How Skin Needling Works
As we age, our skin naturally changes. It may lose its laxity and become looser, fine lines may begin to form and uneven tone and texture may become more noticeable. These natural shifts occur gradually and are influenced by various factors unique to every person.
Professional skin needling, also known as microneedling, may be a viable option that can address these changes. In this blog, we explore the benefits of skin needling, who it is for and what to expect before and after the treatment.
What is skin needling?
Skin needling, also known as collagen induction therapy, involves using a device with fine needles to produce controlled micro-injuries in the skin’s dermal layer. This process triggers the skin’s natural healing response, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin — two vital proteins that help maintain skin strength, integrity and elasticity.
Over time, the body naturally produces fewer of these proteins, which can lead to the skin losing its natural glow, firmness, elasticity and resilience. Microneedling boosts the production of these proteins by guiding the skin through three key healing phases:
- Inflammatory phase – The skin increases blood flow and activates immune cells to cleanse the area and initiate repair.
- Proliferative phase – New tissue and tiny blood vessels (granulation tissue) form, rebuilding and covering the wound.
- Remodelling phase – The wound closes, and new dermal tissue and blood vessels replace it. Collagen realigns, scar tissue flattens and the skin becomes stronger.
By encouraging collagen synthesis, microneedling helps rejuvenate the skin from within, promoting a smoother, more refined and even-toned appearance. This process works in harmony with the skin’s natural renewal cycle, supporting overall skin health.
Skin needling treatments can be performed on the face, neck, chest, abdomen, arms, buttocks, hips or any area with visible laxity, fine lines, sun damage, scarring or uneven texture.
The difference between traditional microneedling and RF needling
Traditional microneedling can be combined with radio frequency (RF) technology for enhanced effects. This method, known as RF needling, delivers controlled heat energy into the skin’s underlying layers via micro-channels.
This added thermal energy stimulates a stronger collagen response and supports skin tightening at a deeper level. The intensity and depth of RF energy can also be adjusted based on specific skin concerns, allowing for a more targeted approach.
The choice between traditional and RF microneedling depends on the individual’s specific needs. While traditional skin needling tends to focus on surface-level issues, RF microneedling provides an additional tightening effect, making it more suitable for deeper lines and scars or more stubborn textural problems.
A consultation with a qualified practitioner can help determine the appropriate technique that best fits your skin’s needs and desired outcomes.
Addressing common skin concerns with microneedling
Skin needling offers a minimally invasive approach to treat different skin issues:
Scarring
Skin needling is often recommended for atrophic scars caused by blemishes or breakouts. These scars form when the skin does not produce enough tissue when healing, resulting in indentations or depressions below the surface.
Fine lines
Microneedling helps address wrinkles and looser contours by triggering the production of collagen and elastin. It can target mild to moderate fine lines, including:
- Mouthlines (marionette lines) — The vertical creases that run from the corners of the mouth.
- Lateral canthal lines (crow’s feet) — Fine lines around the eyes.
- Forehead lines — Horizontal lines across the forehead.
- Lip lines — Vertical lines above the upper lip.
In addition to smoothing fine lines, microneedling improves facial contours, particularly around the jawline and cheeks, where volume loss is more noticeable. This process supports a more defined and refreshed appearance.
Hyperpigmentation
For those with an uneven skin tone and discolouration, microneedling may help promote a brighter, more balanced-looking complexion. By creating tiny surface openings on the skin, the treatment helps disrupt pigment deposits and encourage natural skin renewal.
The resulting micro-channels may also improve the skin’s ability to absorb skincare products and topical agents, allowing key ingredients to penetrate deeper into the dermal layers of the skin to yield better outcomes.
A qualified practitioner can prescribe the right products to complement your skin needling treatment, ensuring a more targeted approach.
Eligibility criteria for skin needling treatments
Microneedling is a versatile and customisable treatment, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Certain conditions may affect eligibility — a thorough skin assessment and medical analysis is essential to determine if it’s the right option for you.
Individuals who may not be eligible for the treatment include those who:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have active breakouts, particularly inflamed lesions.
- Have active infections such as herpes, warts or other skin conditions in the treatment area.
- Have moderate to severe chronic skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
- Have a history of keloid scarring.
- Have a weakened immune system or are undergoing chemotherapy.
Besides being in good overall health, candidates for skin needling need to have a clear understanding of what the treatment can and cannot achieve. They must also be willing to follow proper aftercare and scheduled maintenance appointments to sustain their results.
Possible risks and side effects of microneedling
Your practitioner will go over all possible side effects of the treatment with you, ensuring you feel informed and confident about the treatment. These may include:
- Pain or discomfort during the treatment
- Redness, irritation and mild swelling
- Temporary hyperpigmentation
- Cold sores
- Allergic reactions to topical anaesthetics or serums, which may cause rash, itching or hives
- Infection, characterised by increased redness, warmth, swelling or pus formation
- Erythema (skin redness due to increased blood flow)
- Mild oedema (slight swelling caused by fluid accumulation, which usually resolves within a few hours to days)
- Persistent scarring
Your practitioner will also provide post-treatment guidelines such as avoiding harsh skincare products and keeping the skin protected to support optimal healing. If any side effects last longer than expected or become more severe, contact your general physician as soon as possible.
Skin needling prep and recovery
Follow these before and aftercare practices to minimise risks and ensure a smooth experience.
Pre-treatment guidelines:
- Stop using cosmeceuticals with active ingredients at least five to seven days before treatment. These include retinoids, exfoliants, acids (AHA, BHA, salicylic acid), hydroquinone and benzoyl peroxide.
- Avoid ibuprofen, aspirin and similar medications for three days before your session, as they can interfere with the skin’s natural healing process.
- No waxing, hair removal creams or electrolysis on the treatment area for at least five to seven days before your appointment.
- Don’t take blood-thinning agents like aspirin, fish oil, omega-3 supplements and vitamin E for one week before treatment.
- Avoid unprotected sun exposure, tanning or laser treatments for at least two weeks prior to reduce the risk of irritation.
On the day of your appointment:
- Arrive with clean skin, free of lotion, oil, makeup, powder, perfume or sunscreen.
- Come on time to allow sufficient time for paperwork and the application of numbing medication if needed.
Post-treatment care practices
- Avoid tanning and direct sun exposure for two weeks.
- After 24 hours, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher) and reapply every two hours when outdoors.
- Wait at least four hours after treatment before cleansing your face with a mild cleanser and cool water, then pat dry.
- Refrain from strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms and jacuzzis for at least 24 hours or up to 48 hours if irritation or redness persists.
- Peeling and flaking may begin three to five days after treatment. Avoid picking or scratching and using exfoliants, as this can lead to irritation or scarring.
- You may restart your regular skincare routine after one week or as directed by your practitioner.
- Do not take ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications for one week.
Maintaining your microneedling results
This treatment is not a one-time solution. Most candidates undergo a series of four to six sessions, typically spaced four to eight weeks apart, to maximise the benefits of skin needling. Because collagen production is a gradual process, the skin will continue to improve for three to six months after the final session as new collagen is formed.
Your practitioner will create a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your skin type, concerns and goals. The number of maintenance sessions needed differs for each individual, which may influence the treatment’s overall cost. A clearer estimate will be provided during your initial consultation.
Note that the results of this treatment may vary from person to person. The effectiveness of microneedling may be affected by factors such as age, skin type, lifestyle habits, sun exposure, genetics, overall health and adherence to post-treatment care.
Book a consultation for microneedling at Evolution Laser Clinic
If you’re wondering, “What does skin needling do, and is it right for me?”, our experienced skin therapists are here to guide you. We’ll analyse your skin health, facial anatomy and medical history to check whether you’re a suitable candidate for our skin needling treatments.
At Evolution Laser Clinic, we provide minimally invasive, science-backed treatments that target a wide range of skin problems. With multiple locations across Sydney, including the CBD, North Shore, Eastern Suburbs and Western Suburbs, bespoke treatments and skincare guidance are always within reach.
Schedule a complimentary consultation at your nearest Evolution Laser Clinic today.
