Is Microneedling Effective On Asian Skin?

By Daisy Jing

I’ve spent over 11 years exploring skincare solutions as someone who has had acne from a young age, and microneedling can work wonders for Asian skin with the right approach. Here’s why.

Unique Characteristics of Asian Skin

Asian skin has higher melanin levels, making it more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This means treatments involving heat or strong chemicals, like lasers or chemical peels, may cause discoloration. Microneedling, however, is a minimally invasive option that avoids these risks.

What is Microneedling

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a device with fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the skin’s natural healing process, boosting collagen and elastin production. It's almost like tricking your skin into thinking it needs to repair itself, leaving you with smoother, plumper skin over time.

Why Microneedling Works for Asian Skin

Asian skin is unique in its melanin production. Asians are more prone to hyperpigmentation (dark spots) and can scar more easily. This means we need to be extra careful with any treatments that involve the skin—however, when done correctly, microneedling can address issues like:

• Acne scars
• Fine lines
• Uneven texture
• Enlarged pores

The key is to ensure it’s done without being too aggressive. If the needles go too deep or if the skin isn’t properly prepped, it could lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is exactly what we don’t want.

What the Research Says

Research supports the safety and efficacy of microneedling for Asian skin. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that microneedling significantly improved pigmentation from acne scars in individuals with darker skin types, including Asian participants, without causing side effects like hyperpigmentation.

Another study highlighted that microneedling’s controlled injury process minimizes the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, making it a safer option for skin types prone to pigmentation issues.

A study in 2014 titled “Microneedling for Acne Scars in Asian Skin Type” shares the effectiveness of microneedling:

• Participants: 36 individuals with post-acne scars.
• Results: Acne scar scores decreased significantly, with 50-75% improvement in most patients after five monthly sessions.

Minimal side effects: Only a few cases of mild PIH and tram-track scarring, emphasizing the importance of proper technique and tools to eliminate risks.

My Personal Experience with Microneedling

I started microneedling after a recommendation from my plastic surgeon for my acne scarring, and within 6 months of microneedling regularly at home, my friends and family noticed and started complimenting me on my skin. It has been the biggest contributor to reducing my acne scarring I haven't had any adverse effects from microneedling. I feel like it also has contributed to my skin looking thicker and fuller in my 30s.

Tips for Safe Microneedling

If you’re considering microneedling, here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Choose the Right Professional: Go to someone experienced with Asian skin. They’ll know how to adjust the needle depth and treatment settings to minimize risks.
2. Use the Safest Tool: Avoid using a roller or needles that go too deep. Stick with a 0.5mm length manual stamper like the Banisher 3.0.
3. Aftercare is Everything: Post-treatment, your skin will be more sensitive. Stick to gentle, hydrating products and religiously apply sunscreen. Trust me, you don’t want to skip the SPF.
4. Be Patient: Microneedling isn’t an overnight fix. It takes a few sessions, and you need to give your skin downtime to heal and produce new collagen.

Recommended Home Microneedling Tool

For a balance between safety and results, the Banisher 3.0 features ultra-fine needles and replaceable heads to minimize risks like tram-track scarring.

It can be paired with our Vitamin C Serum that is made fresh to ensure potency to boost results and comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Is Microneedling Worth It on Asian Skin?

For me, the answer is a resounding yes. It is one of the safer treatments for Asian ethnic skin compared to lasers or peels. The physical results for smoothing skin texture and reducing collagen loss are amazing. It also gave me a huge confidence boost. If you’ve been struggling with acne scars or uneven texture, microneedling is a great option, especially for those of Asian descent.

If you’re on the fence, I’d say give it a shot.

References:

1. Dogra S, Yadav S, Sarangal R. Microneedling for acne scars in Asian skin type: an effective low-cost treatment modality. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2014 Sep;13(3):180-7. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12095. PMID: 25196684.
2. Al Qarqaz F, Al-Yousef A. Skin microneedling for acne scars associated with pigmentation in patients with dark skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018 Jun;17(3):390-395. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12520. Epub 2018 Mar 15. PMID: 29543377.
3. Brandon E. Cohen, Nada Elbuluk, Microneedling in skin of color: A review of uses and efficacy, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 74, Issue 2, 2016, Pages 348-355, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2015.09.024.