Microneedling may improve the skin’s appearance.

But does microneedling work?

Benefits range from skin tightening to reducing the appearance of acne scars.

Woman getting microneedling treatment

ReMa / Getty Images

Wrinkles

Microneedling lays down new collagen, elastin, and capillaries.

This process results in skin tightening.

Scars

People sometimes use microneedling to address acne, injury, or surgical scars.

William Truswell, MD

It is also effective in people with darker skin tones.

Acne scars may require four to six treatments spaced four to six weeks apart.

This treatment protocol can fade acne scars by 50-70%.

Acne

In addition to treating acne scars, microneedling can treatacne vulgaristhe most common form of acne.

Studies have found that microneedling treatment for acne is safe and effective.

It has a quick response, results in less scarring, and reduces recurrence.

Studies have found that nearly all participants report significant improvement in periorbital hyperpigmentation after microneedling.

What About Microneedling on Other Body Parts?

you’re free to also do body microneedling.

The benefits of microneedling on the face extend elsewhere on the body.

Plus, it may also treat hair loss.

Stretch Marks

Microneedling is good for all kinds of scars.

Research has found that microneedling can improve the appearance of stretch marks.

Hair Loss

Very few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of microneedling for hair loss.

At-Home Microneedling

At-home microneedling products are gentler and don’t fully puncture the skin.

That makes them less effective than receiving the procedure at a dermatologist’s office.

Doing microneedling at home also comes with risks.

Deciding to Get Microneedling

Like most cosmetic procedures, microneedling does not produce permanent results.

That means how long microneedling lasts depends on the skin condition and severity.

These factors will also influence how many microneedling treatments people need.

So, before you decide to get microneedling, it can help to evaluate the pros and cons.

Pros

Microneedling is an effective, proven procedure for various skin conditions.

The more it interferes with the way you feel, the greater the likelihood you may benefit from microneedling.

Cons

Microneedling may cost as much as several hundred dollars per session.

So, the expense can add up quickly.

After your procedure, you’ll need to avoid applying makeup for about a day.

You may need multiple sessions to see adequate results.

While there are at-home tools, they are less effective and not as safe.

So, it’s always best to receive microneedling from a professional for the best results.

Singh A, Yadav S.Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons.Indian Dermatol Online J.

2020;33(6):e14297.

doi:10.1111/dth.14297

Maatta J.Stretch mark treatment by tattooing and microneedling.Curr Probl Dermatol.