A young woman having a collagen induction treatment at the dermatologist's office
Cover Tatler breaks down the process of microneedling (Photo: Getty Images)
A young woman having a collagen induction treatment at the dermatologist's office

Tatler spoke to Jenny Yung of Hong Kong aesthetic clinic BMF to understand the process of microneedling, from its benefits to aftercare

If, like us, the mere thought of needles has you wincing, we don’t blame you. And we get it: any treatment involving needles sounds painful. But microneedling, a treatment that has gained traction in the beauty world over the last few years, is said to offer many benefits to the skin, while also only causing relatively mild pain and discomfort.

We ask Jenny Yung, Hong Kong aesthetic clinic BMF’s centre manager, to understand what microneedling is all about—from how it works on the skin to what its aftercare procedure is.

Read now: Beauty, skincare and haircare routines of Olympic athletes, from Simone Biles to Michael Phelps

What is microneedling?

Tatler Asia
Dermapen skin needling
Above Microneedling is also known as collagen induction therapy (Photo: Getty Images)
Dermapen skin needling

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment. It uses tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries on the skin’s surface. These microscopic punctures are said to stimulate the skin’s natural healing process.

How? “By signalling to the skin that it needs to produce collagen and elastin”, says Yung.

What are the benefits of microneedling?

Tatler Asia
Portrait of a beautiful middle-aged woman. Beautiful middle-aged woman touching her neck.
Above Microneedling can be done both at home and a clinic (Photo: Getty Images)
Portrait of a beautiful middle-aged woman. Beautiful middle-aged woman touching her neck.

According to Yung, through microneedling, it is possible to improve the skin’s texture and firmness. She adds that it “can also [help] enhance the absorption of skincare products, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin”.

What is the typical microneedling treatment process?

Tatler Asia
Young Beautiful Woman Having Various Facial Treatment
Above It’s important to take care of the skin after microneedling (Photo: Getty Images)
Young Beautiful Woman Having Various Facial Treatment

Microneedling typically involves four steps, according to Yung.

Preparation: The skin is cleansed and a numbing cream may be applied to minimise discomfort

Microneedling: A device with fine needles is gently rolled or stamped over the skin, creating microscopic punctures

Application: After microneedling, a serum or other treatment product may be applied to the skin

Aftercare: Avoid sun exposure, use gentle skincare products and apply sunscreen

Is it safe to do microneedling at home?

Tatler Asia
Woman having Intracel radiofrequency microneedling treatment
Above Microneedling can be done at home if you use the right tools (Photo: Getty Images)
Woman having Intracel radiofrequency microneedling treatment

Yung says, “Microneedling can be performed at home with proper instructions and appropriate tools, such as derma rollers. However, it is generally recommended to have microneedling done at a beauty salon or under expert care. Professional settings can ensure [factors like] hygiene and accurate needle depth. Moreover, trained professionals can assess your skin condition and customise the treatment according to one’s needs.”

Topics

Suchetana Mukhopadhyay
Digital Content Manager, Tatler Hong Kong
Tatler Asia
Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Suchetana Mukhopadhyay is the Digital Content Manager for Tatler Hong Kong. In this role, she leads all digital editorial and branded content on Tatler Hong Kong’s website, from brainstorming story ideas with the writers to editing and publishing the articles, and from managing the overall content flow to driving search engine optimisation. She also leads the beauty content at Tatler Hong Kong and across the region, and is always looking to champion diversity through her articles. She was previously with Cedar Hong Kong and Gafencu, and freelanced for the South China Morning Post, Campaign Asia-Pacific, CNN and more. Contact her here.