While the idea of needles scares some, they are pretty popular in the spa and facial world. Skin needling benefits are real and include collagen stimulation, skin rejuvenation, and acne treatment. While most people opt for microneedling treatment, microchanneling is also a treatment worth considering before you make an appointment. When comparing microchanneling vs microneedling the main difference is the type of device used. One stamps needles into the skin and the other rolls needles into the skin.1
With either treatment, it’s important to consider your skin concerns, how much your budget can handle, and how often you want to return for treatments. As the two procedures are very similar in their results, knowing what makes them different is key when it comes to deciding which one is right for you.
Microchanneling and microneedling are non invasive treatments that improve the appearance of your skin by creating tiny channels on the surface of the skin2. During treatment, a device with several tiny needles or a micro-channeling tool is used to puncture the skin. This causes trauma, breaking up the top layers of dead skin cells and triggering collagen growth. The new skin is smoother and has a younger appearance3. The tiny channels created by the tool allow serums and other treatments to reach deeper layers of the skin.
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Microchanneling vs Microneedling: The Treatment
Microchanneling
A microchanneling treatment uses a stamp live device and a livra microchannel delivery solution is applied to the skin. This solution is a chemical cocktail that contains amino acids, vitamins, and botanicals. The tool used during this treatment stamps in microchanneling treatments to aid in penetration of the solution into the epidermis (the top layer of your skin).4
With this stamp motion, fine needles penetrate the skin in a single pass reducing side effects typically associated with microneedling. The main complaint is a sensation of pinching or pulling as the needles puncture the skin.
Microneedling
As stated before microneedling is a form of skin needling. It’s also known as collagen induction therapy (CIT). During a microneedling treatment, the skin is punctured numerous times with tiny needles. The microneedling device is similar to a dermal roller and is rolled across the surface of the skin. During the rolling process, there is a chance for the skin to become punctured, these are called micro-tears. This is where the name microneedling comes from.5
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Microchanneling vs Microneedling: The Benefits
Both treatments have similar benefits as the main difference is in the tool.
Reduces acne scars
Acne scarring is a common skin concern. Microchanneling and microneedling can reduce the appearance of acne scars. The anti-inflammatory effects of the treatments reduce redness and swelling.
Smoothes fine lines and appearance of wrinkles
The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is reduced when you have a skin-needling treatment. New collagen production is stimulated and the appearance of lines and wrinkles is reduced when you have either treatment. This reduces age spots and sun spots.
Increases absorption of moisturizer and serums
Both treatments help to increase the absorption of moisturizers and serums like hyaluronic acid. The microchanneling has a greater penetration of serums into the skin.
Removes stretch marks
Microchanneling or microneedling are excellent ways to get rid of stretch marks. Massaging the area with a roller can help minimize their appearance. Certain growth factors and peptides are great for treating stretch marks. It’s best to start with one treatment and then add another 2-3 weeks later.
Reduces uneven skin tone
Stem cells and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can help with reducing the appearance of uneven skin tone. Microchanneling and microneedling treatments can increase the absorption of these treatments.
Improves skin moisture
Dry skin is a common concern. Microchanneling and microneedling treatments can increase moisture levels in your skin. The microchannels created during treatment allow serums and moisturizers to reach deeper into the skin compared to a topical application.
Reduces pore size
Microchanneling and microneedling reduce the appearance of pore size. With microchanneling, there is a greater penetration of serums into the skin. Reducing pore size is a benefit of both treatments.
Helps with hair growth
Studies have shown that microneedling helps with hair growth. When the skin is punctured a small amount of blood enters into the wound. This initiates a reaction that causes stem cells to activate which in turn initiates hair follicle growth and reduces hair loss.
Both treatments improve the overall appearance of the skin. While they are great for all skin types an ideal candidate is someone who has wrinkles and lines, is concerned about acne scars, uneven skin tone, stretch marks, and pore size.
During initial treatments, it is common not to see an immediate improvement. The average recovery time is 4 weeks before seeing an improvement. Long-term treatments are recommended to maintain the benefits of these skin-needling treatments.
The Verdict:
The microchanneling tool provides maximum stimulation with minimal inflammation reducing the chance of skin tears. While the microneedling tool rolls over the skin increase the chance of pulling or tearing.
If you want to improve the vitality of your skin, both treatments are a great choice. These skin needling treatments increase the natural production of collagen, can boost your immune system, and elastin production. The formation of new collagen and healthy tissue happen during the inflammatory healing process. Leaving you with healthier skin and dermal cells.