A study published in 2021 described microneedling as a safe and effective treatment for acne vulgaris. The therapeutic benefits include:
- Reducing Sebum Production: Microneedling induces controlled inflammation, helping regulate overactive sebaceous glands and rebalance oil production, potentially preventing clogged pores and breakouts.
- Opening Clogged Pores: The creation of tiny channels during microneedling facilitates the unclogging of pores filled with debris, dead skin cells, and oil, improving the appearance of existing blackheads and whiteheads.
- Enhancing Product Penetration: Microchannels created by microneedling allow deeper penetration of topical skin care products, delivering active ingredients deeper into the pores, particularly beneficial for acne-prone skin.
- Stimulating Collagen Production: The procedure triggers the skin’s natural wound-healing response, leading to increased collagen and elastin production, thereby improving the appearance of acne scars.
- Minimizing Inflammation: Microneedling aids in reducing skin inflammation, a significant contributor to the development and persistence of acne lesions, promoting overall skin health.
- Improving Skin Texture: Microneedling encourages skin cell turnover and the formation of new, healthier skin cells, resulting in smoother skin texture.
*Reproduced from Gellis (2024) Acupuncture Today (Vol. 25, Issue 5), https://acupuncturetoday.com/article/39226-microneedling-for-acne-acne-scars
