top of page
Marble Background.png
Search
Writer's pictureBrooke E Konecny

The Science of Microneedling Efficacy

Updated: Jul 14




Microneedling is a highly effective skin rejuvenation treatment backed by 30 years of clinical research for safety and efficacy. It has crossover benefits for multiple skin conditions.



How the skin ages.

What happens as our skin starts aging?

Collagen comprises 70% of the dry skin mass. It strengthens your skin and benefits its elasticity and hydration. Collagen fibers create the infrastructure for elastin and hyaluronic acid, which are responsible for skin’s elasticity and hydration. Starting in our 20's, our skin's collagen production starts to decline by 1-1.5% per year. The skin becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic. The loss of collagen leads to wrinkle formation.



What is Microneedling?

Microneedling is also known as collagen induction therapy. A digital device creates microchannels in the skin, which triggers the body's natural repair mechanisms resulting in the formation of new elastin and collagen. 


What skin conditions can be effectively treated with Microneedling?

  • Fine lines and wrinkles

  • Aging and loose skin (laxity)

  • Texture and pore size appearance

  • Scars

  • Acne

  • Hyperpigmentation

  • Hair Loss


Benefits: 

  • Stimulates collagen and elastin production for firmer skin and reduction of fine lines

  • Increases cell turnover for more youthful skin

  • Corrects uneven texture, discoloration and hyperpigmentation

  • Reduces the appearance of acne scarring, surgical scars and stretch marks

  • Reduces oil production and the appearance of pores and blackheads

  • Scalp microneedling encourages hair growth

  • Minimal downtime. Face can appear flushed for up to 24 hours.

  • Cost effective tretment

  • Low risk profile


Evidence-Based Treatment Efficacy


Increase in Collagen and Elastin

According to a 2008 study, skin treated with four microneedling sessions spaced one month apart, had up to a 400% increase in collagen and elastin six months after completing treatment.



Histology of skin after microneedling

Fine Lines

( Left image ) Histology shows skin before microneedling.

( Right image ) Six months after microneedling treatments, more collagen ( pink ) and elastin ( brown ) can be detected. 400% more collagen and elastin in the postprocedure histology section.



Skin Laxity (loose skin) and Texture

 Each subject underwent four microneedling sessions that were 30 days apart. 73 percent of the subjects reported visible improvement in lines, wrinkles, skin laxity and texture and 83 percent reported visible improvement in pores.



Aging Neck Skin

8 patients underwent 2 micro- needling sessions to treat aging neck skin. After 8 months, 7 of the 8 participants demonstrated improvements on the WSRS and the GAIS. Skin demonstrated an average reduction of 29% in skin irregularity. Ultrasound demonstrated an average reduction of 24% in rhytides (wrinkle) depth and revealed that skin thickness increased an average of 0.45 mm after treatment.



Scars and Skin Texture

Patients received one to six consecutive monthly microneedling treatments. All scars improved at least 50 percent after an average of 2.5 treatments. Over 80 percent of patients had 50 to 75 percent improvement.


We may be able to start microneedling earlier than previously thought.

According to a recently published paper in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery entitled “Microneedling Outcomes in Early Post-Surgical Scars”, some scars may benefit from microneedling during the early maturation period of scar development. In the study, patients who underwent microneedling at the six-to-seven-week mark of wound healing saw the best outcomes overall, as compared to those who underwent the same treatment between those who waited 13 to 16 weeks. The study suggests that we may be able to start bringing people in for microneedling earlier as a more proactive way to promote quality healing.



Hyperpigmentation and Melasma

Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of microneedling in reducing pigmentation. A study published in the “Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology” found that microneedling combined with a depigmenting cream led to significant improvement in melasma (a form of hyperpigmentation) compared to using the cream alone. Additionally, a study in the “Dermatologic Surgery” journal reported that microneedling effectively reduced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in patients with skin of colour.



Hair Regrowth

Just like the skin on our face, the scalp also loses collagen as we age, resulting in slow hair growth and dormant hair follicles. 80% of scalp skin is made up of collagen. Collagen is essential for hair health. In fact, both collagen and hair follicles exist within the same layer of the skin and when collagen production slows down, this can affect the strength of your hair follicles leaving hair follicles unsupported, leading to more hair loss and less new growth.


Microneedling vs Minoxidil (Rogaine) vs Combination Treatment Study:

  • Group 1- minoxidil alone, had an average of 14 new hairs per centimeter squared.

  • Group 2- microneedling alone, had an average 21 new hairs per centimeter squared.

  • Group 3- microneedling in combination with minoxidil, had an average of 40 new hairs per centimeter squared.

Group 2 Results: The subjects who microneedled as a standalone treatment, without any minoxidil, had one and a half times the regrowth of the minoxidil group. One microneedling session every 3 weeks outperformed daily minoxidil.


Microneedling vs. Laser

Microneedling has been shown to have similar outcomes as laser treatments with less risk of adverse outcomes, less downtime and lower cost.


How many treatments are needed?

Typically an initial series of 3-6 treatments is recommended, depending upon the area of correction or concern. Treatments are usually performed every 4 -6weeks. Every 3 weeks for hair regrowth. Patients with deep wrinkles, advanced sun damage, stretch marks, or any type of scars, usually require 6 or more treatments to achieve the desired results. After this initial treatment phase, maintenance microneedling can be performed 3 times per year.


Does it hurt?

Very effective topical numbing is used. Clients generally report no discomfort.


What is the downtime?

Minimal downtime. Your skin will appear flushed for about 24 hours. You can apply makeup after 24 hours.


Check out more info about microneedling with Pure Skin in Maynard, MA...



Did you know Pure Skin offers financing for services?







Comments


bottom of page