What is microneedling? And does it help reduce acne breakouts?
Microneedling treatment, West Malling, Kent
If you’re finding that your skincare isn’t giving your skin the smoothness or brightness that you’re looking for in your skin, then it might be the time to try microneedling. The minimally invasive treatment can be used all over the body – from the scalp to the ankles – to improve the appearance of scars, boost collagen, or encourage hair growth. It’s also a very effective treatment for fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and stretch marks.
What is microneedling, and how does it work?
Microneedling is a procedure that uses tiny needles in an automated pen to puncture the first layer of skin. When the skin feels these pinpricks, your body will naturally rush to heal them, resulting in a plumped, smoother, and more youthful appearance. This isn’t a quick fix as it involves the growth of new layers of skin: rather, it gradually reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves the overall texture.
The process isn’t painful, but nor is it entirely comfortable, and certain areas, like your forehead and jawline, will be more sensitive than others. It can be combined with targeted actives and serums, which are pushed into the deeper layers of the skin by the needles, where they can really get to work. Your skin is likely to be red immediately following treatment, but this should fade within a few hours.
What does microneedling do for your skin?
Microneedling treats fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks, sagging skin, and scarring. It’s an excellent way to reduce acne scars and is also very effective at improving the texture of crepey skin, and reducing wrinkles even in delicate areas such as around the eyes and mouth. It’s a complexion enhancer that gives the skin a healthy and rejuvenated look.
By opening up tiny channels in the skin, microneedling can also increase the absorption of post-perforation skincare ingredients such as hydrating hyaluronic acid. Studies have found that the skin shows a ‘considerable’ increase in collagen and elastin after just one treatment.
Is it good for acne breakouts?
Microneedling is almost guaranteed to make acne worse if used on active lesions.
Pustules, pimples, inflammation, nodules, or any form of active breakout, should be completely avoided. The needles will meet acne bacteria under the skin’s surface and spread it, igniting more and possibly even worse flare-ups.
The same caution applies to skin with active eczema, psoriasis, or any other active irritation.
Better choices for dealing with acne
It’s best to clear up acne before trying microneedling – usually with topical products like BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin or professional skin treatments such as chemical peels or HydraFacials – depending on the causes and severity of the acne.
Who is a good candidate for microneedling?
Microneedling is a brilliant treatment for myriad skin types and concerns, whether you want to plump fine lines and wrinkles or induce a deeply hydrated glow before a big event.
It’s effective for fading hyperpigmentation and even textured acne scars. By triggering the skin’s natural healing mechanism, the generation of new skin cells and collagen synthesis leads to the repair of visible acne scars, improvement of pigmentation, reversing sun damage, reduced appearance of wrinkles and enhanced skin texture.
Want to find out more about microneedling and whether it’s right for you? Click here to book a consultation.
Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.
