Microneedling for Acne Scars: The Ultimate 2022 Guide by NUME-Lab Switzerland
Have you tried using microneedling for acne scars? Here, we’re not talking about the red marks everyone gets right after acne, but rather those deeper, indented scars left as a result of cystic acne that wasn’t handled properly.
Well, microneedling is a professional treatment that promises to make these scars a past.
So, we’re here to do the research for you and show you how exactly microneedling for acne scars works!
Table of Contents
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is considered to be a minimally invasive procedure that uses many tiny sterile needles that gently puncture the skin, resulting in small wounds that stimulate the production of collagen and elastin to repair. This procedure is otherwise known as “collagen induction therapy”.
Microneedling is considered to be a minimally invasive procedure that uses many tiny sterile needles that gently puncture the skin.
Microneedling vs. Dermarolling
Microneedling is often confused with dermarolling, which is a practice you can do at home with the help of a derma roller.
A derma roller has fixed needles attached to its rolling head and they can be used at home. However, dermarolling isn’t as efficient (and as safe) as microneedling.
Microneedling is a procedure done by a professional, and it uses a device with a micro-pen that contains many tiny and sterile micro needles.
Lastly, perhaps the greatest difference between in-home dermarolling and microneedling is that the latter has many more benefits to offer, including healing acne scars. On the other hand, perhaps the only benefit you’ll feel from derma rolling is better product absorption.
Microneedling has more benefits in terms of acne scar treatments when compared to derma rolling simply because it can reach into the deeper layers of your skin. Additionally, professionals use retinol serums and other boosters together with microneedling as added benefits to the treatment.
Does Microneedling for Acne Scars Work?
Yes. When done correctly and by a professional, microneedling is a great acne scar solution. Multiple studies have shown the benefits of microneedling for atrophic acne scars that are deeply indented into the skin.
However, if done improperly, with needles that penetrate the skin too deeply or using unsterile equipment, microneedling can result in serious side effects.
Benefits of Microneedling
This guide focuses on microneedling for acne scars, but this is not the only benefit. Here’s a full list of science-backed benefits of microneedling:
- Healing and diminishing acne scars;
- Reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots;
- Promoting skin elasticity by boosting collagen and elastin;
- A possible improvement to stretch marks;
- Decreasing the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles;
- Help with large pores and acne;
- Help with hair loss or alopecia;
At this stage, it’s important to note that microneedling isn’t a quick fix. Depending on the severity of the problem you’re treating, you’ll likely need several treatments to see the benefits you expect.
For instance, mature skin with deep wrinkles or very deep acne scars will require more treatments than younger skin with fine lines.
Side Effects of Microneedling
Although microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure, it does have several potential side effects:
- Length of treatment – you’ll likely need multiple sessions to see a difference;
- Healing downtime – your skin will probably need a few days to recover;
- Pain and discomfort – while your skin will be covered in numbing cream during the procedure, you might experience some slight pain and discomfort shortly after;
- Redness and irritation – a bit of redness and irritation at the site of the needle application is expected;
- Dry skin and flakiness – dry and flaky sin is also a common side effect since the skin starts peeling and exfoliating as a result of the treatment;
- Infections – lastly, if microneedling isn’t done by a professional using sterile equipment, you risk infections and possible scarring;
This looks like a long list of side effects for such a minimally invasive treatment. But, note that the majority of these side effects can be avoided with the right professional.
Alternatives to Microneedling
If that list of side effects before made you think twice about microneedling for acne scars, don’t worry, there are other solutions.
Here are some acne scar alternatives you can try:
- A high-quality anti-aging serum;
- Retinol-based products to stimulate collagen;
- Laser resurfacing treatments;
- Chemical peels with AHAs or BHAs;
- Other in-office procedures like dermabrasion;
Snail mucin extract and skin care products based on snail mucin
Did you know?
Snail Mucin is naturally rich in Allantoin, Glycolic acid, Hyaluronic acid, proteins (collagen and elastin), peptides, and antioxidants.
It is here that allantoin and glycolic acid, are the key active ingredients in snail slime that repair the damage caused by acne – and in particular improves the appearance of scars that it tends to leave behind – by simulating the renewal of skin cells and by smoothing it.
Check out the rich Advanced Renewal Face Cream
Guided by our passion to formulate skincare that fits literally everyone, we’ve created backed by one of the best Swiss Skincare Lab and through Biotech our Advanced Renewal Face Cream with Snail Mucin Extract – an all-in-one solution for aging skin, targeting:
- dull skin and uneven texture
- dark spots, sun spots
- skin irritation
- adult acne
- fine lines and wrinkles
- dry skin
Cleanical (clean and clinically tested) skincare rich cream backed by Swiss Skincare Biotech.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Microneedling for acne scars is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the use of a derma pen or derma roller with multiple tiny sterile needles to puncture and “wound” the skin, thus stimulating the production of collagen and elastin through the healing process;
- Microneedling is best done by a professional using completely sterile equipment, to avoid the risk of infections and related side effects;
- There are many benefits of microneedling, including decreasing acne scars, reducing wrinkles and fine lines, fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation, improving hair growth, decreasing the visibility of stretch marks and large pores, etc.;
- Some redness, dryness, and irritation are expected after a microneedling treatment. However, if you notice severe pain, discomfort, or visible scarring or wounds, it could point to improper treatment or an infection
- A valid natural alternative to microneedling is glycolic acid found in Snail Mucin Extract
