From addressing visible signs of aging to reducing the appearance of acne scarring, there are few better minimally invasive treatments than microneedling. (Just ask your local Esthetician or Dermatologist.) But what is microneedling, exactly, and how does it boost the look and feel of your skin? Read on for the full lowdown, including how microneedling benefits your skin, what to expect during a treatment, and who should give it a shot.

What Is Microneedling?

Also known as collagen induction therapy, dermarolling, or skin needling, microneedling is a renowned cosmetic procedure that involves—you guessed it—needles. When these tiny needles puncture your skin, they create controlled damage that helps stimulate collagen and elastin production.

Collagen and elastin naturally decline as you age, so encouraging your skin to make more can help keep it firm and youthful-looking. As the skin heals, it rejuvenates itself, improving texture, tone, and clarity.

Collagen Induction Therapy Microneedling For the face

What Are Microneedling Benefits for Skin?

Microneedling can improve your skin on multiple levels, so it's no wonder it's a popular procedure. Here are a few ways microneedling benefits your skin.

Stimulates Collagen

Microneedling stimulates collagen production, a crucial protein that diminishes as you age, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. By promoting collagen synthesis, microneedling helps restore firmness and elasticity to the skin, and in turn, reduces the visible signs of aging.

Enhances Skin Texture

If you're struggling with uneven skin texture, including acne scars, enlarged pores, and rough patches, microneedling can help restore smoother, more radiant skin. It encourages cellular turnover to smooth imperfections and promote a more refined skin texture over time.

Improves Hyperpigmentation

Thanks to the same mechanism of action, microneedling can also address hyperpigmentation concerns such as sun damage, age spots, and melasma. By encouraging dead and damaged skin cell shedding and supporting the growth of new, evenly pigmented skin, this treatment helps fade discoloration and supports a more balanced complexion.

Boosts Product Absorption

Microneedling creates microchannels in your skin that enhance its ability to absorb the active ingredients in your topical skin care products. This synergistic effect maximizes your serums', toners', and moisturizers' efficacy, amplifying their benefits and accelerating results.

Which Skin Concerns Can Microneedling Help Address?

Microneedling can help resolve the following skin concerns:

Fine lines and wrinkles
Acne scars and other types of scarring
Uneven skin texture and tone
Hyperpigmentation and sun damage
Enlarged pores
Stretch marks

What Should You Expect during a Microneedling Treatment?

Before the procedure, your Derm will thoroughly cleanse and prep your skin. Depending on your needs and tolerance, they may apply a topical numbing cream to minimize discomfort during the treatment. They'll then pass the microneedling device gently over your skin, targeting specific areas of concern. The procedure usually takes between 10 and 20 minutes.

While some people experience mild discomfort or a sensation akin to light scratching during the procedure, it's generally well tolerated. Following the treatment, your skin may appear slightly red or flushed—similar to a mild sunburn—but this typically subsides within a few days. Most people can return to work or other usual activities the next day.

Should You Try Microneedling?

If you experience any of the aforementioned skin concerns—from fine lines and wrinkles to large pores, sun damage, and acne scars—you may want to try microneedling. However, if you have very sensitive or reactive skin, you may want to stick to an even gentler treatment, such as light-emitting diode therapy (LED therapy). When in doubt, ask a professional. PCA SKIN offers microneedling and LED treatments at various locations across the country, so contact a pro near you to see the results for yourself.

You can also experience enhanced hydration with the first professional grade microneedle eye patch from PCA SKIN.

Author:
Kaleigh Fasanella
Kaleigh Fasanella is a New Jersey-based beauty and wellness reporter with over a decade of experience writing for both digital outlets and brands. She previously worked at magazines like Allure and Teen Vogue before going freelance to write for a variety of publications. While she loves all aspects of beauty, she's especially passionate about skin care and helping others learn about and care for their skin.