10 Common Microneedling Myths You Should Know

Microneedling is one of the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedures on the market today. It’s a simple treatment that uses tiny needles to create microscopic punctures in the skin, which causes collagen production and stimulates new cell growth. But despite its popularity, there are still many myths surrounding this treatment. Here’s a list of 19 common microneedling myths you should know.

Microneedling Myth #1: Microneedling is the same as dermal rolling.

Microneedling is not the same as dermal rolling. Microneedling is a skin-needling procedure that uses a medical-grade microneedle device to create micro-injuries in the skin. Dermal rolling is a cosmetic facial procedure that uses dermabrasion rollers to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the face.

The two procedures are similar because they both use an instrument to create micro-injuries in the skin. However, they are different in that dermal rolling does not use needles but rather uses abrasive, physical force (i.e., abrasion) to create wounds on your face.

Microneedling, on the other hand, uses medical-grade needles to penetrate through your skin instead of abrading or breaking down your epidermis layer by layer with a roller or tool.

Microneedling can be used on any part of your body, including your face and neck area, where dermal rolling would be used and vice versa (dermal rollers can also be used on other parts of the body). Dermal rollers typically do not contain any medication or nutrients that may be beneficial for improving acne scars or fine lines and wrinkles.

Microneedling does not penetrate as deep into the skin as dermal rollers do and thus can reach a deeper layer of your skin called the papillary dermis (dermal rollers cannot reach this layer). This allows for a more effective treatment for acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles because it stimulates collagen production in your body.

Microneedling Myth #2: It’s better to do microneedling at home.

The truth is, getting professional treatment is the best way to ensure you get the desired results. There are many reasons why it’s better to go to a reputable clinic for your microneedling treatment.

Firstly, the quality of your skincare products and devices can vary significantly from one device to another. At a reputable clinic, they will only use products that have been tested and proven to deliver results. This means you know what you’re getting and how it will affect your skin.

Secondly, there are specific safety concerns when doing microneedling at home. You need to be aware that using the wrong device or technique can cause serious damage to your skin and even lead to infections.

Lastly, when done incorrectly, microneedling can cause more harm than good. Some people believe it’s better to do microneedling at home as it prevents infection and gives better results – this is not true! If anything goes wrong during the procedure (such as using an unsterile needle), it could result in serious infections or scarring.

Microneedling Myth #3: Microneedling is only for the face.

Microneedling is a great treatment for all skin types, but it is especially helpful for those with acne and other scars. Because microneedling stimulates collagen production, it can also be beneficial for anti-aging purposes.

Microneedling is not just a treatment that can be used on the face. The treatment can be used on any skin type, including the body. Many patients enjoy this treatment on their backs or chests because they find it relaxing and soothing.

The benefits of microneedling are that it can help improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks, improve the firmness of your skin and make your complexion brighter.

The most common myth about microneedling is that you cannot use it on your face or other body parts (such as your arms). While some treatments may not be FDA approved for certain areas of your body, this does not mean they are unsafe to use in those areas!

Microneedling Myth #4: You can do microneedling if you have acne or other skin conditions.

While microneedling can be used to treat various conditions such as acne scars, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, and others, it’s not advisable to treat these conditions with this method until you know how safe they are or whether they’re effective in treating your condition.

This is because some acne treatments can make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure and cause hyperpigmentation if applied before going outdoors.

Also, if you’re using these treatments on your face or neck area, then there’s a chance that the products may clog pores leading to breakouts that could last for months after stopping treatment.

It’s always advisable to consult a dermatologist before trying any new treatment method to know what you’re getting into and how to avoid any potential side effects.

Microneedling Myth #5: Microneedling leaves obvious scars on your face.

The myth about scars comes from people who have tried derma rolling without proper knowledge or training.

Derma rolling is a form of microneedling where you roll a device with hundreds of tiny needles over your face to create channels into which your body’s natural healing properties can enter.

Derma rolling isn’t something you should try at home — it requires some training and knowledge about how the skin works so that you don’t cause more damage than good.

If done correctly, microneedling will not leave scars on your face but give you beautiful, glowing skin!

Microneedling Myth #6: Microneedling causes bleeding and bruising.

Microneedling does not cause bleeding or bruising, even if you have dark skin. The needles are so tiny that they can’t break skin capillaries (the tiny blood vessels under your skin).

Microneedling devices use a variety of needles with different diameters and lengths to create different penetration depths below your skin’s surface.

The needles used for microneedling are too small to cause any severe damage to blood vessels, but they can be irritating enough to cause some redness, swelling, and tenderness in some people.

The best way to avoid these side effects is to use numbing cream before you start microneedling and an anti-inflammatory cream afterward (and take ibuprofen if necessary).

Microneedling Myth #7: Microneedling doesn’t require any prep work.

This is probably one of the most common myths about microneedling because people want to save time and money by skipping the pre-treatment steps.

Yes, you can get away with not doing any pre-treatment steps sometimes, but this isn’t recommended because your results will be better if you do them!

Preparation before microneedling includes cleaning your skin thoroughly with a gentle cleanser and toner, then applying a serum or moisturizer to help prepare your skin for treatment and increase absorption of ingredients from topical products applied after treatment.

This is a crucial step because it reduces inflammation and irritation, which can help reduce pain and redness. It also helps you get better results by allowing products to penetrate deeper into your skin.

Microneedling Myth #8: Microneedling will make your wrinkles worse.

Microneedling does not cause wrinkles or aging skin problems. It helps treat them by stimulating collagen production and encouraging healthy skin cell formation. The process involves rolling a small device over the surface of your skin to create tiny punctures on its surface.

These wounds heal quickly as new skin cells form at the site of each puncture; this stimulates collagen production and encourages healthy cell growth within your dermis (the layer of skin beneath your epidermis).

The process also helps to stimulate natural collagen production, which can help you combat the signs of aging. The new skin cells that form in response to microneedling will have a younger look and feel, thanks to the fact that they’re healthier and more resilient than older cells.

Microneedling Myth #9: You should use retinol after microneedling.

While you can use retinol after microneedling, it’s not absolutely necessary. You should always check with your doctor before using any new product on your skin.

The idea behind this myth is that retinol increases blood flow to the skin while microneedling creates tiny wounds that need to be healed by increased blood flow. This makes sense at first glance; however, no evidence supports this claim.

A retinol product after microneedling can make the healing process take longer. It’s better to use vitamin C products or hyaluronic acid after treatment.

Microneedling Myth #10: Microneedling never causes short-term inflammation and long-term skin rejuvenation.

Microneedling can cause short-term inflammation because it creates tiny wounds in the skin that heal over several days. As your skin heals, it can become red, swollen, and painful for a few days after treatment.

For most people, these side effects are mild and go away quickly. Some people may experience more pronounced side effects or prolonged redness or swelling after microneedling treatment.

It’s essential to keep your skin protected from sun exposure during this time by wearing sunscreen daily and avoiding other irritants like tanning beds or harsh cleansers that could cause irritation or breakouts on your skin while it heals.

In many cases, the benefits of microneedling last well beyond the first few days after treatment. The improved blood flow caused by microneedling can have a lasting effect on your skin, which may be noticeable for weeks or even months after treatment. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of your frequently asked questions!

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure in which a medical device creates micro-injuries to the skin to stimulate collagen production and initiate healing. In simple terms, it involves the use of a needle-like device that creates tiny punctures in the skin. These tiny wounds cause inflammation, which stimulates cellular turnover and healing.

As far as aesthetic treatments go, microneedling has become one of the most popular noninvasive procedures because it can be used on almost any area of your body—from acne scars to stretch marks—and offers both immediate results (such as reducing fine lines) and long-term benefits (such as reducing hyperpigmentation).

How Does Microneedling Work?

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that creates tiny punctures in the skin. These punctures allow for the delivery of serums and other topical treatments, which helps improve the look and feel of your skin. The process is painless and quick and can be done at home with a handheld tool.

The devices used to perform microneedling vary in size from 1 mm (1/32nd of an inch) to 3 mm (1/8th of an inch), depending on your needs. Most commonly, these devices are used by dermatologists or plastic surgeons who have specialized training to administer them correctly.

Why Do People Use Microneedling?

Microneedling is a procedure that uses small needles to stimulate your skin. It’s considered an effective alternative to laser resurfacing and chemical peels for treating conditions like acne scars, fine lines, dull skin tone, sun damage, and stretch marks.

Microneedling can also improve the appearance of some medical conditions, such as alopecia areata (hair loss) or keloids (growths caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue). Some people use microneedling for self-care purposes — for example, on their hands or face — but it’s not recommended if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding unless a doctor says otherwise.

What Are the Side Effects of Microneedling?

The side effects of microneedling will vary depending on the procedure, but in general, you can expect to experience some redness, swelling, and bruising. Some patients also experience pain during or after treatment. It’s important not to pick at the skin or apply makeup until your skin has returned to its normal color, as this could cause scarring. There is also a risk of increased sensitivity to the sun for several weeks after treatment so it’s best not to expose your face directly without sunscreen for a few days after any procedure with needles.

In addition to these common side effects, there are also some possible complications from microneedling:

• Pigmentation changes
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight (acne)
• Scarring
• Delayed healing
• Skin infection

It’s important to note that these complications are very rare.

Conclusion

If you don’t re-examine your thinking on these myths, you may miss out on some of the wonderful benefits that microneedling has to offer. Be sure to do your research, and speak with a dermatologist as well before undergoing this procedure—especially if you have any concerns or questions. The best way to ensure that microneedling works for you are to keep an open mind, be patient and diligent in your homecare routine, and take the time to ask questions.