What Is Microneedling? Microneedling Benefits Explained

   By Emma Fan

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling is also known as collagen induction therapy. 

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

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
• Enlarged pores

Who's Not Suitable For Microneedling?

• Have certain skin conditions like Rosacea
• Taking certain medications such as Isotretinoin
• Prone to keloid scars
• Have a compromised immune system or medications that inhibit the immune response
• Going through cancer treatments 

 It may take a longer time to recover for people who have poor self-healing ability, and in office microneedling is not recommended if you have active acne, rashes, open wounds.  

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

How Does Microneedling Work? 

 

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.  Some skincare formulas don't bother to do this therefore certain ingredients may not even penetrate the skin at all. 

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.  

It's important to avoid applying products that are too strong like benzoyl peroxide, retinoids,  exfoliating products, or products with a lot of fragrance, silicone 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 from participants.  

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. 

The best 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 increases the risks of excess injury to the skin which can cause scarring. 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 which is a more extreme case of hypertrophic scarring, do not microneedle.  If in doubt, consult a doctor or dermatologist 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.

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 heal 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.  Some people can see results next day as an immediate glow to the skin and a plumping effect! 

For a bigger and more permanent difference on acne scars or fine lines, it can take at least 3 months of being consistent.  Remember, like going to the gym it takes consistency and time to see realistic results.   Keep in mind that everyone has a different skin healing time and different degrees of scars, so don't get discouraged if you feel like you aren't seeing results fast enough.  

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
• May have better benefits especially on more severe scarring
• Longer downtime and side effects

At-home microneedling

• Suitable for a larger range of people
• Faster recovery 
• Convenient at home
• Significantly less costly 
• No bleeding
• Easier to remain consistent with, but may not be as effective for severe scarring

In comparison, both treatments have pros and cons. At home microneedling costs significantly less at around $5 per session on average, while in office microneedling costs around $350-$700 on average. 

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 is common after getting microneedling done in office, especially if long needles were applied for the treatment.  At home microneedling done correctly won'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.

 

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 (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 rumors 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 Simple 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 until the next day.  

Where to buy a quality at home microneedling tool?

Banisher 3.0 

• Gold Plated Titanium Bristles 
• Finer and sharper bristles compared to other tools to create the minimal micro injury needed to stimulate collagen
• Needles go into the skin vertically each time with even pressure
• Lower risk of injury compared to other tools. 
• Dermatologist recommended 

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 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

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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.