5 Benefits of Microneedling According to Research
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment in which controlled, repeated puncturing of the skin using sterile fine needles creates micro-injuries. This stimulates the body’s wound healing response, resulting in the increase of collagen and elastin.
In Traditional and Ancient Chinese Medicine, microneedling is not a new therapy. Before derma rollers, dermastamps and electronic microneedling pens, Chinese medical practitioners used plum blossom needles and textured jade rollers. The plum blossom needle is used to treat injuries, nerve problems, heat conditions, certain skin problems as well as hair loss. Textured jade rollers are used to stimulate the surface of the skin and increase blood flow.
Here are some of the benefits of microneedling that have been well researched:
Skin Rejuvenation
A study in which 480 participants received 1-4 microneedling treatments resulted in 6-80% of overall improvement in the skin. There was a considerable increase in collagen and elastin in some patients even after 6 months post treatment. This study also concluded that microneedling is less invasive, has a faster recovery and safer than laser ablation which is more invasive requires a longer healing time. (Aust et al. (2008)
Acne Scars
A 2014 study concluded major improvement in acne scars and less side effects and recovery time compared to laser treatments. (Majid et al.) Almost all participants in the study’s scars improved by one or two grades. More than 80% of participants self assessed their results as “excellent”.
Hyperpigmentation
A 2018 study looked at the combination of microneedling and tranexamic acid vs tranexamic acid only for the treatment of melasma. This study showed that microneedling greatly improved treatments with a reduction of pigmentation and improved skin tone. (El-Domyati et al.)
A 2013 case series looked at 22 people who had what was considered more difficult cases of melasma. It was found that microneedling improved pigmentation and skin texture in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring. It was also found to be a safe treatment option for darker skin tones which can be more prone to hyperpigmentation. (Lima et al.)
Hair loss
Microneedling for hair re-growth aims to stimulate stem cells and activate growth factors. A 2013 randomize control pilot study looked at microneedling for androgenic alopecia. This study looked at hair length growth as well as hair count over a span of 12 weeks with participants using topical minoxidil while also receiving weekly microneedling of the scalp. This study’s results showed a significant increase in hair counts with morethan 80% of participants reporting 50% improvement. Participants that used minoxidil only reported less than 5% improvement. (Dhurat et al.)
Topical Absorption
Alster & Graham 2018 system review studied microneedling and product delivery. This review showed that microneedling increased epidermal permeability. It was concluded that microneedling is a helpful vehicle for topical agents such as antioxidants, serums, peptides.
El-Domyati et al. (2018) study showed that microneedling significantly improved absorption and clinical results of topical tranexamic acid used for hyperpigmentation of the skin due to better skin penetration.
When Should Microneedling Be Avoided?
In East Asian Medicine, each person is assessed individually by their unique presentation as well as their lifestyle, habits and tendencies. There are certain situations and conditions in which microneedling should not be performed which are as follows:
During a cystic acne break out or if there are open skin abrasions or wounds. Recent surgery in the face, facial injections and fillers. Those on blood thinners or have bleeding disorders. Those with severe autoimmune conditions or low immunity. Those on acutane. Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis or frequent skin rashes. Those who have a tendency to keloid. Areas with moles and skin tags. Those who have had recent history of cancer or chemotherapy. Pregnancy. When avoiding direct sun exposure is not possible.
Plan to avoid direct sun exposure for the next 2 weeks. No exercise, skin products or make-up for 24 hours.
Written by Dr. Emily Siy, DACM on 7/19/25, posted on 9/15/25
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Sources
Alster, T. S., & Graham, P. M. (2018). Microneedling: A review and practical guide. Dermatologic Surgery, 44(3), 397–404.
Paula Ludmann (2023) Microneedling can fade scars, uneven skin tone, and more American Academy of Dermatology Association, AAD.org
Aust, M. C., Reimers, K., Kaplan, H. M., & Guggenheim, M. (2008). Percutaneous collagen induction therapy: An alternative treatment for scars, wrinkles, and skin laxity. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 121(4), 1421-1429.
Cleveland Clinic. (2022, June 13). Microneedling. ClevelandClinic.org
Dhurat, R., Sukesh, M. S., Avhad, G., Dandale, A., Pal, A., & Pund, P. (2013). A randomized evaluator blinded study of effect of microneedling in androgenetic alopecia: A pilot study. International Journal of Trichology, 5(1), 6–11
El-Domyati, M., Abdel-Wahab, H., & Barakat, M. (2018). Microneedling combined with topical tranexamic acid versus tranexamic acid alone in melasma: A split-face study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(4), 713–719.
Fabbrocini, G., et al. (2009). Acne scarring treatment using skin needling. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 34(8), 874–879.
Lima, E. V. A. S., Lima, M. A. S., Paixão, M. P. S., & Miot, H. A. (2013). Microneedling in facial recalcitrant melasma: Report of a series of 22 cases. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 88(1), 128–130.
Majid, I. (2014). Microneedling therapy in atrophic facial scars: An objective assessment. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 7(2), 104–108.