin and the Endocrine system which addresses the hormones that affect our skins. And much more.
The applicant can then enrol for Micro-needling alongside Cosmetic Science and Chemistry theory subjects to cover product ingredients, benefits of ingredients, understanding emollients and humectants and benefits of the products we use.
Modules Required:
- Manual Facials
- Cosmetic Science
- Chemistry
- Microneedling
The Popularity of Advanced Aesthetics:
The Aesthetics industry has grown phenomenally, presenting the Skincare Professional Therapist with the opportunity to work within the medical arena, offering treatments to clients that have had surgery and opening Aesthetic skincare clinics with more Advanced treatment offerings.
At BTI, students are enrolling daily at each of our 20 BTI colleges in Africa to master this advanced skill.
Careers in the Beauty Industry:
The beauty industry is now one of the largest growing markets. The demand as the industry continues to evolve and expand caters for different age groups and cultural diversities. Diverse career options and a pathway within the beauty realm is for the graduate to leverage. As a group of Beauty, Nail, Massage, Make-up, Advanced Aesthetics and Hairdressing training colleges, BTI prides itself on the positive impact we are having by giving others a future and career.
What we as BTI would like to ultimately achieve:
At BTI we ‘shape beautiful careers’. We focus on creating business-minded graduates who believe in themselves and their future careers. BTI offers unwavering support in education and career development to all of our students and alumni.
Written by Noluthando Mkhize, Education Facilitator at Beauty Therapy Institute