Almasi Skincare offers microneedling in Nairobi Kenya to improve the appearance of your skin and stimulate hair growth.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling which is also known as percutaneous collagen induction therapy, is a procedure which uses a small device known as a dermaroller that has small needles that range in size from 0.5 to 2.5 mm. These small needles prick the skin and cause controlled micro-injury which stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. The result is that the skin looks firmer, smoother and more youthful.
One hour before the procedure, a numbing cream is usually applied to the skin. The device is then used to make small pricks in the skin. This is followed by the application of a treatment serum or cream. The entire procedure takes 1 to 2 hours. There is no downtime after microneedling and the skin usually returns to normal in 1 to 2 days though there is some minor irritation and redness of the skin.
After your microneedling in Nairobi Kenya, the skin is more sensitive to the sun and one should use broad spectrum sunscreen which protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays. It should also have a SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or above. This should be combined with reducing the amount of time one spends in the sun between 10am and 2pm.
Several microneedling sessions are required for optimum results with the best usually seen after 4 treatments though a study found that patients still had increased collagen and elastin 6 months after the procedure.
Microneedling can be combined with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for the best results. This procedure is known as the “Vampire Facial” because a small amount of the patient’s blood is obtained and spun in a machine known as a centrifuge to obtain a fluid known as plasma. This plasma contains a high concentration of growth factors and it is then massaged into the skin using the device to enable it to penetrate.
Microneedling can also be combined with medications especially when treating men with hair loss. A study found that microneedling was very effective for men with a type of hair loss known as androgenetic alopecia (AGA) when it was combined with a medication known as minoxidil. In this study one group of men was treated with weekly microneedling and the medication while the other group was only treated with the medication. 82% of the microneedling plus minoxidil group had an improvement of more than 50% as compared to just 4.5% from the other group. This profound effect is due to the fact that microneedling by itself stimulates the stem cells and activates the growth factors with results in the hair growing and this is further compounded by the use of the medication.
Benefits of Microneedling in Nairobi Kenya
Microneedling in Nairobi Kenya is beneficial because it:
* Reduces acne scars
* Reduces acne marks from post inflammatory hyperpigmentation
* Lightens dark spots from other conditions
* Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
* Reduces stretch marks
* Reduces sun damage
* Shrinks enlarged pores
* Increases hair growth when used on the scalp
An added benefit is that microneedling can be done in places where deep peels and laser therapy cannot be done.
What does Microneedling Treat?
Microneedling is safe for all skin types and suitable for both men and women. However it is not safe for pregnant women. Microneedling is mainly used on the face and scalp to treat the following conditions:
* Acne scars – A study found that glycolic acid chemical peels and microneedling were effective for the treatment of acne scars (atrophic box scars and rolling scars). In this study patients received 5 treatment sessions every 6 weeks.
* Age spots or sun spots
* Alopecia or hair loss
* Fine lines
* Scars
* Stretch marks
* Enlarged skin pores
* Wrinkles
* Hyperpigmentation or dark spots
Click here to read about The Best Hyperpigmentation Treatment in Nairobi Kenya
How Do You Prepare For Microneedling?
Abour 1 week before coming for your microneedling in Nairobi Kenya at Almasi Skincare do the following:
*Stop using medications that thin the blood like aspirin and NSAIDS (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen). This sshould be done under guidance of the precribing Doctor.
*Stop using supplements that thin the blood like Ginkgo, vitamin E, fish oils, etc.
*Stop using skincare products with ingredients like retinol.
*Stay away from skin treatments on the areas to be microneedled like waxing.
What Should You Do After Microneedling?
To ensure the best results after your microneedling session, do the following:
*During the first 24 hours avoid hot water, heat, makeup, harsh cleansers.
*During the first week avoid excessive sweating, heat, saunas, retinol, physical and chemical exfoliators.
* Moisturize liberally with recommended products
*Use sunscreen religiously
FAQS
What Is The Price Of Microneedling?
The price of microneedling varies depending on where it is being done. At Almasi Skincare we charge Ksh 10,000 per session.
What Are The Dangers Of Microneedling?
The dangers of microneedling include skin redness, bruising and bleeding. There may also be itchiness, tightness and peeling of the skin. These tend to resolve without any treatment within a few weeks.
Less common effects include flaring up of cold sores and stinging sensations when skincare products are applied on the skin.
Who Is Not A Good Candidate For Microneedling?
Generally, microneedling can be done on persons with all skin types. However, persons who are not good candidates for receiving microneedling include those with bleeding disorders like hemophiliacs, those taking blood thinners like warfarin that cannot be stopped and those with skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and wounds on the areas to be microneedled.
Other persons who should not receive microneedling include pregnant women, persons who have recently received radiotherapy.
Does Microneedling Work Permanently?
Microneedling results are not permanent because the skin changes continuously.
How Long Do Microneedling Results Last?
Microneedling results last on average for 4 – 6 weeks. These effects last for longer in younger people and for just about a month in mature people.
This duration is also determined by the natural skin cell turnover cycle, the duration that new collagen remains in the skin and the severity of the skin condition being addressed. Stress levels also affect the reults since stress damages collagen and reduces collagen production.
Click here to learn about our Stress Management Workshops
Cigarette smoking also reduces the rate of collagen production and this can affect microneedling results.
Click here to learn about our Stop Smoking Program
It is therefore important to have repeat microneedling sessions to maintain the effects of microneedling. This is ideally done once every 4 – 6 weeks to maintain optimum collagen production.
To maintain your best microneedling results, always include PRP therapy in your treatment as it results in even more collagen production due to the presence of growth factors. Protecting your skin from the sun is another thing you can do to ensure your microneedling results are maintained for as long as possible. Therefore wear sunscreen every day. Using skincare products with ingredients that boost collagen production like retinol and vitamin C can also help your microneedling results last longer. Eating a balanced diet with adequate amounts of protein (to provide amino acids), fruits (to provide vitamin C) and water will also markedly help you achieve your microneedling goal by helping your body produce collagen.
These factors of age, general skin health, severity of skincare concern being addressed, stress levels and sun protection adherence will determine the number of microneedling sessions you will need to achieve your desired results.
To book your microneedling in Nairobi Kenya session at Almasi Skincare, call or WhatsApp 0721 963 156