Skin needling for pigmentation issues is common practice in today's world. We all have some level of pigmentation issues that we'd like to solve. Whether that's a freckle, we don't like the look of or more advanced hyperpigmentation.
Today we talk about skin needling for pigmentation issues and the things to consider.
Is skin needling good for pigmentation?
Skin needling (aka microneedling) has been shown to be productive in working on the following types of pigmentation types and skin concerns:
- Melasma
- Hyperpigmentation
- Age spots/Sun spots (Solar lentigines)
- Acne scars
- Hypopigmentation
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
- Freckles
It's important to note that results may vary, and it will take multiple sessions to see a result. Some people may get excellent results, and some people may not see a result at all.
Benefits of skin needing pigmentation
Melasma
Skin needling can be beneficial for treating melasma, which causes dark, patchy discolouration on the face, typically on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip.
This is caused by an overproduction of melanin in the skin, triggered by various factors such as hormonal changes, sun exposure, and certain medications.
Skin needling can help to reduce the appearance of melasma by triggering the body's natural healing process and increasing collagen production. However, the mechanism of action likely being the facilitation of delivery of topical therapies to the epidermis and dermis (Source).
Hyperpigmentation
The microscopic injuries created by the needles can cause the melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) to produce more melanin in an attempt to heal the wound. This increased melanin production can help to improve skin tone, making the persistent or deep hyperpigmentation areas less noticeable.
Age Spots (Sun Damage)
Similar to hyperpigmentation, microneedling of age spots (sun damage) can trigger the body to produce more melanin, which will help to improve skin tone and make them less noticeable.
Another good way to work on age spots is to use a small needle depth, such as a 0.25mm derma roller and then immediately follow it with a topical lightening serum. This will likely give a better result for age spots.
The best way, however, is to avoid excessive sun exposure.
Acne Scars
The microchannels created by the needles can cause the body to produce more collagen and elastin, which can help to fill in and plump up depressed scarring. Additionally, skin needling can also increase the penetration of topical skin care products, which can help to lighten the appearance of acne scarring.
It's important to note that a loss of collagen and elastin causes acne scarring, so the procedure will not be effective if the individual still has active acne.
Hypopigmentation
Skin needling may also be used to treat hyperpigmentation (a loss of pigmentation in the skin that can result in light or white patches). Skin needling works by stimulating the production of melanin. This increased melanin production can help to improve the appearance of hypopigmented areas.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Similarly to hyperpigmentation, PIH can be worked on with microneedling and increasing the amount of melanin production. It's important to note that the inflammatory response process causes PIH, so the procedure should be avoided if the individual still has active inflammation.
Freckles
An overproduction of melanin-producing cells causes freckles. By skin needling your freckles (excess melanin), you help to break down the melanin and allow the body to stimulate new growth in the area. Results may vary, and you should combine this method with topical treatments.
Can skin needling help skin tone?
Skin needling with something like a pigmentation correction derma roller kit has been shown to improve skin tone and texture in most cases. When you microneedle your skin, you trigger the body to go into skin rejuvenation mode; this is like making brand-new skin.
Why does my pigmentation look worse after skin needling?
When it comes to micro-needling treatments, as with any cosmetic procedure, it's essential to be aware of the potential side effects. One such side effect is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is an increased pigmentation of the skin in the treated area.
This can happen as the skin's healing response to the procedure can lead to an increase in melanin production. This is more common in people with darker skin tones or a history of pigmentation issues.
To minimize the risk of PIH, it's vital to care for the skin before and after the procedure properly. This includes protecting the skin from sun exposure, avoiding certain medications and skincare products that can increase photosensitivity, and using products that contain ingredients that can help to lighten the skin, such as Vitamin C Serum.
Skin needling results for pigmentation (before and after)
Photo By: Eos Rejuvenation
Summary
Inducing skin trauma (at a micro level) is a great way to work on your pigmentation issues. Radiant skin is 100% possible with the use of a micro-needling derma roller.