acne scars

What Is Microneedling? Microneedling Benefits Explained

what is microneedling

   By Emma Fan, 

You may have heard of microneedling, a treatment that can help several skin concerns like acne scars, fine lines, and dark marks.  

What Is Microneedling?

 

@banishacnescars What is microneedling and how does it work to get rid of acne scars? #banishacnescars #acnescars #acnescartreatment #acnescar ♬ original sound - BANISH

 

Microneedling is also known as collagen induction therapy. It's based on the 1950's cosmetic treatment called mesotherapy.

Microneedling is a non-invasive procedure where several sterile micro needles are pressed into the skin. These pricks create tiny micro holes that trigger 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."

Microneedling causes a collagen synthesizing response in the skin. 

In terms of what skin conditions it can help with, Dermatologist Dr. Abby explains that "Microneedling works for many different skin conditions, 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.

    Microneedling is commonly done on the face, but can also be done on other areas including areas like 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

    Who's Not Suitable For Microneedling?

    • Active Rashes or infections
    • Open Wounds
    • Eczema or Rosacea
    • Pregnant
    • Taking certain medications such as Isotretinoin
    • Prone to keloid scars

    People who have a lot of active acne, active rashes, active infection, open wounds or cuts on the skin and keloid scarring (hypertrophic scars/poor wound healing), or are taking medication like isotretinoin are not suitable for microneedling.   It may take a longer time to recover for people who have poor self-healing ability.

      If you break out occasionally, you may try microneedling to treat scars, but make sure to avoid going over any active acne as that may spread the acne causing bacteria. 

      How Does Microneedling Work? microneedling drawing epidermis level 0.5mm

       

      Microneedling Increases Skincare Absorption

      Most skincare ingredients will be blocked by the skin barrier, that's why some skincare formulas make products at a harsher pH or add other ingredients to force extra penetration through the skin barrier.

      Microneedling solves this problem as it creates micro channels so skincare ingredients can effectively absorb into the skin.

      It's important to avoid applying products that are too strong like benzoyl peroxide, retinoids,  exfoliating products, or products with a lot of fragrance and preservatives right after microneedling.  

      Microneedling For Hyperpigmentation

      Microneedling has been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation.   Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of a part of the skin caused by excessive production of melanin.

      During the healing process after a microneedling session,  the old layers of damaged skin will peel off and the fresh new layers of skin will be pushed to the surface.  

      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, indicating the expected results and safety of the microneedling treatment.

      Safety Of Microneedling

      Is at-home Microneedling safe? 

      When you are using a microneedling tool designed for home use, from a reliable source along with proper handling and cleaning, it is considered safe

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

      Don't use anything 1mm or longer at home as that could increase the risks of trauma to the skin. Longer sizes should be used in a professional setting only since you are getting close to areas that contain blood vessels and nerve endings. 

        Can I Microneedle On Hypertrophic Scars?

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

        If you tend to keloid however, we recommend consulting with professionals first. 

        What you need to know before Microneedling

        All microneedle tools should be sanitized before use.  For home use, soak the bristles in 70% isopropyl alcohol to kill bacteria on the bristles.

        Microneedling is based on the reversible nature of human skin, so with the proper use, microneedling does not cause long term damage to the skin. The microchannels created heal and close up within a couple of hours. 

        When do the Microchannels close up?

        According to researchers, the microchannels created by 0.5 mm microneedles have been reported to fully close within 18 hours. Microchannels close in several hours depending on the length of needles.

        When can we see results?

        It usually takes 4-6 weeks to see minor results. 

        For a bigger difference on acne scars or fine lines, it can take up to 3 months.  Keep in mind that everyone has a different skin healing time and different degrees of scars.

        Check our customers self submitted before-and-after after trying microneedling with the Banisher. 

        At-home Microneedling VS. Professional Microneedling

        There are a few difference between microneedling at home and getting professional microneedling done.  

        Professional Microneedling

        • Needles are longer 
        • Needs professionals to operate
        • Costs more
        • Quicker effectiveness and better benefits especially on more severe scarring
        • Longer downtime and side effects

        At-home microneedling

        • Suitable for a larger range of people
        • Faster recovery because of shorter needles
        • Convenient at home
        • Less than $100 and can do up to 10 treatments
        • No bleeding and only causes a temporary redness
        • Good for maintenance and sustaining results but may not be as effective for severe scarring

        In comparison, both treatments have pros and cons. At-home microneedling is more cost-effective, available, and convenient, while professional may provide faster and better results for deep scarring or deeper fine lines. 

        How Much Does Microneedling Cost?

        In office microneedling may cost anywhere from $300 to $700 per session in the U.S. and it depends on the area.

        Although the number of sessions can vary, most people need three to six sessions for optimal results. With this in mind, you may spend anywhere from $600 to $4,200 overall. 

          A usual in office treatment course of microneedling consists of 3 to 5 sessions spaced at least 4 weeks apart - with results being seen in 3 months.

          Side Effects of Microneedling

          Several  scientific clinical trials have done and the results proved that microneedling is a  safe and effective therapeutic option for the treatment of scars.

          Here are some possible side effects after microneedling.

          Bleeding

          Bleeding is common after getting microneedling done in office, especially if long needles were applied for the treatment.  At home microneedling shouldn't cause bleeding. 

          Infection

          Sanitize your skin and microneedle tool thoroughly before using to eliminate this risk.   Do not share your tool with anyone and replace it regularly and there's pretty much little to no risk.

          If doing it in office, make sure that you are going to a reputable place, it is the person doing your procedure that matters, and follow the aftercare they give you.   

          Also be an active advocate in your treatments, don't continue getting microneedling treatments in office if you do notice a reaction or possible infection forming. 

          Itching & Mild Redness

          With home use tools, mild redness should go away after a few hours.

          You may feel some mild itching especially after professional treatments, but if the itching persists or worsens after 24 hours check in with your specialist or doctor. 

          With proper sanitation and standard products and steps, the possibility of experiencing these side effects is less than 0.1%.   

          Types Of Microneedle Tools

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

          Out of the home use tools, the stamp tool is generally safer and more foolproof to use as the technique is very simple.  Stamp tools also allow the needles to penetrate skin vertically which creates a better controlled micro injury. 

          Roller tools have a slight risk factor of 'tram track' scarring caused by the wrong technique and overly aggressive pressure. 

          Roller tools also have the needles roll into and out of the skin at an angle compared to a stamp, so some argue that it creates larger cuts out of the skin that are more like micro tears rather than a smaller controlled microchannel.

          Powered tools are typically used by a professional since they can go quite deep into the skin and may also have a small risk of creating micro tears if used with the wrong technique or incorrectly dragged on the skin. 

          What Skincare Should I Apply After microneedling?

          Vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid is at popular form of topical applied. 

          Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

          Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant that maintains the synthesis of collagen on human skins. In order words, it accelerates skin repair.

          The research study shows that vitamin C also helps photoprotection from UV A&B and inhibits hyperpigmentation.

          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.

          You may have heard some rumours that vitamin c shouldn't be applied after miconeedling because it causes granuloma's but after we read the entire study,  the patients were all reacting to the same formula of vitamin c from a particular brand. The researches hypothesized they most likely reacted to a fragrance or an unlabeled preservative in the serum - not necessarily vitamin c or all vitamin c serums.  

          Recommended Serum

          Banish Serum

          Apply Moisturizer

          Staying moisturized is also important after microneedling. 

          Keeping skin moisturized is important so skin is protected and less prone to irritation as it heals. The best product to help our skin stay moisturized is always a good cream or moisturizer.   The Banish Serum is also hydrating containing the humectant glycerin.  

          What should you avoid after microneedling?

          • Avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen
          • Avoid applying AHA/BHA's and retinol right after microneedling
          • Avoid wearing makeup  

          Where to buy a quality at home microneedling tool?

          banisher 2.0

           Banisher 2.0 ( MicroStamp)

          • 24k Gold Coated Titanium Bristles 
          • Finer and sharper bristles compared to other tools
          • Less irritation 
          • Needles go into the skin vertically each time
          • Lower risk of injury compared to rolling tools 
          • Dermatologist recommended 

          banisher 2.0 versus dermarollers

          In conclusion, microneedling is an amazing technique to combat acne scars and help with many other skin concerns that pop up whether you choose to do it at home or in-office. Take a look below to see some customer submitted results from microneedling.  

          You can find more examples @banish Instagram account and on the Banish website.

          Microneedling Results Before-And-After 

          Submitted By Customer Used  Banish Kit

          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 FAl-Yousef ASkin microneedling for acne scars associated with pigmentation in patients with dark skinJ Cosmet Dermatol201817390395https://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 IBSSirait SAPSuryanegara JMicroneedling in the treatment of atrophic scars: A systematic review of randomised controlled trialsInt Wound J202118577585https://doi.org/10.1111/iwj.13559

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          By Emma Fan

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

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            4 comments

            BANISH

            BANISH

            @Justin Allen. We’re so happy that you enjoyed this post! Our mission is to provide affordable options to those who want to safely treat acne scars at home.

            BANISH

            BANISH

            @AUREEN. Yes, it’s something common to experience. Despite answering late, we hope you’ve had a great experience and obtained your desired results.

            Justin Allen

            Justin Allen

            Thanks for sharing your view on microneedling. Your writing is amazing, wonderful, so clear, and understandable. I liked it. It’s going to help people who are thinking of getting microneedling treatment

            Aureen

            Aureen

            I went to my estetician she is great around 3 months ago I was veryyy itchy my face for over 4 days is it normal..I can waitvforvthec2nd treatment f

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