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I haven’t been writing much about microneedling lately, but I’m still doing it! 

Microneedling the face gets a lot of attention (rightfully! It works!). And I wrote a little about this in my post about microneedling for stretch marks. 

But sometime last year I saw my own elbows in a mirror and I thought, my arms look saggy.

That started my body microneedling quest – to look better and firmer on my 39th birthday than I did on my 38th!

I’m going to be so honest with you up front here – I am not putting a before photo of my butt on the internet. There is simply no way. I’ll link some others, but I didn’t take microneedling for skin firming before and after photos. I will tell you my experience and how it worked for me. 

What is Microneedling and How Does it Work?

I’ve written about this in a bunch of other places at this point, but microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that uses fine needles to create tiny holes in the skin’s surface.

 Also known as collagen induction therapy, this treatment stimulates collagen production and elastin production, both essential for youthful-looking skin. A microneedling procedure can improve skin texture, reduce large pores, and enhance skin quality. 

Microneedling treatment is a popular treatment for a wide range of skin concerns, including acne scars, stretch marks, and the appearance of wrinkles.

You can really power up microneeding a lot in a medspa or dermatologist’s office. Deep microneedling and microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are advanced methods often recommended for noticeable skin improvements, and those can only be done in an office. 

Microneedling is a LOT more affordable than lasers or EmSculpt or any of those other treatments. But if you’re paying for it in an office, it still adds up. 

At-home microneedling is slower, but once you’ve purchased the microneedling pen and heads, your treatments are basically free. 

I bought my Derminator about six years ago for $200, and I have absolutely used it more than 200 times. So I’m below a $1/use cost. (A little more than that if you add in the needle cartridges, but certainly under $2/use.)

So, here’s the thing about me: I’m cheap and patient. If you’re impatient, this isn’t for you. But if you’d rather pay $100 for great results slowly than $5,000 for great results quickly, microneedling can be a great path. 

Does Microneedling Tighten Skin?

Microneedling can improve skin laxity and lead to tighter skin by boosting the production of collagen and new tissue. This  helps restore skin tightness over time. However, microneedling tightening skin effects are not immediate. The healing process takes several weeks, with individual results varying based on skin type and the treated area.

The microneedling process triggers the body’s natural healing response, leading to the gradual formation of new collagen. A series of treatments is usually needed for the best results. Many patients notice a firmer, more youthful appearance after completing their treatment plan.

For me, the best scenario has been something like this: treating every other week with 0.5 mm for my face or 0.75/1.0 for my body, and using a copper peptides serum.

Microneedling vs. Medspa Treatments for Skin Tightening

Microneedling is an effective treatment, but it is not as aggressive as some medspa cosmetic procedures. Laser treatments, such as CO2 or Fraxel, target deeper layers of skin and may yield faster results. 

However, laser treatments often require more downtime and may not be suitable for darker skin tones due to the risk of hyperpigmentation.

They are also a lot more expensive! 

Other professional treatments are more  invasive surgery, such as facelifts. While surgical options provide dramatic results, they require significant recovery time and higher costs. They could have unpredictable results. 

Sometimes, microneedling at a medspa can include add-ons you can’t do at home, like PRF and PRP (platelet-rich fibrin and platelet-rich plasma, respectively). Those are taken from your blood – you’re not going to want to do that at home. Those treatments supercharge your microneedling treatments, but they cost a lot more than DIY. 

A Note About Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency microneedling combines fine needles with RF energy to treat loose skin more effectively than traditional microneedling alone. This treatment delivers radiofrequency energy to the deeper layers of skin, promoting collagen induction therapy and skin rejuvenation.

 RF microneedling is advertised to appearance of scars, reduce pore size, and enhance overall skin texture.

Some people who get RF report unwanted fat loss after the treatment. While you might be thinking “I would love fat loss”, really we need fat in our faces to avoid looking gaunt. Losing the fat in your face ages you! 

For me – this is enough to avoid radiofrequency. Some people love it! But I can’t see taking a risk like that when the slower, cheaper method doesn’t have the same risks. 

Benefits of Slow, Steady Microneedling for Skin Tightening

Unlike invasive treatments that produce immediate but sometimes unnatural effects, microneedling allows the skin to heal and strengthen over time. The best results are achieved through multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart.

To maximize the microneedling tighten skin benefits, it’s essential to follow proper aftercare. Avoid sun exposure, as UV rays can damage the new collagen. Use topical treatments like hyaluronic acid to keep the skin hydrated during the healing process. A skin expert may also recommend professional treatments, such as PRP or RF microneedling, for enhanced skin tightening effects.

Microneedling is an excellent option for those seeking a non-invasive treatment to improve skin quality, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and achieve a more youthful skin texture. With guidance from a board-certified dermatologist or an Aiken medical aesthetics provider, individuals can develop a treatment plan tailored to their skin care needs and aesthetic goals.

Best microneedling serums to firm skin

Lately I am using copper peptides and loving the results. They’re a little burn-y with microneedling, but it’s not unbearable. 

The copper peptide serum I use is from OwnDoc (the company that makes the Derminator). Those are made specifically for microneedling, so they’re sure to be safe. There are lots of brands putting out copper peptides for topical use, but you kind of want a higher standard for things that are basically going inside your skin.

Biossance is a great brand too.

The other new trend now seems to be the PDRN products – they’re made of salmon DNA. It sounds so silly that I basically ignored the marketing for a year, but what I see online has made me want to try it. So I ordered a set of the Stayve Salmon DNA Gold Ampoule (mine is from Get Glowing Skincare and the girl who runs it is so nice.

I’m not going to link a salmon product from Amazon even though people always say “can you get this on Amazon” — I think this is the type of international product that is likely to have lots of fakes.

I’lll update this post after I’ve done a few rounds of the Stayve product!