What Is Microneedling? Microneedling Benefits Explained

Sep 18, 2025

By Emma Fan

What Is Microneedling? A Complete Guide

Ever heard of microneedling and wondered what all the buzz is about? Think of it as a little secret weapon for your skin! Basically, it's a super popular beauty treatment that uses tiny, fine needles to make microscopic punctures in the very top layer of your skin.

This process actually kickstarts your body's natural healing powers, encouraging it to produce more collagen and elastin.

The awesome result? Skin that looks smoother, firmer, and just generally more youthful. This guide will explain everything you need to know about microneedling, how it works, what it can do for you, how to stay safe, and how to get the best results.

How Does Microneedling Work?

Imagine your skin as a super smart repair shop. When you microneedle, you're essentially creating tiny, almost invisible scratches on its surface using a special tool with super-fine needles. These tools can be things like derma rollers, pens, or stamps. When your skin detects these little scratches, it kicks into high gear to fix them!

This healing process involves three stages:

1. First Response (Inflammation):Your body sends in the clean-up crew, increasing blood flow and releasing special growth factors to start the repair.

2. Building Blocks (Proliferation):This is where the magic happens! Your skin starts making brand new skin cells, and most importantly, fresh collagen and elastin – the stuff that keeps your skin plump and bouncy.

3. Finishing Touches (Remodeling): The new collagen and elastin get organized and tighten up, making your skin look and feel much better.

Not only does this whole process rejuvenate your skin, but it also creates tiny pathways that help your favorite skincare products sink in deeper and work even better [1]. Think of it as giving your serums a VIP pass into your skin!

Amazing Benefits of Microneedling

Microneedling is like a multi-tasking superhero for your skin because it can tackle so many different concerns.

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

Here are some of the main skin concerns it can help with:

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

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"

Who's a Good Candidate for Microneedling?

Good news! Microneedling is generally safe and works well for almost all skin types and tones. Unlike some other treatments that use heat (which can sometimes cause issues for darker skin), microneedling doesn't, making it a great option for everyone. You can use it on your face, neck, chest, and even on areas with stretch marks or scars.

Who Should Probably Skip Microneedling?

While it's amazing for many, there are a few situations where microneedling might not be the best idea. You should definitely avoid it if you have [4]:

Active breakouts, eczema, psoriasis, or any other inflamed skin conditions in the area you want to treat.
A history of keloid scars (those raised, thick scars).
Bleeding disorders or if you're taking blood-thinning medications.
A compromised immune system.
Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Are currently undergoing radiation or chemotherapy.
Any open wounds, cuts, or scrapes on your skin.
Are taking certain medications like Isotretinoin (Accutane)

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.

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.

At-home Microneedling VS. Professional Microneedling

You can get microneedling done by a pro at a clinic or try it yourself at home. Here are the differences so you can pick the best option for you.

Feature	Professional Microneedling	At-Home Microneedling
Needle Length	Longer (0.5mm to 3.0mm), goes deeper into the skin.	Shorter (0.1mm to 0.5mm)
Device Type	microneedling pens, some have RF	Simpler derma rollers or manual stamps.
Effectiveness	More dramatic results for serious issues (deep scars, wrinkles).	Great for milder concerns (texture, tone, mild acne scars, product absorption).
Cost	More expensive ($350-$800 per session).	Much more affordable (just the cost of the device, usually less than $10 per session).
Downtime	Longer recovery (2-7 days of redness, swelling, peeling).	Shorter recovery (a little redness, usually gone in hours).
Risk of Injury	Very low when done by a trained expert specializing in microneedling for your specific skin type.	Also low when following instructions and keeping it sanitary
Supervision	Done by dermatologists or PA's or aestheticians.	You're in charge! Just follow instructions.

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 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.

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

banisher 2.0 versus dermarollers

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 Customer Used Banish Kit

and Pumpkin Enzyme Masque.

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.

4 comments

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.

October 12, 2023 at 12:17 pm

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.

October 12, 2023 at 12:17 pm

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

October 27, 2022 at 11:07 am