What Is Microneedling? Microneedling Benefits Explained

   By Emma Fan

What Is Microneedling?  A Complete Guide

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy,  is a non-invasive procedure where several sterile micro needles are pressed into the skin. These pricks create tiny micro injuries that stimulates the skin's repair system to create new collagen and elastin fibers.

According to Brisbane Dermatologist, Dr. Davin Lim, "Microneedling has many advantages such as absorption of topicals, and collagen induction therapy."

In terms of what skin conditions it can help with, Dermatologist Dr. Abby, based at Brigham and Woman's Hospital, adds that "Microneedling works for many different skin conditions such as melasma, brown spots, alopecia, skin remodeling, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, reducing pore size appearance.  It can also reduce stretch marks and reduce pore size appearance."

 

Who Can Try Microneedling?

Microneedling is suitable for all skin tones and can be done on the face, the neck, body, arms, and legs.  Just don't microneedle around the eye lids. 

Microneedling can improve:

• Acne scars
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Hair loss
• Loose skin
• Stretch Marks
• Hyperpigmentation
• Enlarged pores

Who's Not Suitable For Microneedling?

Some individuals should avoid microneedling such including those who: 

• Have certain skin conditions like Rosacea
• Are Taking certain medications such as Isotretinoin
• Are prone to keloid scars
• Have a compromised immune system
• Going through cancer treatments 

If you break out occasionally, you may try microneedling with the right tool, but make sure to avoid going over any active acne to avoid spreading bacteria. 

How Does Microneedling Work? 

 

Microneedling Increases Skincare Absorption

Microneedling creates tiny microchannels in the skin which can increase skincare absorption. The skin barrier tends to block absorption of most skincare products so some ingredients may not be able to penetrate the skin especially if they aren't formulated at the correct ph.  

Microneedling solves this problem as it creates micro channels so skincare ingredients can effectively absorb into the skin. These microchannels close up within a couple hours.  

Microneedling For Hyperpigmentation

Microneedling can help reduce hyperpigmentation, which is darkening of the skin from excess melanin production.  

After microneedling, the top layers of damaged skin will peel off revealing fresh new skin. 

This study  shows that microneedling can improve both acne scarring and hyperpigmentation at the same time. The patients noticed general lightening of dark spots and improvement of scarring. The experiment got a 79% satisfaction rate from participants.  

Safety Of Microneedling

Is at-home Microneedling safe? 

When you are using a reputable microneedling tool designed for home use, and follow the cleaning and care guidelines, it is generally considered safe. 

The best at home microneedle tools use needles that are shorter compared to what professionals use at spas or clinics. 

Avoid using tools with needles at 1mm or longer at home as that increases the risks of excess injury to the skin which can cause scarring. Longer sizes should be used in a professional setting only since they can increase risk of complications. 

Can I Microneedle On Hypertrophic Scars?

Yes, a small study shows that a combination therapy of microneedling and application of silicone gel sheet improved raised scars by 68%.  

If you tend to keloid which is a more extreme case of hypertrophic scarring, microneedling is not recommended. If in doubt, consult a doctor or dermatologist first. 

What To know Before Microneedling

Sanitize your microneedling tool in 70% isopropyl alcohol before use. Avoid applying retinoids, AHA/BHAs, exfoliating acids, or benzoyl peroxide immediately after treatment.  

When do the Microchannels close up?

According to researchers, the microchannels created by 0.5 mm microneedles close within 15 minutes to 4 hours.  

When can we see results?

It usually takes at least 4-6 weeks to notice results.   The next day you may notice more glow to the skin and a plumping effect! 

To see a larger difference on acne scars or fine lines, it can take at least 3 months of microneedling consistently.  The frequency of how many times you can microneedle should be stated in the instructions of your tool.  

Remember, like going to the gym it takes consistency and time to see realistic results.   Keep in mind that everyone reacts differently and has different degrees of scars, so don't get discouraged if you feel like you aren't seeing results fast enough.  

You could also see some self submitted before-and-after microneedling images here.  

At-home Microneedling VS. Professional Microneedling

While there's benefits to both at home and professional microneedling, there are a few ways they differ.   

Professional Microneedling:

• Longer needles for deeper penetration
• Requires a skilled practitioner
• Higher costs ($350-$700 per session)
• More effective for severe scarring
• Longer downtime

At-home microneedling

• Suitable for a wider range of people ( Can microneedling around active breakouts ) 
• Shorter recovery time
• More affordable (around $5 per session)
• Easier to maintain consistency
• Less effective for deep severe scars

 

Types Of Microneedle Tools

There are different tools available like derma rollers, stamps, and motorized microneedle tools.  

The stamp tool is generally easier and safer to use because the needles penetrate vertically to reduce injury while rollers roll into the skin at angles that may lead to microtears causing 'tram track' scarring.   

Powered tools are typically used by a professional since they are more aggressive and can go quite deep into the skin. They also have the risk of being dragged onto the skin if not used with the right technique. 

What To Apply After Microneedling?

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

Applying Vitamin C serum after microneedling can boost collagen production.  It also helps in protecting against UV damage and reducing hyperpigmentation.  Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant that maintains the synthesis of collagen,  in order words, it accelerates skin repair.

According to researchers, using Vitamin C with microneedling had a 63% possibility of leading to smoother skin. Applying Vitamin C after microneedling can amplify the benefits of both of them.

Recommended Serum

Banish Serum

Apply Hydrating Moisturizer

Don't forget to keep skin moisturized as it helps skin heal and recover.

Post-Microneedling Precautions

• Avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen
• Avoid applying AHA/BHA's and retinol right after microneedling
• Avoid wearing makeup until the next day.  

Where to Buy a quality at home microneedling tool?

You can't go wrong with the Banisher 3.0, a gold-plated titanium microneedling tool. Its finer needles create precise micro-injuries, promoting collagen growth with minimal risk. Dermatologists recommend it for safe at-home use.

Banisher 3.0 

In conclusion, microneedling is an amazing way to increase collagen to help combat acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and other skin concerns that pop up whether you choose to do it at home or in-office.  

You can visit the @banish Instagram account or website to view post microneedling results.  

Microneedling Result Images  

Submitted By myjourney3212 Used  Banish Starter Kit 

Submitted by Jeni. Age 21. Used Banish Starter Kit 

 

References:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/needling-your-way-to-healthier-skin

 

1.Iriarte C, Awosika O, Rengifo-Pardo M, Ehrlich A. Review of applications of microneedling in dermatology. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017 Aug 8;10:289-298. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S142450. PMID: 28848356; PMCID: PMC5556180.

2. El-Domyati M, Barakat M, Awad S, Medhat W, El-Fakahany H, Farag H. Microneedling Therapy for Atrophic Acne Scars: An Objective Evaluation. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2015 Jul;8(7):36-42. PMID: 26203319; PMCID: PMC4509584.

3. Al Qarqaz F, Al-Yousef A. Skin microneedling for acne scars associated with pigmentation in patients with dark skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018; 17: 390–395. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12520

4. Fabbrocini G, Marasca C, Ammad S, Brazzini B, Izzo R, Donnarumma M, Monfrecola G. Assessment of the Combined Efficacy of Needling and the Use of Silicone Gel in the Treatment of C-Section and Other Surgical Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids. Adv Skin Wound Care. 2016 Sep;29(9):408-11. doi: 10.1097/01.ASW.0000490028.37994.14. PMID: 27538108.

5.Sitohang IBS, Sirait SAP, Suryanegara J. Microneedling in the treatment of atrophic scars: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Int Wound J. 2021; 18: 577–585. https://doi.org/10.1111/iwj.13559

---------

By Emma Fan

I’m Emma Fan, I went to Georgia Tech studying chemical engineering, and I'm a researcher in the microneedle laboratory at Georgia Tech.