Microneedling
The Stats
Micro-needling is an extremely effective treatment for a range of different skin conditions. These include reduction in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, skin pigmentation, stretch marks as well as acne scars, amongst many other conditions.The effectiveness of micro-needling has be reiterated repeatedly through human testimony, though has also been substantially backed by science.
Here is a summary of a some studies that used micro-needling treatment via Dermaroller use.
A study by Schwarz and Helmut in 2011, found positive effects of micro-needling use with a dermaroller device in 10 patients with post-traumatic or acne scars. This study was carried out over a 6 week period using punch biopsies and histological samples to find quantitative measurements of collagen and elastin formation. it was found that 7 of the patients experienced a 1.1 to 2 fold increase in elastin formation and 1 patient experienced an astonishing 10 fold increase. Furthermore, an increase in dermal thickness and collagen formation was observed. Patients also stated that they were pleased with the results and acknowledged that they would undergo another Dermaroller treatment. The procedure was very well tolerated. There were no side effects reported and no patient had to interrupt his or her daily routine or leave work.
This study also eluded to the indication of micro-needling as a treatment of stretch marks. A paper by K Park et al. found that rolling significantly improved the early and late stages of stretch marks in Korean women. Overall, this paper only observed positive effects of micro-needling treatment in human patients.
Micro needling can treat hair thinning caused by Androgenetic Alopecia
Many studies have looked into the effects of microneedling on AGA (Androgenetic Alopecia), a genetic balding condition that affects both men and women from as early as 20 years of age. It can appear more obvious in men, and is characterised by a receding hairline and gradual disappearance of hair from the frontal area and the crown.
The most common recommended treatments include finasteride, a prescription medication for men, or minoxidil, that can be taken by men or women. However the desire for chemical-free, and more affordable treatments are growing.
One study in 2013, looked at 100 participants with AGA. 50% of participants were treated with microneedling weekly as well as a twice daily application of minoxidil (5%), whilst the second group were only given minoxidil (5%). The hair count in the balded areas were assessed at baseline, and after 12 weeks of treatment, and found a mean 29% increase in the first group, compared to a mean 8% increase in hair growth with only minoxidil. The mean hair count of patients in both groups improved. However the improvement was more significant in the minoxidil + dermarolling group.