There are areas of the face and body you'll find more sensitive than others. If you use a needle length more than 0.5mm to induce Collagen, you might need to apply numbing cream before you start.
There are a few imprtant things to know about using Lidocaine (and other numbinig variants), the ingredient in most numbing creams.
Before microneedling and using any products during or after, you absolutely must do a patch test to determine your own personal reaction to the procedure and to your products.
The following are general guidelines from medical and aesthetics professionals, and may help you be safe when microneedling at home.
- Wash your face well with a facial cleanser and pat dry.
- Apply numbing cream to the sensitive areas. (Emla and Dr Numb are well-known products)
- Do not apply too close to your eyelids and avoid getting the cream in your mouth if you intend applying near your lips.
- Leave the numbing cream on for 15 to 20 minutes - or whatever the instructions advise. Leaving it on longer will not prolong numbing time. (do not cover your face with cling wrap)
- Wash the cream off before you start microneedling - you do not want to absorb the lidocaine as it can cause serious side effects.
- Use a medical alcohol wipe over the entire area to be treated. Available at Dischem - individual sterile sachets.
- Make sure you have sterilised your Dermaroller in 70% medical alcohol before use.
- The DermaPen uses individual sterile wrapped cartridges, they are used once only, and you don't need to sterilse these.
- It's best to needle on clean skin if you are not sure if the products you are applying are suitable for use during needling.
- After treatment allow the skin to settle and apply only products that have been tested for microneedling.
- Dispose of your needles in a safe manner.