How Often to Microneedle for Maximum Benefits [2024]

Microneedling has so many benefits: from achieving smoother skin and refining texture to diminishing scars and fighting hair loss. However, the burning question on many minds is: how often to microneedle? Understanding the timeline for achieving the desired improvements in your skin and scalp can help set realistic expectations and goals.

Whether you're a beginner looking to start your microneedling experience or an expert seeking to optimize your regimen, we have the answers you need. 

Benefits of Microneedling

This technique not only promises a rejuvenated, fresher, and more youthful complexion but also offers the potential to address scars and contribute to healthier hair. Let's talk more about how it can help you and what benefits it brings.

• Reducing fine lines and wrinkles

Fine lines and wrinkles — we all dread them, but they are a natural part of aging. 

But thanks to microneedling, which creates small channels in the skin and tricks it into believing it has suffered minor injuries, triggers a powerful healing response. This response includes increased cellular turnover and the production of essential proteins such as collagen and elastin, which work together to rejuvenate and tighten the skin [1].

• Softening the appearance of enlarged pores

Enlarged pores can make the skin look uneven and rough. 

Microneedling can help minimize the appearance of enlarged pores by promoting collagen production, which we've already discussed above, and tightening the skin. As the skin becomes firmer and more elastic, pores tend to appear smaller, creating a smoother complexion [1, 2].

• Reducing hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation refers to dark spots, patches, or uneven skin tone caused by factors like sun damage, acne scars, or hormonal changes. 

Microneedling reduces hyperpigmentation by encouraging the shedding of damaged skin cells and promoting the growth of new, evenly pigmented skin cells. This leads to a more even and radiant skin tone [3].

• Healing acne scarring and other scarring

Microneedling is particularly beneficial for addressing different types of scars, including acne scars and surgical scars. 

By stimulating collagen production and remodeling the scar tissue, this technique can help reduce the visibility of scars and improve the texture of the skin  [1, 2].

• Smoothing overstretch marks

Stretch, or as we used to say “tiger”, marks often occur due to rapid weight gain, pregnancy, or growth spurts, causing the skin to stretch beyond its capacity. 

Microneedling therapy can improve the appearance of stretch marks by increasing the elasticity of the skin. This results in a gradual fading of them and a smoother skin texture [4].

• Helping in hair loss treatment

Collagen induction therapy can also be used as a treatment for hair loss. 

When applied to the scalp, it stimulates blood flow and the production of growth factors, which can encourage follicle health and hair regrowth. This can be particularly useful for individuals experiencing mild to moderate hair thinning [5, 6].

How Often to Microneedle at Home

While professional microneedling sessions are available, many individuals are now opting to perform microneedling at home. However, a common question that arises is how often should you microneedle to achieve optimal results without causing any harm to the skin. 

Below we have figured out this question taking into account the different conditions.

For Targeting Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Addressing fine lines and wrinkles as we age is a common concern, and microneedling presents an effective at-home treatment option. 

📌 Undergo microneedling once a week. This time frame allows your skin to heal and regenerate between sessions while also promoting collagen production. 

For Addressing Scars

While the formation of scars is natural, some people find them unattractive. Whether you're dealing with acne marks or surgical scars, microneedling can help improve their appearance. 

📌 The frequency of treatments for microneedling scars is typically every 3-4 weeks. Scar revision may require multiple sessions, and results can vary depending on the depth and age of the marks.

For Hair Loss Treatment

📌 Perform microneedling every 1-2 weeks. This frequent schedule is designed to stimulate hair follicles and improve blood flow to the scalp, promoting hair growth.

Combining microneedling with topical hair growth solutions like minoxidil can enhance results.

For General Skin Maintenance

If you're looking to maintain healthy skin and improve overall texture and tone, microneedling is a great part of your skincare routine. 

📌 For general skin maintenance, consider microneedling every 4-6 weeks. This schedule allows for regular collagen stimulation and skin rejuvenation.

How Long Does Microneedling Take To Heal

The microneedling recovery time varies based on several factors, such as treatment depth, skin type, and adherence to post-procedure care instructions. Here's a concise timeline to give you a clearer picture:

⌛️ Immediately after treatment: Your skin may resemble a mild sunburn, with slight redness, sensitivity, and possible minor swelling, pinpoint bleeding, or scabbing. These effects are normal and usually fade within a few hours to days.

⏳ Days 1-2: Redness and sensitivity may peak. Avoid makeup and harsh skincare products, but use a recommended soothing serum or moisturizer.

⌛️ Days 3-7: Skin may start peeling or flaking as it sheds old cells. Continue gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and prioritize sun protection.

⏳ Weeks 1-2: Most redness and peeling should subside, and your skin's texture will gradually improve. This is the final stage of healing after which you can repeat the microneedling process again.

Safety Guide

Microneedling is an effective approach for enhancing your skin's appearance or promoting hair health. However, safety should be your top priority to minimize any potential complications. 

Here are key steps to ensure a safe microneedling experience:

• Select the most suitable device

You have two primary options:

1. Derma roller

Derma roller is a manual device, it’s a great tool for newbies to microneedling to start, as you can have full control over the speed and pressure.

2. Microneedling pen

Unlike the derma roller, pens are motorized and have a greater range of speeds, depths, and needle gauges, which allows greater control over your results and the areas that you can target. 

• Sterilize your equipment

Before each use, soak your microneedling device and any other tools in alcohol for 5-10 minutes.

• Proper technique

Before each use, ensure your microneedling device, its attachments (if any), and other tools like tweezers are properly sterilized. Use alcohol or a disinfectant solution to prevent infections.

• Post-treatment care

After microneedling, your skin will be more sensitive. Apply a soothing, hydrating serum or moisturizer as recommended by the device's instructions. 

• Follow schedule

Allow your skin to heal for 7-10 days between microneedling sessions. The exact frequency will depend on the needle length and your skin's sensitivity.

How Long Does It Take To See Results?

Patients can start observing improvements as soon as they complete the initial healing stage following their treatment. Typically, within 1 to 3 days after the procedure, you'll notice an immediate enhancement. But achieving your desired results may require some time. 

Here's what you can expect in terms of timelines for various treatment outcomes:

• The reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and improved skin elasticity usually becomes noticeable after approximately 3 treatments, so it's 3-4 weeks after the first session.
• Minimizing the appearance of scars may require a bit more time, mainly because it involves more extensive skin rejuvenation. For most patients, achieving substantial scar reduction may take around 3 to 6 treatment sessions. 
• Initial results for hair loss become visible after a period of 5-6 months of regular treatments. During this time, you will notice improvements such as thicker and healthier hair, and there's also the possibility of experiencing some hair regrowth.
• Improvements in overall skin health tend to manifest relatively quickly. After your initial session, apart from the immediate effects of healthier-looking skin, you'll experience an enhancement in skin tone and texture in as little as 1 to 2 weeks.

Summary

Microneedling offers a multitude of benefits, from rejuvenating skin texture and reducing wrinkles to enhancing elasticity and minimizing pigmentation. In addition to skincare, it's worth noting that such a technique has also shown promise as a treatment for hair loss. In general, it's a versatile and effective method that has captured the attention of many seeking health improvement.

When it comes to how often to microneedle, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. The ideal schedule should be customized to address your specific skincare concerns and goals. Here are the general guidelines:

• For targeting fine lines and wrinkles: once a week
• To address scars: every 3-4 weeks
• For hair loss treatment: every 1-2 weeks
• For general skin improvement: every 4-6 weeks

FAQ

References

1. Hou A, Cohen B, Haimovic A, Elbuluk N. Microneedling: A Comprehensive Review. Dermatol Surg. 2017 Mar;43(3):321-339. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000924. PMID: 27755171.
2. Alster TS, Graham PM. Microneedling: A Review and Practical Guide. Dermatol Surg. 2018 Mar;44(3):397-404. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000001248. PMID: 28796657.
3. Wu SZ, Muddasani S, Alam M. A Systematic Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Microneedling in the Treatment of Melasma. Dermatol Surg. 2020 Dec;46(12):1636-1641. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000002763. PMID: 32897944.
4. Park KY, Kim HK, Kim SE, Kim BJ, Kim MN. Treatment of striae distensae using needling therapy: a pilot study. Dermatol Surg. 2012 Nov;38(11):1823-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2012.02552.x. Epub 2012 Aug 22. PMID: 22913429.
5. Gupta AK, Quinlan EM, Venkataraman M, Bamimore MA. Microneedling for Hair Loss. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Jan;21(1):108-117. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14525. Epub 2021 Oct 29. PMID: 34714971.
6. Shen YC, Chiu WK, Kang YN, Chen C. Microneedling Monotherapy for Acne Scar: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2022 Aug;46(4):1913-1922. doi: 10.1007/s00266-022-02845-3. Epub 2022 Apr 14. PMID: 35426044.

Jose Diego Mier

Dermatology Expert

Dr. Jose Diego Mier is a board-certified dermatologist with over a decade of experience in light therapy, dermatology, and skin care. As the founder of the Heliotherapy Research Institute, Dr. Mier has dedicated his career to the study and application of light-based therapies for various skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, eczema, and skin aging. He is renowned for his extensive research contributions, numerous publications in leading dermatology journals, and his work has been recognized with awards for excellence in research and innovation. He has been invited to speak at national and international conferences, sharing his expertise and insights on light therapy and skin care.

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