11 Microneedling Benefits: How Microneedling Can Help Your Skin

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Microneedling doesn’t sound fun at all. And yet so many people are raving about it. Are microneedling benefits worth it? Well, we’ll leave it up to you to decide.

First, you need a good understanding of the microneedling process. It’s also important to know the different benefits of microneedling facials, as well as some of the side effects that may come with this cosmetic procedure.

This information will help determine if microneedling is something you want to pursue.

So what does microneedling do for your skin? Keep on reading to find out! 

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that addresses various skin issues such as scars, acne, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, and wrinkles.

It involves using a medical device embedded with tiny needles that cause micro-injuries to the skin.

This triggers an inflammatory response to start the healing process. The body releases growth factors, which stimulate the production of collagen and elastin fibers. 

Along with forming new tissue, blood vessels also grow and branch out, drawing more blood to the skin.

Numerous studies have looked into microneedling benefits, mainly on how it helps improve skin texture and appearance.

The minimally invasive cosmetic procedure has also gained popularity as it helps minimize the appearance of skin imperfections. 

What Are the Benefits of Microneedling? 

1. Minimize Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Most people get microneedling to target crow’s feet, smile lines, and forehead wrinkles — the most common signs of aging.

Since microneedling increases the production of collagen and elastin fibers, skin becomes stronger and thicker.

So as new cells come to the surface, skin looks plumper and more hydrated, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

2. Improve the Appearance of Scars 

Microneedling is also commonly used to reduce the appearance of scars. In one study, participants saw a 51–60% improvement in scar appearance and a 40–50% improvement in skin texture. 

Results were observed after six sessions over three months.

Microneedling is also more effective when combined with topical treatments. However, microneedling benefits are more apparent when targeting rolling, boxcar, or pitted scars. It may not work as well on raised scars and keloids. 

3. Lighten Hyperpigmentation and Sunspots 

If you have dark spots on your face or body, microneedling may help lighten them.

Skin cells multiply at a faster rate during the healing process. This helps reveal new skin, which is more even in color and texture. Because of this, hyperpigmentation and sunspots may look more faded or less apparent. 

4. Reduce Acne Breakouts

Those with acne-prone skin are said to have a slower cell turnover cycle. This causes dead skin cells to accumulate (along with excess sebum, bacteria, debris, and other contaminants).

As pores become congested, acne starts to appear.

Microneedling can lead to regular cell turnover, which helps remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. This may help lessen your acne breakouts.

Studies have found that microneedling can reduce acne lesions and improve sebum excretion. Satisfactory results were observed even 12 weeks after the final session.

However, microneedling is not advised if you have active acne due to the risk of irritation or infection. You can wait until after your acne breakout to enjoy the different microneedling benefits. 

5. Reduce the Appearance of Pore Size

One of the benefits of microneedling facials is reducing the appearance of large pores.

Technically, you can’t reduce the size of pores. However, increased collagen and elastin due to microneedling can make skin plumper and bouncier. Your pores can become less depressed — making them look smaller in size. 

6. Address Signs of Aging

It is well-established that collagen and elastin levels decrease as we age, leading to dry, dull, and sagging skin.

Microneedling is an excellent anti-aging treatment because it can help boost collagen and elastin production. As new skin emerges, it reveals a fresh and radiant glow.

Increased dermal structures also help make skin feel tighter and more elastic.

Overall, microneedling helps the skin become more hydrated and healthier, slowing down the signs of aging. 

7. Reduce the Appearance of Stretch Marks

Microneedling benefits aren’t just reserved for the face. It can also be used on different parts of the body. As such, it is also an effective procedure for stretch marks.

When skin stretches rapidly, skin fibers become thinner, shorter, and disoriented. This leads to stretch marks, which make skin look scarred and wrinkled.

Microneedling promotes skin elasticity and blood flow. It also increases the density of elastin fibers, which helps reduce the gap between stretch mark lines. This makes stretch marks look less noticeable. 

8. Promote Hair Growth

Microneedling is also used with clients with hair disorders such as alopecia areata — an autoimmune disease that attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss and/or baldness.

Microneedling helps stimulate the growth of hair follicles, making it an excellent complementary treatment for hair loss.

According to studies, microneedling improves the efficacy of alopecia medications such as minoxidil.

Participants who received combination treatment noted over 50% improvement in hair growth compared to those who only received minoxidil. 

9. Improve Delivery of Active Ingredients

In the beauty world, active ingredients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide effectively address skin concerns. However, if you want faster results, consider using them with microneedling.

Since the microneedling creates micro-punctures on your skin, they can serve as channels for delivering active ingredients into the deeper layers.

This may improve absorption, allowing you to get more out of your skin treatments and skincare products.

Given its effectiveness, scientists have even considered using microneedling as a viable method for delivering insulin, protein vaccines, and anesthetics.    

10. Enhance Vitiligo Treatment

Vitiligo is a condition that leads to the patchy loss of pigment in your skin. 

According to clinical trials, microneedling may help reduce vitiligo lesions. It may also help attract melanocytes and keratinocytes, which can encourage repigmentation.

Current studies also show that microneedling can improve the outcomes of vitiligo treatments such as tacrolimus, betamethasone, and calcipotriol.

The combination is also more effective on treatment-resistant sites such as elbows and knees. 

11. Effective Treatment with Minimal Side Effects

The benefits of microneedling facials are considered comparable to other skin treatments.

Microneedling is considered a minimally invasive procedure, meaning it does not involve significant incisions or surgery. This generally leads to fewer complications and a quicker recovery compared to more invasive treatments.

Since microneedling only creates micro-punctures on your skin, the recovery period is generally short. Compared to more aggressive treatments, like chemical peels, the downtime is minimal.

While there is the possibility of side effects — such as redness, swelling, and minor irritation — microneedling is considered safe for most people.

Note

It is not recommended, however, for those with skin conditions such as active acne, eczema, psoriasis, or keloid-prone.

Microneedling is also not advised if you are taking medication for blood thinning or if you have bleeding disorders, autoimmune disorders, or immune system disorders. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How Long Do Microneedling Results Last?

Microneedling face benefits will appear four to six weeks after your first session. The duration of results depends on how well you take care of your skin after.

It’s essential to note that individual responses to microneedling can vary, and results are influenced by factors such as age, skin type, and the specific concerns being addressed.

Additionally, lifestyle factors, such as sun exposure and skincare practices, play a role in the longevity of microneedling benefits.

The longevity of results also depends on the severity of your skin concern(s).

If you want to enjoy microneedling benefits for longer, try to maintain the health of your collagen. 

You can use skincare products that promote collagen production — such as hyaluronic acid, retinol, and niacinamide. Other ways include using sunscreen daily, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking.   

How Often Should You Do Microneedling?

Some people may already notice microneedling benefits after one session. However, experts recommend having at least three to six microneedling sessions for optimal results.

Each session should also be spaced out every four to six weeks, and this helps ensure that micro-punctures on your skin have fully healed. A good rule of thumb would be to have one microneedling session per month

Is There Any Downside to Microneedling?

Microneedling has minimal side effects compared to more invasive skin treatments. However, microneedling still creates tiny wounds on the surface of your skin. 

This can lead to minor swelling, redness, bruising, and discomfort within the first 72 hours. You may also experience dryness, peeling, and flaking in the first five days.

It’s essential to have proper post-care support to minimize the side effects and potential infections.

Make sure only to use gentle skincare products, avoid sun exposure, skip wearing makeup, and wash your hands before touching the treated area. 

How Does the Face Look Immediately After Microneedling?

Your face may look red and swollen immediately after a microneedling session. The skin may also feel warm, tight, and itchy.

These are normal reactions considering the numerous micro-punctures made on the treated area. There is also increased blood flow as your skin begins to heal from the microneedling process.

Thankfully, redness and swelling will go down in a few days. You can also moisturize the skin by this time to reduce tightness and itchiness.   

Are Microneedling Benefits Worth It?

You now have a clear answer to the question “What does microneedling do for your face?” 

Microneedling can help with various skin concerns, including scars, fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, acne breakouts, and enlarged pores.

Microneedling can even be used on different parts of the body. It also helps promote hair growth, reduces the appearance of stretch marks, and enhances other treatments and products.

Given what you know now, you now know the answer to the second question: “Are microneedling benefits worth it?” 

Since microneedling is minimally invasive compared to other skin treatments, microneedling facial benefits do appear to be a worthwhile investment.

However, we’ll leave the final decision up to you. Based on your skin concerns and lifestyle, we trust you’ll make the best decision!

Want to Learn More About Other Skin Treatments?

• What Is An Enzyme Peel? Are They Better Than Chemical Peels?
• 20 Best Types Of Facials You Should Try
• ZIIP Vs NuFACE: Which Facial Toning Device Works Best?