Is Microneedling an Effective Acne Treatment? Benefits for Different Types of Acne

How Microneedling Can Be Used to Treat Different Types of Acne

Dealing with acne can be frustrating. Whether you have occasional breakouts or more stubborn acne, you want clearer skin. While medications and topical products help, microneedling is also emerging as a beneficial treatment option. But is it right for your type of acne?

Keep reading to learn more about how microneedling works and its effectiveness for treating different kinds of acne.

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy or percutaneous collagen induction, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure. It involves using a pen-like device covered in tiny needles to create microscopic punctures in the top layer of skin.

This controlled skin injury triggers the body to produce new collagen and elastin to repair the skin. The result is smoother, firmer, and more youthful looking skin. Microneedling is primarily used to treat concerns like:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Enlarged pores
• Uneven skin texture
• Dull, lifeless skin
• Acne scars

It is also growing in popularity for reducing active breakouts and acne.

How Does Microneedling Help Acne?

Microneedling offers a few potential benefits for treating acne:

• Creates tiny channels that allow penetration of topical treatments deeper into skin.
• Triggers collagen production that strengthens and heals skin.
• Increases blood flow and nutrient supply to skin cells.
• Promotes exfoliation and shedding of surface skin cells.
• Reduces oil production and inflammation.

Together, these effects combat acne by killing bacteria, normalizing cell turnover, decreasing oil, and improving overall skin health. Both rolling and stamping microneedling can reduce acne.

Microneedling for Different Acne Types

While microneedling can be beneficial for acne sufferers, results may vary based on your specific acne type:

Hormonal Acne

Hormonal fluctuations linked to puberty, periods, pregnancy, menopause, or conditions like PCOS often cause acne. For some women, hormonal acne persists well into adulthood.

Microneedling helps by:

• Increasing collagen to strengthen skin barrier function.
• Reducing inflammation and redness.
• Helping applied topical medications penetrate deeper.

However, microneedling alone does not address hormonal imbalance driving breakouts. Combining it with medications or supplements to regulate hormones provides greater relief for this type of acne.

Cystic Acne

Cystic acne consists of deep, swollen, painful pimples under the skin. It often results in scarring once lesions finally come to head.

For cystic acne, microneedling:

• Minimizes the risk of scarring by promoting healing.
• Allows penetration of topical anti-acne and antibacterial formulations into the skin.
• Helps dry out existing cysts and nodules.

However, microneedling alone may not fully treat the underlying causes of cystic acne. Combination therapy along with other treatments is recommended.

Adult Acne

Many adults continue battling acne well beyond their teen years. Stress, hormones, genetics, and medications can contribute to adult acne.

Microneedling is an effective treatment for adult acne because it:

• Regulates sebum production by reducing oil gland size.
• Repairs damage done by previous severe acne.
• Improves product absorption when used alongside topicals.

Adult acne often responds well to microneedling, especially in combination with customized skin care.

Blackhead/Whitehead Acne

Comedonal acne occurs when dead skin and oils clog pores. Blackheads are open comedones exposed to air, while whiteheads are closed comedones trapped under the skin.

For comedonal acne, microneedling works by:

• Clearing away debris and skin cells inside clogged pores.
• Reducing oil production and pore size.
• Killing acne-causing bacteria beneath the skin’s surface.

After a series of microneedling sessions, many experience reduced blackheads and whiteheads.

Back and Chest Acne

The thick skin on the back and chest is prone to clogged pores, bacteria buildup, and large acne lesions. Topical products alone often can’t penetrate deep enough to effectively treat these areas.

Microneedling is a smart choice for back and chest acne because:

• The needle length can be adjusted to properly penetrate thick skin.
• It increases absorption of topical acne fighters.
• It reduces oil production and kills acne-causing bacteria.

Within a few monthly microneedling sessions, most experience significant clearing of hard-to-treat back and chest acne.

What to Expect During Microneedling

During a microneedling appointment, your dermatologist will sanitize and numb the treatment area. Then, they will use a pen-like device with 12-36 tiny needle tips to create micro punctures across the skin.

With each pass of the device, the needles will penetrate to a preset depth to induce wound healing. Treatment time ranges from 10-30 minutes depending on the targeted area. Minimal downtime follows, with redness and irritation typically resolving within a few days.

Most patients require 3-6 sessions spaced 3-6 weeks apart. Maintaining results involves additional maintenance sessions every 6-12 months.

Microneedling Risks and Side Effects

When performed correctly by a board-certified dermatologist, microneedling is considered very safe with minimal risks. Potential side effects include:

• Mild pain/discomfort during treatment
• Temporary redness, swelling, bruising
• Skin sensitivity for 12-48 hours
• Rare risk of infection if improper sterilization

Proper numbing medication helps make the procedure comfortable. Serious risks are uncommon with microneedling but can include scarring and pigment changes if done incorrectly.

Aftercare Following Microneedling

Caring for skin properly after microneedling is crucial:

• Cleanse skin gently without scrubbing for 24 hours.
• Moisturize with a bland, fragrance-free cream.
• Avoid direct sun exposure until skin heals.
• Refrain from exercise, hot showers, swimming for 2-3 days.

Following proper aftercare limits side effects and promotes faster healing.

The Takeaway

Microneedling represents an exciting advancement in treating various types of acne when performed by a trained dermatologist. Along with proper skincare and medications, it can help get breakouts under control and leave skin looking clear and healthy.

While considered safe and effective for many, microneedling may not be right for severe inflammatory acne. Be sure to consult your dermatologist to develop an acne treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.