The Benefits of Microneedling + Banish Skincare Review

Benefits of Microneedling
AD • This post was kindly sponsored by Banish Skincare. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own

I have a very exciting post for you today, all about my experience with at home microneedling and the benefits of microneedling. Now if you aren’t sure what microneedling is, and who should use it, I outline all of this below, as well as what products I personally use, and how to ensure that you are doing it safely. I’ve also been working with a skincare brand called Banish, who create the products that I use for successful microneedling, so I’ve also done a review of a few of their products too!

WHAT IS MICRONEEDLING?

Microneedling is essentially the process of puncturing the skin, in order to encourage the skin to renew and regenerate. It is also known as collagen induction therapy or derma rolling – these are all the same thing. Microneedling is done with very small, sterile needles that are pressed into the skin. These essentially “damage” the skin, encouraging the skin to create more collagen and elastin fibres to fix the skin up. There is absolutely no down time from microneedling and no long term skin trauma  Up until recently, microneedling was only available in salon by trained dermatologists, however at home microneedling kits are available. I love the Banisher 2.0 from Banish Skincare!

Benefits of Microneedling

BENEFITS OF MICRONEEDLING

Every skin type will receive the benefits of microneedling, and anyone can try it! No matter what type of skin you have, microneedling offers increased cell turnover and natural skin renewal, and therefore healthier and plumper looking skin. Any skin type can try microneedling, however it is best not to use it on active acne flare ups, or dermatological flares like dermatitis or eczema. Here’s just a few of the benefits of microneedling….

  • Increased collagen production
  • Decreases wrinkles and fine lines
  • Prevents the formation of dark spots
  • Reduces acne scars
  • Reduces hyper pigmentation and dark marks

In terms of acne reduction, many people find at home microneedling extremely effective to fade or remove their acne scars. If you are wanting to use microneedling for the purpose of reducing acne scars, then I highly recommend reading this article about getting rid of acne scars fast using microneedling! The article is extremely detailed and will give you an idea on how to treat your own acne scars successfully at home!

Personally, I use microneedling in order to increase my collagen levels in my skin, as well as trying to prevent any fine lines and wrinkles from popping up! I do have a few old scars left from old acne in the past, as well as some slight hyper pigmentation. Thankfully microneedling works to fix all of these issue at once!

 

WHY THE BANISHER 2.0?

Since microneedling became a bit more mainstream, many brands have come out with their at-home offerings. Typically most brands bring out a derma roller – a microneedler that works as it rolls across your skin. The Banisher 2.0 works a little differently – the needles are flat and you push it down onto your skin, a little like a stamp. This means each needle is putting down the same amount of pressure into the skin, unlike a roller where the needles are all at different angles and different pressures. This simple difference makes a whole heap of difference and makes it much more effective!

Each of the needles on the Banisher 2.0 are 24k gold plated titanium. This ensures they are super strong, and also offers antibacterial properties. The bristles are fine and sharp for the ultimate skin penetration without irritation. It’s so so easy to use, just press it down into your skin and work your way around your face, pressing down – just like a stamp!

I don’t find that micro needling hurts. It feels a little bit like a tiny prick on the bonier parts of your face, such as around the forehead, but for the most part I had zero pain. It feels a bit sensitive for a few minutes right after the process (kind of like a tingly sort of feeling), but it goes away really quickly and I had zero redness.

I’ve used the Banisher 2.0 a few times now, and I’ll be honest I’m sold on the benefits of microneedling. My skin looks the best it’s ever looked, it’s clear, smooth and even – and hopefully it’s also reducing any wrinkles that are thinking about showing up! I do this once a week, followed by the Banish Vitamin C Spray and Vitamin C Cream.

Benefits of Microneedling

 

ANYTHING I SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR?

Like anything in life, you don’t want to overdo it. It’s recommended you micro needle only about once a week. You also want to avoid using it on any skin flare ups such as acne breakouts, dermatitis, rosacea or eczema. It’s also so so essential to make sure you are correctly sterilising your Banisher, which is so easy to do. Simply fill up the cap of the Banisher with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) and leave it for a few minutes before letting it air dry. It’s important to do this before each use so that you don’t introduce any bacteria into your skin! They also do recommend that you use the Banisher at night after you’ve cleansed you skin, as you don’t want to be putting makeup on for at least 8 hours afterwards.

THE BANISH PRODUCTS

Banish are an American skincare brand that ship worldwide, and they create their skincare products right in the USA. All of their products are plant based and made fresh, so you know what you are using on your skin is active and working! The brand was started by Daisy Jing, who suffered from cystic acne for most of her life. She struggled to find a skincare regime that really made a difference to her skin, and found she could heal her skin from internally, rather than using products that just covered up the issue. You can follow Daisy’s story by clicking here

I’ve been trying out a lot of the Banish Products over the past few months, so I thought I would do a wee rundown on each product I’ve tried, who it’s designed for, and how I’ve found using it. I’ve also included direct links through to each product, so you can shop with ease!

Banish Skincare Review

BANISH PUMPKIN ENZYME MASK

You guys know I love a good mask, and the Pumpkin Enzyme Mask has to be one of my favourites that I’ve used. It’s formulated using pumpkin enzymes, AHA’s and glycolic acid, all of which are amazing at helping to clarify and clear the skin. These ingredients break down the dead layer of our skin and helps to unclog our pores, so the skin is left clear and smooth.

I typically use this one 1-2 times a week after I’ve removed my makeup and cleanse my skin. I pop an even layer all over my skin (avoiding the eye area) and leave it on for around 15 minutes (often while I jump in the shower!). You can totally feel the enzymes and AHA’s working, so you might feel a warm or tingling sensation right when it goes on – this means it’s working!! Afterwards, I rinse my face in cold water. Sometimes my skin might go a tiny bit pink if I haven’t used it in a while, but this only lasts around 20 minutes, and it’s just due to the blood vessels in the skin being stimulated.

My skin feels incredibly smooth after using this mask. It also looks a lot brighter and more glowy when used regularly. I really love this one, and it can be used by anyone. This one is a winner for anyone with congested or oily skin, or anyone their skin to look brighter and more clear!

BANISH VITAMIN C CREAM

If you have acne scars, age spots or pigmentation, then this is the cream for you! Vitamin C helps to reduce the appearance of scars and pigmentation, and works to fade them over time. Even if you don’t have scars or pigmentation, Vitamin C is one of the best ingredients we can put on our skin, as it’s a powerful antioxidant that helps to fight free radicals. It also makes your skin look brighter and clearer, which I’m sure we can all agree is #skingoals.

This cream is super hydrating, yet really light on the skin. It absorbs in really quickly, making it the perfect moisturiser for the morning as it sits under makeup beautifully. It doesn’t leave any reside and doesn’t make your makeup move – winner! I use this one once or twice a day and I love it!

Banish Skincare Review

BANISH OIL – VITAMIN C SERUM

The Banish Oil is a super serum, packed with L-ascorbic acid (the most powerful form of Vitamin C). This serum is designed to powerfully fade old acne scars and hyper pigmentation, as well as evening out the skin tone and hydrating the skin. It is formulated with a glycerine base, which is known as a humectant which hydrates dry and normal skin (if you have super oily skin, it’s advised you opt for the lighter Vitamin C Cream instead)

The Banish Oil works perfectly in conjunction with the Banisher 2.0, and you can actually get the two together in the Banish 2.0 Kit at a discounted price! You only need a couple of drops of this oil for your whole face -just pat it in gently after cleansing and using the Banisher 2.0 (or otherwise it can be used every night after cleansing and toning). The microneedling process allows the oil to work its way further into the skin, and allows the deeper parts of the skin to receive extra hydration and all the Vitamin C goodness!

I love to use this serum after using the Banisher 2.0. Personally, for my skin, I probably still prefer the lighter Vitamin C Cream for everyday use, however this serum works wonders when you skin is feeling a bit dry or a bit blah. I know it will be a winner come winter!

BANISH FIGHTER GEL

The Banish Fighter Gel is one of those products that everyone should have in their skincare arsenal. The Fighter Gel is a multi-use gel designed to calm and soothe irritation of the skin. Whether you suffer from acne, dermatitis, eczema, flaky skin or redness, this gel helps to soothe the irritation. It’s a clear jelly-like gel, that spreads easily over the skin. It offers an instant cooling feeling to the skin (thanks to the aloe vera and peppermint), and it absorbs into the skin quite quickly. You can then go ahead and apply any moisturisers or makeup over the top.

While I am very fortunate to not get a lot of acne, I do use this product on any pesky pimples that might pop up around that time of month. I also had a bit of mild perioral dermatitis a couple of months back, and used this product on it to help calm down the inflammation.

A jar of this goes a long way, even used twice daily. This is an awesome acne-fighting option that is natural and actually works!

Banish Skincare Review

BANISH ALL CLEAR MINT CLEANSER

The All Clear Mint Cleanser has quickly become my favourite cleanser (it’s a big call but it might just be my favourite cleanser of ALL TIME). I use this one morning and night, and one tiny pump is enough to do your whole face so this bottle goes a long way! This is a gel cleanser that foams up easily when mixed with water. I love foaming cleansers as I always feel like they clean my skin much better than the typical cream or oil cleansers. Some foaming cleansers can feel quite harsh on the skin, but this All Clear Cleanser is so gentle! It leaves my skin feeling really clean and fresh, but also quite hydrated, which really is special for a gel cleanser!

This cleanser can be used on any skin type, and was specifically designed for acne-prone and oily skin. It’s packed full of natural ingredients which have been chosen for their anti-inflammatory, soothing, and healing properties.

The scent of this one is also a winner and I really look forward to using it as part of my skincare routine. It’s minty fresh, and the perfect cleanser for pepping you up in this morning! I never thought I would say I really look forward to washing my face, but with this cleanser, I honestly do!

Banish Skincare Review

BANISH VITAMIN C BEAUTY ELIXIR – BRIGHTENING MIST

This Vitamin C Beauty Elixir is a Vitamin C packed toner that is designed to hydrate and brighten you skin. It can be used as a toner (after cleansing, but before moisturising etc), a primer before makeup, and even a makeup setting spray. This elixir can be used on acne prone or oily/congested skin, as well as normal or ageing skin.

I like to use this one after I’ve cleansed, but before I apply my Vitamin C Cream. It absorbs into the skin super quickly and doesn’t feel sticky or greasy, and it doesn’t interfere with my makeup. I use this mainly as a brightening toner, however for those with acne prone or oily skin, you might notice reduced redness, less acne, and smaller pores!

BANISH SKINCARE REVIEW OVERVIEW

Overall, I’m really impressed with the products that I’ve tried from Banish, and have definitely found a couple of new favourites.  I’m also so happy to have discovered the benefits of microneedling, and how easy a product like the Banisher 2.0 is to use at home! If you are keen to try Banish for yourself, you can use the code SARAHLILLY to get $5 off orders $50 or more. The best value for money is the full set, which includes most of the Banish products at a super discounted price! Banish offer international shipping, which is affordable and fast – my items made it to NZ in a matter of days!

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AD • This post was kindly sponsored by Banish Skincare. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own