By Eric Ruiz, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, RNC-OB, Axis Health Clinic, Wilbraham, MA
Quick answer: Microneedling stimulates collagen to improve fine lines, acne scars, pores and texture. Most people do 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Hyaluronic acid, PRP and growth factor serums pair well with it, but only sterile products meant for microneedling should be used.
Microneedling is one of the most versatile skin treatments available. It's minimally invasive, works for many skin types, and uses your body's own healing process to improve the skin over time. But getting great results depends on more than the treatment itself. Timing, aftercare, and what goes on your skin all matter.
Here's a practical guide to getting the most out of microneedling.
How Microneedling Works
Microneedling creates thousands of tiny, controlled channels in the skin. Your body responds by producing new collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and smooth. Over the following weeks and months, this process gradually improves the skin's texture and appearance (Alster & Graham, 2018).
The Benefits
Microneedling can help with:
Fine lines and wrinkles, by stimulating collagen
Acne scars, especially rolling and boxcar scars
Enlarged pores, which can appear smaller as skin firms
Uneven texture, for smoother-feeling skin
Dullness, leaving skin brighter and healthier-looking
Mild discoloration, in some cases, as part of an overall plan
A review of the research found microneedling to be a safe and effective treatment for scarring and skin rejuvenation across a wide range of skin types, with minimal downtime (Alster & Graham, 2018).
What to Pair With Microneedling
Because microneedling opens tiny channels in the skin, what you apply during and right after treatment matters. Those channels allow products to penetrate deeper, which is great for the right ingredients and risky for the wrong ones.
Hyaluronic acid. This is one of the most common pairings. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin, helping it stay hydrated and calm during healing. It's gentle and well tolerated, which makes it a great choice during and after treatment.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma). Using your own growth factors can enhance the healing response. We cover this in more detail in our article on PRP and microneedling.
Growth factor serums. Some medical-grade serums are designed specifically for use after microneedling to support recovery.
What to avoid. Not every product belongs on freshly microneedled skin. Using non-sterile or non-approved products during treatment has been linked to skin reactions, including granulomas (Soltani-Arabshahi et al., 2014). That's one important reason to have microneedling done by a trained professional using products intended for this purpose.
Timing: Getting the Schedule Right
Between sessions. Most people benefit from a series of 3 to 6 treatments spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart. This gives your skin time to heal and build new collagen before the next session.
When to expect results. You may notice a healthy glow within a week. More meaningful improvements in texture and scarring build over several months as collagen develops.
Maintenance. After your initial series, maintenance treatments every few months can help keep results going.
Before an event. Plan ahead. Schedule your treatment at least 1 to 2 weeks before a wedding, photo shoot, or big occasion to allow redness to fully settle.
Best time of year. Fall and winter are popular seasons for microneedling, since there's less intense sun exposure while your skin heals. That said, it can be done year-round with good sun protection.
Preparing for Your Treatment
In the days before microneedling, it's generally recommended to:
Pause retinoids and strong exfoliating acids for several days
Avoid sunburn and tanning
Reschedule if you have an active breakout, cold sore, or skin infection
We'll give you specific instructions at your consultation.
Aftercare
After treatment, your skin may look and feel like it has a mild sunburn for a day or two. To help it heal well:
Keep your skin clean and use gentle, hydrating products like hyaluronic acid
Avoid makeup for about 24 hours
Hold off on retinoids, acids, and exfoliants for several days
Use sunscreen daily and avoid direct sun
Skip intense workouts, saunas, and swimming for a day or two
Who Should Avoid Microneedling
Microneedling may not be right for people with active acne, skin infections, open wounds, certain skin conditions, or those who are pregnant. We'll review your health and skin history before treatment.
Microneedling at Axis Health
At Axis Health, we use the Dr. Pen A20 professional microneedling system, which allows precise control over needle depth for different areas of the face. We also offer microneedling with PRP and a take-home facial stamping kit to support your skin between visits.
Call 413-515-7320 or book a consultation online. We're at 2038 Boston Road, Suite 1, in Wilbraham, inside Viola Aesthetics Day Spa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you get microneedling?
Usually every 4 to 6 weeks during an initial series, followed by maintenance every few months.
What should you put on your skin after microneedling?
Gentle, hydrating products like hyaluronic acid, plus daily sunscreen. Avoid retinoids, acids and exfoliants for several days.
How far before an event should I get microneedling?
At least 1 to 2 weeks beforehand, so any redness has fully settled.
About the author: Eric Ruiz, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, RNC-OB, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner, 10-year US Air Force veteran, and founder of Axis Health Clinic in Wilbraham, MA. He has trained in men's health and testosterone therapy, women's hormone therapy, medical weight loss, and PRP and microneedling.
This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Individual results vary.
References
Alster TS, Graham PM. Microneedling: A Review and Practical Guide. Dermatologic Surgery. 2018;44(3):397-404.
Soltani-Arabshahi R, Wong JW, Duffy KL, Powell DL. Facial allergic granulomatous reaction and systemic hypersensitivity associated with microneedle therapy for skin rejuvenation. JAMA Dermatology. 2014;150(1):68-72.