Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While there are many treatments available to help reduce the appearance of acne, micro-needling has gained popularity in recent years as a safe and effective option. But what exactly is micro-needling, and how does it work to combat acne?
The team at Victorian Dermal Group will help you delve into the world of micro-needling, exploring everything you need to know about this innovative treatment. From understanding how it works to its benefits in overcoming acne scarring, we'll cover all the key details to help you determine whether micro-needling could be the right solution for your acne-prone skin.
What is Micro-Needling?
Skin needling or micro-needling is a skin rejuvenation treatment used to minimise acne scars and trigger the skin’s natural healing process.
The treatment involved utilising precision needles on a fast roller that will form small punctures in the skin. Doing this enough times will stimulate collagen production in your skin and trigger a much-needed healing response. Micro-needling is a leading choice for rectifying facial acne scars and uneven skin texture.
The Benefits of Microneedling for Acne Scars
Not only is micro-needling an innovative, minimally invasive treatment but it also provides a range of benefits for the skin - especially for those prone to acne. Some of the many benefits include:
- Collagen and elastin production
- Fewer acne breakouts
- Strengthening of skin tissue
- Helps with cystic acne
- Gets rid of atrophic post-acne scars
- Helps with stretch marks and other skin concerns
Does Micro-needling Work for Acne Scars?
Micro-needling is an effective way to get rid of acne scarring. Unlike other laser treatments, the process relies on having needles penetrate the skin multiple times to trigger its natural healing properties. We understand that there are many forms of acne and associated scarring, so it’s important to understand what kind of skin surface you have and how micro-needling may be beneficial.
If you need help determining your skin type and whether micro-needling is good for your acne scarring, book a consultation with our specialists today.
Micro-Needling for Hypertrophic Scars
Hypertrophic scars appear as raised lesions of tissue on the skin that occur as a result of the acne healing process. The formation of hypertrophic scars depends largely on how your skin heals and the amount of fibrous tissue growth in the region.
Hypertrophic scarring is likely to occur if:
- Your skin tends to get more inflamed
- You pick or squeeze at acne lesions
- You regularly smoke
- You have a darker skin tone
Micro-needling is an ideal way to heal hypertrophic scars as the process forms new collagen inside the scar and helps to strengthen the skin’s elasticity. This treatment will also reduce the discolouration associated with scarring and smooth the skin.
Micro-Needling for Atrophic Acne Scars
Atrophic acne scars are very common. They are known as indented or pitted scars that heal below the normal layer of skin tissue and are often a result of severe acne.
These indentations can form the following types of scarring:
- Ice-pick scars - small and narrow scars resembling large pores
- Boxcar scars - indented into the skin and resemble chickenpox scarring
- Rolling scars - no distinct edges and usually found on the cheeks
Micro-needling for pitted scars is a popular clinical choice. This is because the more collagen produced, the strong your skin’s barrier will be. The use of rolling a group of needles and puncturing the skin will provide long-term benefits for acne-prone skin.
Can Skin Needling Cause Breakouts?
While micro-needling can do wonders for acne scarring, it is not guaranteed to work for every skin type. For example, people with certain skin conditions, like psoriasis or eczema, may not be the best candidates for this procedure.
An acne flare-up may occur after the skin needling treatment due to the needles puncturing the skin and opening up the pores, which may allow bacteria to enter the skin. However, there are a few simple things you can do to prevent pimples after a skin needling session:
- Avoid direct sun exposure
- Do not apply makeup, vitamin C or exfoliants for the first 24 hours
- Avoid touching or picking at your skin
- Don’t take hot showers or baths immediately after treatment
- Use a light moisturiser
Read more of our skin needling aftercare tips here.
Can I Use Skin Needling for Active Acne?
A dermatologist will avoid micro-needling over areas where you have active acne. This is because the treatment does not work on open lesions. Skin needling active acne can instead make matters worse and result in irritated acne, inflamed skin or a heightened spread of bacteria.
Micro-needling should only be used to rectify acne scarring instead of fighting active acne itself. Talk to a Victorian Dermal Group dermatologist today for advice on how to treat active acne.
