Improve Acne Scarring With Microneedling
Have you heard of microneedling? It’s a facial treatment designed to promote collagen and elastin production. This is great news for the 5.6 million Canadians who struggle with acne and the subsequent scars that can come after a big breakout.
Do you feel there’s no hope against the onslaught of acne scars on your face? Stop battling with your complexion and start enjoying the benefits of microneedling sessions.
This incredible skincare treatment helps with skin discolouration due to age or natural pigmentation and reduces acne scars.
Read on as we explore why microneedling can be one of the most effective solutions to acne scarring.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a skin rejuvenation treatment that uses tiny needles to stimulate collagen and elastin production.
This safe and effective procedure helps reduce the appearance of:
- Wrinkles
- Fine lines
- Scarring
- Enlarged pores
- Other skin imperfections associated with aging
It also encourages new cell growth and healthier skin, and increases overall facial volume. If that sounds great, then sit tight. We’re not done talking about the benefits of microneedling just yet.
It also helps to:
- Restore hydration
- Improve elasticity and firmness of the skin
- Increase cellular turnover
- Even out skin tone
The result is a more youthful-looking complexion. How does it work? The needles used are very thin, so minimal discomfort or pain should be involved. Professional microneedling usually takes around 30 minutes at a clinic or salon.
If you book a professional home visit, it can take a bit longer due to preparation that requires additional time.
How Microneedling Helps Acne Scarring
So, now that we know how microneedling works, how does it help acne scarring? Unlike laser treatments or chemical peels that get rid of the top layer of skin on your face, the biggest benefit of microneedling is that it stimulates collagen production.
This new collagen production can help fill in indented acne scars and result in a smoother overall complexion. Additionally, microneedling encourages your skin cells to produce more hyaluronic acid. This can lead to brighter and fuller skin over time.
With regular microneedling treatments and proper aftercare, you can see improvements in the appearance of your acne scars (both in terms of a reduction in scarring as well as a more filled in look).
If you currently struggle with acne or scarring, here’s what to know before booking your microneedling sessions.
Can You Get Microneedling On Acne?
Unfortunately, it’s not the best treatment if you’re currently suffering from an acne breakout. Although microneedling is an effective treatment for reducing acne scars and other forms of scarring, individuals with open acne lesions shouldn’t undergo the procedure.
Additionally, people with skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema may not be ideal candidates for microneedling. This is because the needles might irritate the skin or lead to infections if you have open sores.
With that in mind, it’s always best to consult your local dermatologist or skincare clinic. We offer microneedling in Ottawa for people of all ages and skin types. If you have questions about whether or not you can reduce acne with microneedling, then get in touch. One of our skincare experts can assess your situation and provide recommendations accordingly.
What is The Microneedling Process?
The microneedling process is relatively quick and easy.
First, your specialist will likely apply a numbing cream to reduce discomfort. Then, they’ll use a specialized tool that creates tiny punctures on the skin. And, yes, we’re talking tiny punctures (they’re so small you can’t even see them, and most of the time, you won’t feel a thing).
Depending on the area being treated and the complexity of the microneedling, this process usually only lasts 10 to 20 minutes. If necessary, they might also apply a special cream or serum to stop any bleeding should it occur.
The best part? Microneedling has minimal recovery time. This means you can return to your daily activities soon after treatment. However, you will want to ensure you wear sunscreen as your skin will be extra sensitive; avoid direct sunlight as much as possible immediately after the treatment (and the few days following).
Consider Your Skin Conditions
Are you ready to book your microneedling session? Wait one second. Before you book anything, it’s important to consult a professional to ensure you’re in good health and don’t have any pre-existing conditions.
Not all skin types are suitable for microneedling, so understanding your current skin condition can help you decide if it’s the right choice. If you suffer from certain skin issues, such as cold sores or rosacea, microneedling can exacerbate the condition and make it worse.
The bottom line? Microneedling effectively reduces acne scars, but it’s not the best solution for everybody’s skin type or skin condition.
The Benefits of Microneedling
You know that microneedling helps stimulate collagen production. That’s the main benefit of this skincare treatment. Aside from its ability to help your body produce more collagen, what else can you expect to enjoy after a few microneedling sessions? Here is a comprehensive list of all of the benefits of microneedling.
Reduce Acne Scars
As the micro needles pass over a scarred skin area, they create tiny channels that help encourage natural healing processes. As the body’s healing processes occur, any wrinkles or acne scars on the skin’s surface become reduced, leaving you with a smoother and healthier-looking complexion.
Increase Collagen Production
Collagen is an important protein in our skin that gives it structure and strength.
Over time, collagen begins to break down, and when microneedling is used, this process can be reversed as new collagen fibres are built. As microneedling targets deep layers of the skin to create new collagen fibres, it helps reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles on the surface layer.
Improve Skin Texture & Tone
With microneedling, most people can experience a more vibrant, healthier complexion with renewed elasticity, improved texture, less discolouration, and fewer fine lines. How does that work, though?
Microneedling creates microscopic wounds on the skin’s surface, prompting the body to respond by producing new cells and increasing blood flow. Consequently, most patients notice brighter, smoother skin after microneedling, thanks to enhanced cell turnover and improved circulation.
Reduce Large Pores
Struggle with large pores? While that’s usually due to genetics, microneedling treatments offer a safe and effective way to reduce enlarged pores on the skin.
By triggering our skin’s natural wound-healing response, microneedling increases the production and distribution of collagen in the area treated. This allows for a plumping effect. The result? Tightened, smaller pores.
Eliminate Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Finally, microneedling can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As the micropunctures heal, the new collagen tightens the skin. It also helps produce brand-new skin cells, which results in a more youthful complexion.
What to Expect After A Session
Now, what can you expect during and after the session?
During a microneedling session, you might experience slight discomfort from the needles. It should feel like a slight pinch for most people. After the microneedling has finished, your skin may appear red or slightly swollen for up to 24 hours, but this should subside shortly after.
You may also notice some light peeling on the day or days following the procedure. Don’t worry! That’s an expected outcome. It should typically fade within a few days of microneedling.
Overall, microneedling is an excellent way to give your skin a gentle reawakening and achieve long-term results with improved texture and tone. With little downtime and few side effects, it’s a great way to help improve your skin’s texture while reducing acne scars overall.
Microneedling Aftercare Tips
After microneedling, your skin will be sensitive, so you’ll want to avoid any activities that could damage your skin or create irritation.
Avoid sun exposure and wear a hat or sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily. Avoiding heavy makeup and facial creams can also help keep your skin safe and healthy as it heals from microneedling.
You should also wash the treatment area with a gentle face wash twice daily, be sure not to scrub or cleanse too harshly. Lastly, moisturizing frequently can help keep the skin hydrated and reduce irritation from microneedling.
Following these tips can help ensure optimal microneedling results!
How Many Microneedling Sessions Do You Need?
Unfortunately, there’s no magic number here. The number of microneedling sessions you need to achieve your desired results will depend on a variety of factors, such as:
- The severity of your skin condition
- How deep your acne scars are
- Your skin type
- The particular microneedling procedure you’re getting
Generally speaking, most microneedling treatments usually require 4-6 sessions. Some dermatologists may recommend you space your sessions out every four to six weeks, while others recommend going every three months or so.
As you can see, the recommendations vary quite a bit. That’s why it’s important to talk to a medical professional before deciding on any treatment. They’ll be able to best advise you on the number of microneedling sessions you need to get the best results.
Schedule Your Microneedling Consultation
Are you ready to reduce acne scars with microneedling?
At Sublime MediSpa, we offer some of the best microneedling services in Ottawa. To start your skincare journey with us, book an appointment now.