Do you have acne scars? If so, you are not alone.

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting over 50 million people worldwide. And if that’s not enough, it also leaves some pretty nasty scars behind after it heals.

Fortunately, there is a minimally invasive procedure called microneedling which can help reduce or erase those pesky acne scars for good!

More About Microneedling

RF Microneedling works by using tiny needles to create microscopic channels into your skin. These stimulate collagen production and promote faster healing time for wounds and stretch marks. It is especially effective for treating post-acne scarring as well as other types of scarring such as keloids and hypertrophic scars.

Before having the procedure, it is important to wash your face with soap and water. An exfoliator might be advisable too since it will get rid of the dead skin cells on the surface.

Don’t use cosmetics or lotions before the procedure because they might block the needles. Shaving beforehand is also a no-no because it can irritate the skin. If you must, shave the night before the session and use only sharp razors. Don’t forget to use shaving cream and moisturizer afterward.

Optimal Skin Care After Microneedling

The right skin care regimen is vital after microneedling. Mostly, it’s about keeping the treated area clean, applying sunscreen, and avoiding shaving until the healing process is complete.

It’s also best to avoid over-moisturizing the treated area so you don’t hinder the natural peeling process. If you are a physically active person, skip heavy workouts for 3 days after the treatment. The same goes for hot showers, saunas, and steam rooms.

Lay off cosmetics from 5 days to a week as well. When your skin begins to peel, you may use mineral makeup.

Lastly, be mindful when you hit the sack. You should sleep on your back with your head elevated (and not on your stomach or side) for a week to avoid putting pressure on your face. While this sounds counterintuitive, don’t put ice on your face because the natural inflammatory reaction is part of the skin rejuvenation process.

What Results Can You Expect?

After your microneedling treatment, you should start to see some improvement within the first week. You might also experience redness and a feeling of tightness. This is normal and will subside in the next two weeks before the skin begins to peel.

After about six weeks, you should have a healthy new layer of skin. Most patients also note the following improvements at this point:

• Brighter, more even complexion
• Smoother texture
• Improved appearance of scars and wrinkles.
• Plumper skin due to increased collagen production.

After microneedling, you will need a follow-up treatment in about three months for optimal results, although this varies from patient to patient. If acne scarring or other types of scarring have not diminished by this time, additional treatments might be necessary.

But don’t get discouraged because more than 90% of our patients in Palo Alto see a noticeable improvement after their very first session!

The best part? Microneedling is an outpatient procedure that usually doesn’t take more than two hours, so you can go back to your daily routine right after (as long as they won’t make you sweat).

Microneedling is Effective for All Skin Types

Microneedling is a safe treatment because it doesn’t do a lot of damage to the epidermis, making it safe and effective for all skin types. The procedure also doesn’t use strong chemicals or lasers that can cause severe inflammation or skin irritation.

If you are considering trying microneedling to improve the appearance of your skin, contact our team of highly skilled and experienced experts today for a consultation. We will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have – and help you get started on the path to clear skin!