Acne scars can be as frustrating as the issue itself. That’s especially true for anyone who has ever dealt with pockmarks from acne. Ugh. If you’ve had a breakout and now have indented acne scars or divots to show for it, you’re probably already familiar with this skincare saga. And if you’re not, welp, this is still relevant to you.
Because any inflammatory pimple has the potential to leave you with a pockmark.
So whether you’re someone who already has pockmarks and are looking to improve them, or you’re just someone who wants to avoid them in the future – keep reading to find out how microneedling can help you.
What is Microneedling?
Simply put, microneedling is the insertion of very fine short, sterilized needles into the skin for rejuvenation. When the skin feels these pinpricks, your body will naturally rush to heal them. This results in a plumped more youthful appearance.
As the skin heals, new collagen is generated by the body’s own natural processes. When this happens, the pre-treatment damage from acne is reduced and new skin is generated, promoting significantly improved skin texture.
How Does Microneedling Improve Acne Scars?
Microneedling is collagen induction therapy. This is a proven method to reduce the appearance of acne scarring, fine lines, and stretch marks. Microneedling significantly reduces the signs of scarring specifically from pitted acne scars. Notice how acne scars vary in size and appearance? This is because there are multiple kinds of pitted acne scars or pockmarks.
Three Main Types of Pockmarks
- ice pick scars (small, narrow, and deep, like a toothpick made the hole)
- boxcar scars (broad, sunken depressions with well-defined edges)
- rolling scars (similar to boxcar scars, but smoother and shallower, making the skin surface look uneven and “rolling”)
These needles penetrate through the epidermis in order to stimulate the natural healing process of the skin. In this way, the body is able to produce new collagen and elastin in the body, reducing the appearance of scars and lines on the skin without the need for recovery time unlike invasive plastic surgery procedures. It’s an innovative method for improving skin conditions on a variety of skin types, and actively increases the production of collagen.
The needles range from 0.5–2.5 mm and rotate over the skin from a pen-like device, which creates tiny wounds that breach the stratum corneum – the top-most layer of the skin to reach the epidermis and deeper dermis.
If we are able to create tiny controlled injuries, then we are able to promote collagen formation, which in turn allows the skin to remain tighter and thicker as we age.
How Microneedling Compares to Other Procedures
Laser rejuvenation, chemical peels and other invasive methods remove tissue to start collagen production in your skin. Lasers either remove the top layers of skin or remove only small parts or fractions of the skin.
Both micro-needling and lasers result in collagen production that continues slowly months after treatment, but the lasers remove tissue resulting in a much longer recovery time.
Micro-needling is better than lasers because it creates micro-injuries (tiny vertical channels in the dermis) without using heat and does not remove layers of skin.
This is why the skin heals so rapidly from micro-needling when compared to the recovery time from lasers or any other method. For this same reason, micro-needling is much less prone to infection.
Microneedling is NOT allowed within the scope of licensed estheticians in the state of California. You will need to seek treatment from a doctor or dermatologist.
Is At Home Microneedling Safe for Acne Scars?
At-home microneedling is another option many people are turning to because of the convenience. However, using a skincare professional is safer and a more effective option, rather than at-home microneedling.
While home rollers are much more cost-efficient they are not the same quality as professional-grade pens. In fact, home rollers hardly penetrate your skin at all.
Although the home rollers cause less pain they are much less effective and will not produce the same type of results. At best, an at-home roller will increase blood flow and temporarily give you glowy skin. BUT – we don’t recommend the use of any at home micro-needling devices.
Risk of infection is very high when using unregulated devices in an environment that is not clinical or sanitary; it is also very easy to unknowingly roller a part of the face that is already infected.
Microneedling also can cause acne to rear it’s ugly head, so we recommend that you wait at least one year after remaining completely clear before you think about microneedling. If your diet and skincare regime are not consistent for clear skin, you will definitely have issues with microneedling and breaking out.
Collagen Boosting Tips for Improving Acne Scars
There are several products we offer that will improve the texture of your skin. With a simple consultation we’re able to assess the needs of your skin. Topical treatments for activating and strengthening collagen:
Vitamin A
Vitamin A Propionate clears up existing acne, but also helps to fade scarring and prevent new acne impactions from forming. A Plus Exfoliating Serum stimulates collagen production and accelerates cellular turnover to reduce the thick outer layer of dead skin cells while building and firming skin structure.
Peptides
These messenger molecules tell the skin to produce more collagen and elastin, the essential elements of a plump, smooth texture. Peptide Boost encourages cell renewal and reduces wrinkles, acne scarring and hyperpigmentation with a potent blend of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-brightening ingredients.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential co-factor in the production of collagen. It’s also a potent antioxidant that helps build collagen and prevents it from being broken down. Deep C is a hydrating serum that helps to support natural collagen synthesis and brightens and balances the tone and texture of skin.
Acids
Acids promote collagen production by accelerating cell renewal and improve texture by removing the top layers of dead skin. Clarifying Serum 10 is an alpha hydroxy acid that provides a gentle approach to targeting acne, aging and discoloration with dramatic results.
The Takeaway
The best way to prevent pockmarks or acne scarring is by getting a skincare therapist and a dermatologist involved early on in your skin journey.
A delay in professional treatment = scars. Simple as that.
And the same goes for those who already have pockmarks. Your skin’s ability to produce new collagen wanes as you age, which only makes it more difficult to respond to collagen-stimulating treatments, topical or otherwise. The sooner you can see a dermatologist for treatment, the better your results will be.
We may have been forced into more DIY beauty practices as a result of quarantining and social distancing during the last two years, but there are severe risks associated with at-home microneedling.
For those on the hunt for a glowing complexion, the reality is that making microscopic wounds in your skin should undoubtedly be left to the professionals. Schedule your initial consultation today & let us help you get started on your journey to having clear skin!
Cheers to clear!
Rene
