A microneedling device is a beauty apparatus that utilizes microneedling technology to stimulate skin regeneration and repair. It combines the principles of mechanical stimulation and penetration of medicinal ingredients, and is widely used in fields such as anti-aging, acne scar removal, skin whitening, and hair regrowth. The following is a detailed explanation of its working principles and core functions:
I Working Principle
- Mechanical Stimulation Principle
- Microneedle Puncture: The machine uses dense microneedles (length typically 0.1-2.5mm) to create micro-channels on the skin surface, triggering the skin’s “wound healing mechanism” and promoting the proliferation of collagen and elastin fibers.
- Controllable Depth: Needle length can be adjusted according to needs (e.g., superficial layers for whitening, deeper layers for scar repair), ensuring precise action on the target skin layer (epidermis or dermis).
- Enhanced Transdermal Absorption
- Channel Opening: The temporary channels created by microneedles bypass the skin barrier (stratum corneum), directly delivering cosmetic ingredients (e.g., hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, growth factors), increasing absorption efficiency by 5-10 times.
- Electrically Assisted Penetration: Some high-end models incorporate electroporation or ultrasound technology to further promote ingredient penetration.
- Automated Design
- High-Speed Vibration/Rotation: Electric microneedles puncture at a high frequency (100-600 times/minute), reducing the unevenness of manual operation and enhancing safety.
- Sterile Operation: Disposable needle heads or disinfection designs prevent the risk of infection.
II. Core Functions
- Skin Rejuvenation
- Anti-Wrinkle and Firming: Stimulates collagen regeneration, improving fine lines and sagging (e.g., nasolabial folds, periorbital wrinkles).
- Pore Minimization: Reduces enlarged pores by repairing the stratum corneum and thickening the dermis.
- Scar and Pigmentation Repair
- Acne Pits/Surgical Scars: Flattens atrophic scars by deeply stimulating the reorganization of fibrous tissue.
- Lightening Pigmentation Spots: Promotes epidermal renewal and accelerates melanin metabolism (requires combination with whitening ingredients).
- Hair Growth Treatment
- Activating Hair Follicles: Scalp microneedling stimulates blood circulation and the release of growth factors, improving androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata (often combined with hair growth solutions).
- Auxiliary Treatment Functions
- Acne Management: Inhibits excessive sebaceous gland secretion and reduces inflammation (superficial microneedling + antibacterial ingredients).
- Stretch Mark Repair: Combined with radiofrequency (RF) or LED light therapy to enhance elastin fiber repair.
III. Comparison of Technology Types
Type | Features | Applicable Scenarios |
---|---|---|
Manual Roller | Economical but noticeably painful, high operational difficulty | Home basic care |
Electric Microneedle | Controllable speed and depth, high efficiency | Professional institutions or advanced home use |
Nano Microneedle | Non-invasive (only penetrates stratum corneum), fast recovery | Sensitive skin or daily penetration enhancement |
Gold Microneedle | Combines RF heating, dual stimulation | Deep anti-aging, fat dissolving, and firming |
IV. Operational Precautions
- Pre-operative Client Assessment and Communication
- Medical History Inquiry:
- Detailed inquiry about the use of Isotretinoin (requires discontinuation for 6+ months) and COVID-19 vaccination (a 2-week interval is recommended).
- Confirm if the client has metal allergies (gold microneedles are gold-plated, but some individuals may be sensitive to underlying metals like nickel).
- Skin Condition Assessment:
- VISIA Skin Analyzer: Focus on erythema value (to assess sensitivity) and pore blockage.
- Stratum Corneum Thickness Test: Use a skin moisture tester (TEWL value) to assess barrier function.
- Medical History Inquiry:
- Fine-tuning Device Parameters
- Needle Head Selection Logic:
- Needle Type Applicable Area Recommended Depth Energy Range
- 24-pin (Facial) Large areas (forehead/cheeks) 1.5-3.0mm 10-25J/cm³
- 49-pin (Facial) Fine areas (periorbital/nasolabial) 0.5-1.5mm 8-15J/cm³
- 16-pin (Body) Abdomen/thighs/stretch marks 4.0-7.0mm 25-40J/cm³
- Impedance Calibration:
- Before the first treatment, use a standard test gel to detect the device’s impedance value (normal range: 200-400Ω).
- Pre-operative Skin Preparation
- Degreasing and Cleansing:
- Use 75% medical alcohol to wipe the treatment area (avoiding eyelids), then use physiological saline to remove residual alcohol.
- Degreasing and Cleansing:
- Advanced Operational Techniques
- Energy Progression Strategy:
- First Pass: Low energy (50% of the set value) for rapid scanning to open skin channels.
- Second Pass: Target energy (100%) with vertical stamping, dwell time ≤0.5 seconds per point.
- Third Pass (Body Only): Increase energy to 120%, with a 45° oblique puncture (to enhance the thermal effect in the fat layer).
- Energy Progression Strategy:
- Post-operative Care (Phased Management)
- Phased Care Plan
- Recovery Stage Care Focus
- 0-24 hours Medical cold compress every hour (15 minutes each time). Prohibit touching the treatment area to avoid microbial infection.
- 3-7 days Use a repair serum containing copper peptides (GHK-Cu) morning and evening. Strict sun protection (physical blockage + SPF50+).
- 7-14 days: Introduce low-concentration Vitamin C (5%-10%) to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Gentle phototherapy (e.g., 630nm red light) can be performed. |
Microneedling devices, through synergistic physical and biochemical actions, have become an important tool in non-surgical cosmetic procedures. However, it is necessary to select the appropriate treatment plan based on skin condition and operate under the guidance of professionals to ensure safety.