Today, microneedling has become one of the most popular and effective techniques for skin rejuvenation. This method, with no need for surgery and long-term recovery, changes your appearance significantly. Many people suffering from acne scars for years finally could experience their skin with a smoother, brighter, and healthier condition. The importance of this treatment is perceived more when we understand that acne scars do not only adversely affect the face. They could weaken an individual’s self-confidence, make them worried, even limit the social interactions.
Inducing the skin naturally to produce collagen, microneedling for acne scars pinpoints the damaged site, repairing the skin tissue generally. This reconstruction removes scars mostly and enhances the general skin quality. Previously, we discussed the application of microneedling for dark spots. Also, we have detailed the microneedling for stretch marks. In this guide, prepared by the research team of Amada, we explain all of the scientific and practical aspects of the microneedling treatment for acne scars. If you are curious about the microneedling Marietta, stay with us to the end of this blog.
What are acne scars and why do they appear?
Acne scar is one of the most common skin problems that remains on the skin after inflammation or the damage caused by acne. When the skin is covered by severe acne or deep inflammations, natural collagen production is interrupted. Subsequently, the skin is not repaired completely. This may cause unevenness or dark spots.
The main reason for forming scars
A skin has three steps of repair including inflammation, incubation, and reconstruction. If any step, especially the inflammation, is interrupted, the skin is not able to produce enough collagen regularly. The treatment becomes more effective with consistent aftercare.
There are also other reasons for scar formation. Picking or pressing the acne damages the skin in deeper levels. Cystic acne usually produces larger scars. Some people are genetically prone to skin inflammation and scars. Late scar treatment is another reason for more damage. Finally, by decrease in collagen production, aging clarifies the scars more.
The types of acne scars
Those who work on skincare know that there are different types of acne scars. This categorization is crucial for choosing the appropriate treatment. In the following table, we summarize the type of scars and their shape and form.
| Type of Scar | Characteristics |
| Ice Pick | Deep, narrow, and sharp indentations that look like small pin-point pits. |
| Boxcar | Depressed scars with sharp, well-defined edges. |
| Rolling Scars | Wavy, uneven depressions that create a rolling or undulating skin texture. |
| Hyperpigmentation | Brown or dark spots left after acne (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation). |
| Keloid / Hypertrophic | Thick, raised scars caused by excess collagen production. |
How does microneedling help to remove acne scars?
Microneedling for acne scars is one of the most effective and minimally invasive techniques. It repairs the skin by natural body induction to produce collagen and elastin for improving the acne scars.
The main mechanism
Inducing collagen production through controlled micro-damage is the main mechanism of the technique. During microneedling, very fine needles create micro canals on the skin surface. These controlled wounds force the skin cells to produce new collagen and elastin. By this, the damaged tissue is reconstructed. Also, the excessive pigments are removed.
How does the treatment work?
Needles penetrate in the depth of the dermal, where the scar exists. Microneedling for acne scars loosens the stiffened tissues and adherent scars gradually. It also decreases the depth of depressions. After a while, the skin surface gets smoother. On the other hand, the blood circulation increases, covering the damaged skin with new cells.
Benefits of microneedling for acne scars
There are various solutions for improving the skin quality. Compared to laser therapy, RF, and filler, microneedling possesses extensive benefits. In contrast to laser, microneedling does not produce heat. Therefore, there is a minimum risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The method is also more proper for light brown, chestnut, and espresso skin color. Also, without any external material or severe damage, the technique forces the body to repair itself by producing collagen. This method could be combined with other treatments to heal ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars. Another benefit is that the recovery period is noticeably short, ranging 24 to 72 hours. The redness and slight inflammation are natural. The type of skin treatment is safe and reliable. Microneedling for acne scars is a cost-effective approach while it has significant results. The final skin appearance seems naturally softer, smoother, and even. Many patients feel more confident after seeing early improvements.
The results of microneedling for acne scars
As mentioned before, the results emerge gradually and naturally. Here, we explain them based on the time intervals. After the first session, the skin gets brighter, while its tissue is softer. It may seem slightly red for 1 to 2 days. For the second session, the undulating skin texture reduces. Also, the depth of scars lowers. In most people, after the third session, 40–60% improvement has been seen. Additionally, the skin gets stiffer and smoother. Finally, when the sessions 4–6 are complete, depending on the type of scar and the technique, the healing rate will be 60–90%. Alongside, the wrinkles, wide pores, and spots decrease. In general, the skin structure is revolutionized. Small changes in texture often appear sooner than expected.
How many microneedling sessions are needed to treat acne scars?
To answer this question, we should consider the type of scar. If the scar is superficial, the microneedling for acne scars takes 3–4 sessions. In the case of medium scar, 4–6 sessions are appropriate. To treat an Ice Pick or Boxcar scar, 6–8 sessions are needed. For hybrid treatment, 3–5 sessions are recommended. Finally, microneedling with RF only needs 2–4 sessions. It should be mentioned that for sufficient collagen production, a gap of 4–6 weeks is mandatory. Note that this is a monthly procedure. On the other hand, scars are usually deep, requiring complete repair.
The difference between microneedling and laser for acne scars
We explained that microneedling does not need any heat. It is a proper technique for dark-colored skins. The risk of PIH is minimum. The recovery period is short. Microneedling for acne scars is a cost-effective method. It needs more sessions. Last but not least, it is safe and reliable even for sensitive skins.
On the other hand, fractional laser could produce faster results. It is also an efficient option for very deep scars. However, the cost increases in this technique. For people with darker skin, there is more risk. Additionally, compared to microneedling, laser treatment takes more time for recovery.
Aftercare tips for faster healing and better results
It is recommended to not wash your skin for 6–8 hours after the treatment. Let serums be absorbed by the skin. Applying mild moisturizing creams like hyaluronic acid, ceramide, aloe vera, and light repairing creams is helpful. Avoid direct sunlight for 72 hours at least because the skin is inflamed and UV could produce PIH. Apply sunscreen with SPF 30+ every day, regularly. Do not use irritating materials such as AHA, BHA, retinol, acidic vitamin C, and scrubs for 5–7 days. Sweating irritates the skin; avoid heavy exercises for 48 hours after microneedling for acne scars. Peeling dried skin causes scars and PIH. Drink plenty of water to speed up the skin reconstruction process.
The factors effective on the results
Although we suggest microneedling as one of the best solutions for healing acne scars, the final result depends on various factors. Here, we enumerate and elaborate these factors.
The type and amount of acne scars
The first and most important factor for results is the type of scar. Previously, we mentioned that scars have various types, showing different reactions to microneedling. Rolling scars show the best answer to microneedling because the fibrotic strings between the layers are broken by needles. Boxcar scars are deeper, requiring 4–6 sessions. Ice-pick scars are very deep and tipped. This type needs a hybrid treatment. Notably, microneedling for acne scars may not be a good option for hypertrophic scars.
The depth and technique
For shallow scars the needle depth should be 0.5 to 1 mm, while deeper scars need the depth of 1.5 to 2.5 mm. What happens if the proper depth does not apply? Less depth results in insufficient induction and poor outcome. On the other hand, excessive depth produces severe inflammation, increasing the risk of PIH and slow treatment.
Also, the needling movement should be regular and multidirectional with steady speed. Wrong technique causes uneven, superficial damage, scratches, and unequal healing. It should be noted that compared to the clinical equipment, home dermal rollers affect only up to 10–20%.
The age
The higher the age, the lower the capability of the skin to produce collagen. For people under 30, the skin is faster healed. Therefore, the results of microneedling for acne scars emerge after 2 sessions. For people between 30 and 45, the collagen production is average with results showing slower. In people older than 45, more sessions, hybrid treatment, and more care are needed.
The skin tones
People with darker skins (type 4 to 6) are prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. For these people, the treatment must be milder, with longer gaps between sessions. Also, using vitamin C, niacinamide, and sunscreen is recommended. Brighter skins react more properly to the treatment.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle and diet are the ignored, yet crucial factors. Drinking enough water, consuming protein, vitamin C, zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as good sleep enhance the result quality. Conversely, smoking, alcohol, chronic stress, dehydration, and a high-sugar diet weaken the results. Healthy habits always accelerate the regeneration process.
Before and after cares
Appropriate care improves the result quality significantly. Each step of the process prepares the skin for the next one. A week before the treatment, avoid using retinol and AHA/BHA. Do not expose your skin to direct sunlight. Also stop using blood thinners. After the treatment, use hyaluronic serum and repair creams. Avoid sunlight and heat. Do not apply heavy makeup for 24 hours. Swimming, heavy exercise, sauna, and pool are banned for 48 hours. Clean your skin for the treatment session. If there is active acne, herpes, cut, inflammation, or other sensitivities, the treatment must be postponed.
Gap between sessions
This is a critical factor affecting the final result directly. For full treatment, a 4-week gap is mandatory at least, because collagen production takes 21 to 28 days. Successive sessions cause inflammation, deteriorating the results. In some types of scars, 6 weeks of gap is recommended.
The machine and products
The equipment and material both are crucial in microneedling for acne scars. The needles made of titanium or medical steel are appropriate options. Low-quality devices cause skin damage, superficial scratches, and adverse results. On the other hand, effective and safe materials during the treatment are hyaluronic acid, peptides, stable vitamin C (not the acid form), and growth factors.
Number of sessions
The type of skin determines the number of sessions needed for the treatment. For superficial, mild, and deep scars, the number of sessions is 3, 4 to 6, and 6 to 8, respectively.
Combination Therapy
Occasionally, microneedling is not enough to achieve the best result. Here, a hybrid treatment is recommended such as subcision for deep scars, TCA Cross for Ice-pick, fractional laser for stubborn scars, and repairing mesotherapy. The hybrid treatment usually improves the result up to 20 to 40%.
Microneedling, a controlled invasion to the skin
In this blog, we explained microneedling for acne scars as one of the safest, minimum invasive, and most efficient treatments. This method has attracted significant attention throughout the world. It naturally induces the skin to produce collagen, without heating and the risk of darkening. If you suffer from acne scars, it could be the best solution. You only need to contact us. In Amada, a professional team of specialists provides you with the best services for skin treatment. Remember, achieving the best results requires using standard equipment, high-quality material, and accurate care.
