Local chemist tries microneedling; this is her 2-week result.

Alexis Rochester has her first microneedling treatment at Revision Aesthetics and Wellness.

By Alexis Rochester

Last month, I shared my skin cancer journey and why I am so passionate about daily sun protection and using high-quality mineral sunscreen.

Protecting your skin is one of the most important things you can do for both skin health and healthy aging.

While a good skincare routine is always the foundation, I am also interested in treatments that support the skin’s natural ability to repair and rejuvenate itself.

As a chemist, I tend to gravitate toward approaches that work with the body’s own processes rather than more aggressive options.

My goal has always been to age gracefully through good skincare, sun protection and healthy lifestyle habits.

Microneedling has become one of the most talked-about skincare treatments in recent years, with many people seeking to improve skin texture, support collagen production and address common signs of aging.

After hearing more about the treatment and researching how it works, I decided to experience microneedling for myself.

I scheduled an appointment at Revision Aesthetics & Wellness in Stephenville with RN Amy Roach to see firsthand what the treatment was like and whether the results lived up to the excitement surrounding it.

For those unfamiliar with the procedure, microneedling uses very small needles to create controlled microchannels in the skin.

This process encourages the skin’s natural repair response and can help support collagen production over time.

Many people choose microneedling to improve skin texture, soften the appearance of fine lines, reduce the appearance of acne scars and promote a brighter, healthier-looking complexion.

If you are interested in the detailed science behind microneedling and collagen production, you can find my full breakdown on Chemistry Cachet including all my before and after photos.

HOW IT’S DONE

A numbing cream was applied before the procedure, which made the treatment much more comfortable than I anticipated.

During the procedure, I mostly felt light pressure and vibration. A few areas were slightly more sensitive than others, particularly around the jawline, but overall, the discomfort was very manageable.

If I had to rate the discomfort on a scale of one to 10, I would put it around a two.

RECOVERY AND RESULTS

One of the things I appreciated most about microneedling was the relatively simple recovery process.

You can watch the video of my treatment on Facebook or Instagram to see how the procedure went and how my skin looked immediately after and throughout the recovery process.

A few hours after treatment, my skin looked mildly pink, similar to a light sunburn.

Day 2 - I still had a little redness and noticed some dryness beginning to develop.

Day 3 - The pinkness had completely disappeared, and I experienced only minor flaking.

Day 4 - There was still a small amount of dryness, but nothing significant.

Day 5 - The dryness had resolved, and my skin looked bright, healthy and refreshed.

By the end of the first week, my skin felt smoother and appeared more radiant.

By week two, the results became even more noticeable. My skin looked brighter, smoother and more even. My pores appeared smaller and some of my fine lines looked softer.

As someone who has previously had skin cancer, I am always careful about any skincare treatment I try.

Before adding a new treatment to my routine, I discuss it with my dermatologist and make sure it aligns with my overall skin health goals.

Consulting with a qualified skincare professional can help determine which treatments are most appropriate for your individual needs.

Alexis Rochester is an investigative chemist, blogger, and founder of Chemistry Cachet, which is now celebrating 11 years of trusted, science-based tips on skincare, cleaning, gardening, and health. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 10, Alexis is passionate about pain management research, exercise and sharing realistic wellness solutions for women and families. She grew up in Stephenville and moved back several years ago to raise her kids! When she’s not working on skincare or cleaning experiments, you can find her spending time with her husband, a former Marine and first responder, their two children Amelia and Tucker. Or taking a pilates class around town. You can also find her posting pictures and fun stories daily on Instagram. Also look for Chemistry Cachet on Facebook and LinkedIn. Also, now on TikTok!