Microneedling is a popular treatment for various skin conditions. It works by boosting collagen production to help reduce acne scars, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation.
Although it’s relatively affordable and can be done at home, there are some common mistakes that many tutorials overlook. These errors can actually cause more harm than good when doing microneedling yourself!
Common Microneedling Mistakes to Avoid:
- Using low-quality derma rollers: Cheap tools can damage your skin.
- Applying products with strong fragrances after treatment: This can irritate the skin.
- Microneedling too often: Overdoing it prevents your skin from healing properly.
- Using the wrong needle size: Different skin issues need different needle lengths.
- Skipping sunscreen: Your skin is more sensitive after microneedling and needs protection.
- Microneedling over active acne or infections: This can spread bacteria and worsen the problem.
- Using the wrong products after microneedling: Always choose gentle, skin-friendly products.
- Not replacing your tool often enough: Old tools can become dull or unsanitary.
- Not sanitizing your tool before use: Proper disinfection is crucial to prevent infections.
Mistake 1: Using Low-Quality Derma Rollers
Derma rollers sold on platforms like eBay, Amazon, or Temu may be of lower quality, especially if they are offered at very low prices. Many sellers aim to make quick profits from trendy items, so the tools they sell might not be up to standard.
These rollers may have thicker needles or be made from materials different from what’s advertised. Studies show that thinner needles are better for reducing the risk of scarring.
Additionally, the needles on derma rollers enter the skin at an angle instead of straight in and out. This can lead to wider micro-injuries, which may cause unnecessary irritation and trauma to the skin. In some cases, using a roller can even result in a side effect called “tram track” scarring, where the skin is damaged in a way that resembles small tracks.
Mistake 2: Applying a New Serum with Fragrance After Microneedling
There have been cases of granulomas, a type of skin inflammation, developing after professional microneedling treatments at medical spas where the same serum was applied. The study suggests that a fragrance or preservative in the serum likely caused this negative reaction.
Fragrances and preservatives increase the risk of skin irritation, especially after microneedling when the skin is more sensitive. That’s why it’s important to avoid serums or skincare products with high amounts of these ingredients after the treatment.
Mistake 3: Microneedling Too Often
When it comes to microneedling, more is not always better. One of the most common mistakes is doing treatments too frequently, which can actually worsen your results.
It’s essential to give your skin enough time to heal and recover between sessions. Overdoing it can slow down the healing process and lead to increased irritation and inflammation, which you definitely want to avoid.
Studies show that collagen continues to form in the skin for up to a month after microneedling, so patience is key.
Mistake 4: Using the Wrong Needle Size
Many people assume that using longer needles will give them better results, but longer needles come with a higher risk of scarring. Needles that are 1mm or longer should only be used by professionals because they can cause damage to the deeper layers of the skin and increase the risk of infection.
For home use, the safest needle size is up to 0.5mm. This is the minimum length needed to effectively stimulate collagen production. Shorter needles, like 0.25mm, are available, but they are best for improving product absorption and light exfoliation, not for the collagen production required to treat acne scars.
Mistake 5: Not Using Sunscreen
A common mistake after microneedling is skipping sunscreen. Every time you do the procedure, sunscreen is essential.
Sun exposure can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation and damage collagen, which is the opposite of what microneedling aims to achieve. Even a few days after the treatment, UV damage is still a concern, so if you’re going outside or even in a sunny room, make sure to wear sunscreen daily.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of 50 or higher. Since the skin is more sensitive after microneedling, mineral sunscreens are usually the best option.
Mistake 6: Microneedling on Active Acne or Skin Infections
Never microneedle over active acne, rashes, or open sores. Doing so can spread infections and make things worse. To protect yourself, avoid microneedling on any areas with acne, wounds, warts, psoriasis, or any bacterial, viral, or fungal skin infections.
Always wait until the skin has fully healed before performing microneedling in these areas.
Mistake 7: Applying the Wrong Products After Microneedling
Another common error is using the wrong skincare products after microneedling.
Since microneedling increases the skin’s absorption by 5-20 times, applying the wrong products can lead to irritation. Avoid using harsh ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, retinol, or lactic acid right after microneedling, as these can cause excessive irritation. It’s best to wait 24 hours before applying these products, or use them the day before the treatment.
Also, avoid wearing makeup for at least 24 hours after microneedling. If your skin feels sensitive, a basic moisturizer should be enough until the next day, or you can apply a gentle vitamin C serum.
If you have acne-prone skin, steer clear of products containing petroleum-based ingredients, mineral oil, propylene glycol, silicon, or coconut oil, as these can clog pores and aggravate acne.
Mistake 8: Not Replacing Your Microneedling Head
It’s crucial to regularly replace your microneedling tool, no matter the brand. Over time, the needles can become dull after several uses, making them less effective. Additionally, microneedles can accumulate bacteria, oils, and debris that are hard to clean thoroughly.
Using sharp, straight needles is key to avoiding unnecessary skin trauma. Blunt needles can harm your skin and won’t deliver the same results.
Mistake 9: Not Sanitizing Your Microneedling Tool Before Use
Although it’s a simple step, sanitizing your microneedling tool before each use is easy to forget with a busy schedule. However, it’s essential to clean the tool thoroughly before every session, even if you cleaned it before storing it. If you use one-time-use tools, always discard the used tip and replace it with a new one.
Also, make sure your skin is freshly cleansed before microneedling to prevent bacteria from being pushed deeper into your skin, which could lead to breakouts—something you definitely want to avoid!
Conclusion
It typically takes 1 to 3 months for most people to see long-term results from microneedling. Like any skincare routine or treatment, patience is key!
We hope these tips will help you improve your microneedling experience, especially in treating acne scars. Stay consistent and careful, and your efforts will pay off!