Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses tiny, controlled micro-channels to trigger your skin’s natural repair response. As your skin heals, it can increase collagen and elastin, helping improve the look of acne scars, fine lines, uneven texture, enlarged pores, and uneven tone.

Most healthy adults who want a gradual, natural-looking improvement in texture, pores, acne scarring, fine lines, and overall radiance are good candidates. Microneedling is often chosen by people who want results with minimal downtime and who prefer a treatment that supports the skin’s own remodeling process.

You may need to postpone or avoid microneedling if you have:

• Active cold sores (HSV outbreak) or an active skin infection in the treatment area

• Open wounds, a sunburn, or significant irritation

• Active, inflamed acne lesions (especially pustular/cystic) in the area being treated

• A history of keloid scarring (in some cases)

• Significant immune suppression or certain medical conditions (your provider will screen you)

When in doubt, book a consult—contraindications are one of the biggest factors in safety and great results.

Not all “microneedling” is created equal.

SkinPen is a medical-grade, FDA-cleared microneedling system with safety standards that matter—like sterile single-use needle cartridges and device safeguards designed for professional use.

Some low-quality or counterfeit pens/rollers can have inconsistent needle depth, poor manufacturing tolerances, and weaker sterility controls—raising the risk of skin tearing, infection, scarring, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Device quality + provider technique is a huge part of preventing “track marks” and other avoidable complications.

Generally, DIY microneedling is not recommended. At home, it’s harder to control sterility, needle depth, pressure, and uniform technique—which increases the risk of infection, scarring, and pigment problems. Also, many at-home tools are cosmetic-grade and may not deliver the same collagen remodeling as professional treatments.

If you want real results for concerns like acne scars or texture, professional microneedling is the safer and more predictable option.

Microneedling is commonly used for:

• Acne scars (including shallow/rolling scars)

• Enlarged pores and uneven texture

• Fine lines and early crepiness

• Stretch marks (body areas vary)

• Uneven tone and some forms of discoloration (provider screening is important, especially with melasma/PIH history)

A simple prep plan usually includes:

• Avoid sunburns / heavy sun exposure before treatment

• Pause irritating actives (like retinoids and strong acids) for several days beforehand if instructed

• Avoid harsh exfoliation and aggressive scrubs

• Let your provider know about: cold sores history, tendency to hyperpigment, current acne flares, and any medications that affect healing

(Your clinic should provide a personalized prep list based on your skin and your goals.)

Most people describe professional microneedling as very tolerable, especially with topical numbing. Sensation varies by area (forehead/upper lip can feel spicier than cheeks), needle depth, and your sensitivity.

Typical “normal” downtime looks like:

• Day 0–1: Redness (often like a moderate sunburn), warmth/tightness

• Day 2–3: Redness fades; mild swelling may linger; skin can feel dry

• Day 3–7: Light flaking/dryness and texture changes as skin settles

• Weeks 2–6: Collagen remodeling continues; results build gradually

Recovery can vary with treatment intensity and your skin’s sensitivity.

Most protocols allow gentle cleansing within the first day (often after the initial post-care window your provider gives you). Use a gentle cleanser, lukewarm water, and pat dry—no scrubbing, no cleansing brushes.

A common recommendation is to wait at least 24 hours (sometimes longer) before applying makeup so you don’t trap bacteria or irritants while the micro-channels are closing. Mineral makeup is often preferred when you restart—but follow your provider’s exact timing.

Plan to avoid heavy sweating and heat exposure for at least 24–48 hours (sometimes longer), because sweat/heat can increase irritation and redness while your skin is inflamed and healing.

Possible side effects include redness, swelling, bruising, dryness/flaking, and—less commonly—infection, scarring, or PIH.

To minimize risk:

• Choose a trained medical provider using a medical-grade device and sterile technique

• Disclose history of cold sores, keloids, pigment issues, or acne flares

• Follow aftercare: gentle skincare, avoid picking/flaking, avoid heat/sweat early on

• Be strict with sun protection, since UV exposure can worsen discoloration during healing

Microneedling is often selected for skin of color because it’s not heat-based like many lasers. That said, people prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) still need the right plan: conservative settings, excellent technique, and strong post-care—especially sun protection and pigment-safe skincare.

If you have a history of PIH or melasma, your provider should customize your approach.

Many people start seeing visible improvement after a series of 3 sessions spaced about a month apart, especially for texture, pores, and early lines. For more advanced concerns (like deeper acne scarring or body stretch marks), a plan of 4–6 sessions (or more) may be recommended for best results.