There seems to be a perception that acne is a condition that only affects teenagers, but the reality is that a person can have acne at any age. And even if you don’t have active acne right now, you may be left with the marks of the acne you once had. Acne can leave scars behind that last a lifetime, so even if you are pimple free and have been for years, you can still feel self-conscious about the appearance of dark spots on your skin. Although it may seem like these scars are permanent, there are treatments available that can reduce their appearance. Microneedling can help address acne scars so they are less visible.
How Microneedling Works
This cosmetic procedure is performed by a skin care specialist to help rejuvenate the skin and boost collagen production. Collagen is a protein that is naturally produced in the skin that provides elasticity and plumpness to the skin. Microneedling uses a device called a derma-roller, which is essentially a tool with a rotating cylindrical roller with many tiny sharp points. When these tiny needles prick the skin, it signals to the body that there is damage in that area that needs to be repaired and the area produces more collagen. This creates firmer, smoother skin.
How Microneedling Addresses Acne Scars
Acne scarring is caused by the inflammation of acne blemishes. When a breakdown occurs in the wall of a pore, it can cause scarring. Acne scars can also be caused by regular removal of acne scabs, such as when a person picks at their acne scars. Whatever the cause, acne scars can remain present for a person’s entire life. Microneedling can be used to help reduce the appearance of acne scarring by stimulating collagen production, which plumps the skin and helps to fill in the scars. Microneedling also stimulates new cell growth, which decreases the appearance of acne scars as new cells grow and replace the damaged skin.
When Not To Use Microneedling For Acne
Because microneedling works to plump and firm the skin, this treatment works on depressed acne scars but not raised acne scars. Microneedling is also not a treatment meant to address active or ongoing acne. Since acne has bacteria within it, using microneedling on skin with active acne, pustules, inflammation, or nodules can result in bacteria on the needles that spreads over the skin. Since microneedling creates tiny abrasions, this can lead to a quick outbreak of acne. To avoid incidents such as these, you should avoid at-home microneedling.
Results After Treatment
Scars may or may not be visibly reduced after one treatment depending on your skin type, your treatment of your skin before and after microneedling, and the depth of the scars. If your scars are light and you take care of your skin after your treatment by not picking at the skin and using plenty of moisturizer, you may see a difference in the appearance of your acne scars right away. For darker or deeper scars, you may need several rounds of microneedling to see results.
Microneedling can address more than just acne scars. To learn more about the benefits of microneedling and the concerns it can address, read How Does Microneedling Work?
If you’re tired of living with your acne scars, microneedling can help reduce their appearance while providing you with firmer, smoother skin. For effective and safe microneedling, have your treatment performed by trained skin care professionals. At Glo Skin And Medspa in Edmonton, our staff of skin care experts will assess your skin and discuss your desired outcomes to create individualized treatment strategies and ideal results. Our skin care staff can administer microneedling to address your acne scar concerns and they will educate you on how to care for your skin post-treatment. To speak to a skin care specialist, contact Glo Skin and Medspa at 1-780-481-9772 or fill out the online contact form.
Q: Is microneedling used only on the face?
A: While the face is a very popular area for microneedling, this treatment can also be used on other areas such as the chest or back, which are also very common areas for acne. Speak to a Glo Skin And Medspa skin specialist if you have another area of concern you would like to address.
Q: Is this treatment good for darker skin tones?
A: Yes. Unlike some other skin treatment options, microneedling does not damage or remove the outer layer of skin and therefore doesn’t have the potential to cause discolouration. It is safe for all skin tones.
Q: How many microneedling treatments might I need?
A: It is typically recommended to have 3 microneedling treatments 4 weeks apart, although this may vary depending on your skin type, your desired treatment outcomes, and the area of treatment. Book a complimentary consultation with a Glo Skin skin care specialist to discuss your personalized treatment.
