The Showdown: Micro-needling Vs. The Erbium Laser

When looking at a facial treatment menu, there are so many options and they all sound amazing. So, how on earth do you choose the best option for your skin? And how do you know it’s the most effective treatment available?

The good news is, there are professionals to guide you! You don’t have to pick the perfect treatment without help. Your esthetician has not only years of experience, but ongoing education to guide you in these important decisions. And, as technology and research advances, we have so many new and amazing treatments to offer. Your dream skin is within reach!

But, as you are always your own best advocate whether in skincare or a doctor’s visit, it’s still important to be educated about your options, what is involved, and the benefits and drawbacks. Make an informed decision about what is best for your goals and unique needs.

Today, let’s compare two treatments for skin texture and appearance.

The Erbium Laser VS. Micro-needling. Who will win???

Scarring? Wrinkles? Uneven texture? Large pores? They don’t stand a chance! But which method should you talk to your esthetician about?

The Erbium Laser

Laser treatments have a few pre-conceptions of discomfort and long periods of downtime / healing. Thankfully, technology continues to improve at a rapid clip and we get to enjoy the benefits! This non-ablative (less invasive) laser gently and effectively improves skin by precisely treating a fraction of cells at a time. These tiny, deep microscopic columns of skin are surrounded by healthy tissue that initiate rapid healing. This treatment is able to dramatically diminish deep scarring, including ice pick scars from acne, as well as sagging skin, large pores, stubborn pigmentation like brown spots and melasma, lost pigmentation or white spots, and even active acne.

Pros

• Penetrates deeply and treats scarring and issues that other treatments cannot reach.
• Gentle and effective with less down-time than other laser resurfacing treatments.
• Stimulates the body’s collagen production and tightens the skin.
• Effective not only on the face, but also the neck, decolletage, and body, where skin sags or droops.
• Permanent results!
• Treatment times vary by the individual need: stretch marks need 6 – 8 treatments, facial smoothing and scarring needs 3 – 5 treatments, ice pick scarring needs 6 treatments.
• More effective than creams and injections (Botox and collagen) that promise skin tightening but need constant upkeep.
• Treats pigmentation and evens skin tone as well as texture (bonus!).
• Simultaneously treats active acne breakouts (double bonus!!).

Cons

• For those who love to be out in the sun, it is recommended to avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning prior to and throughout the course of treatment and healing process.

Micro-needling

As scary as it sounds, and trust us, clients at our Honolulu spa hear the word "needle" and immediately panic, the key word here is "micro". These are not needles for flu shots or Botox injections. Very fine, very short needles are used to harness the body’s ability to remodel and heal itself through collagen induction. Combined with powerful serums and nutrients for the skin, this treatment works best on mild scarring and skin texture issues.

Pros

• Helps to smooth skin’s texture, including wrinkles, acne scars, surgical and burn scars, stretch marks, and large pores.
• Results are noticeable after 24 hours.
• Treatment plans vary depending on the type of remodeling needed. Pore size can be decreased in one treatment while mild scarring can take 6 or more treatments.

Cons

• Umm...hello??? Needles? The stress of hearing that word can take a peaceful spa visit to a not-so-fun place.
• Treatment works best on mild scarring, stretch marks, and wrinkles. The needles do not penetrate deeply and cannot penetrate as deeply as a laser treatment.
• It can be somewhat painful with some side effects and a 24 hour healing period.
• Results are not permanent. With this type of treatment, periodic re-treatment is necessary to maintain results.
• Micro-needling only treats facial texture, they do not help with skin tone and discolorations.

And the winner is...

The Erbium Laser! We love the fact that this treatment offers lasting results and effective treatment for those "problem" areas that used to be only wishful thinking. Smooth, beautiful skin without the wrinkles, sagging, and discolorations? Sign us up!