Stimulating your skin’s natural healing process can help improve texture irregularities like rough patches, enlarged pores, and uneven tone. When the skin is gently triggered to repair itself, it begins producing more collagen and elastin, two components that support a smoother surface.
This process can be especially helpful for acne scars. Acne scars form when breakouts damage the deeper layers of the skin, often leaving behind visible pitting or unevenness. At RejuvaCare Aesthetics and Wellness in Golden, CO, we use microneedling for acne scars and other irregularities to help even out the skin’s surface by encouraging consistent cell turnover and tissue remodeling.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a device with fine needles that create tiny holes in the skin called microchannels. These small punctures are shallow and precise, targeting the upper layers without causing damage to surrounding tissue or tearing the skin. The purpose is to activate your body’s repair mechanisms, which is what prompts fresh collagen and elastin production. This process can gradually help refine skin texture and improve the appearance of scarring or irregularities.
Treating Acne Scars and More With Microneedling
Using microneedling for acne scars targets the uneven texture that develops when inflammation from breakouts damages the deeper layers of the skin. When the skin heals from acne breakouts, it often doesn’t produce enough collagen to completely replace the damaged tissue. As a result, acne can leave tiny depressions in the skin. These can be shallow, such as boxcar or rolling scars, or they can be deep and triangular. By replacing some of the lost collagen, microneedling can help rebuild the skin’s structure and create a smooth surface again.
Microneedling is also effective for:
- Injury Scars: Scar tissue from cuts, burns, or surgical incisions can benefit from microneedling by breaking down dense collagen and supporting the growth of new, healthier skin.
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Repeated motion and aging can cause the skin to fold and lose elasticity. Microneedling can help improve the appearance of these lines by prompting the skin to regenerate with more supportive fibers.
- Enlarged Pores: Microneedling can help reduce the look of enlarged pores by stimulating collagen around each pore, making them appear tighter and less noticeable.
- Stretch Marks: These marks form when the skin stretches rapidly and collagen fibers break down. Microneedling can encourage collagen remodeling in these areas, which may help reduce the depth and visibility of stretch marks over time.
- Sun Damage and Hyperpigmentation: Uneven pigmentation caused by UV exposure can be improved as microneedling promotes consistent cell turnover, helping shed discolored surface layers and supporting a more uniform tone.
- Dull or Dehydrated Skin: By boosting circulation and encouraging new skin growth, microneedling can help refresh tired-looking skin. It also improves the absorption of hydrating skincare products applied afterward.
- Crepey Skin on the Neck: Thinner, fragile skin on the neck can benefit from microneedling’s collagen-stimulating effects and can help improve the texture and firmness of this delicate area.
Why Patients Choose Microneedling
A Gentle, Minimally-Invasive Option
Microneedling uses fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries without damaging the surrounding skin. This makes it a lower-intensity option compared to more aggressive resurfacing treatments. Many patients appreciate the shorter downtime and gradual improvements that come with this approach.
Suitable for Many Skin Types
Because the treatment doesn’t rely on heat or harsh chemicals, it can be used on a wide range of skin tones and types. Patients with sensitivity or pigmentation concerns may find microneedling a better alternative. It also allows for precise treatment in delicate areas, including around the eyes or mouth.
Versatile Skin Rejuvenation
Microneedling benefits include a smoother texture, more even skin tone, and improved overall skin health. Whether you’re addressing scars or fine lines, or are just looking to refresh dull skin, the treatment will adapt well to your concerns. It can also be combined with other options, like serums or platelet-rich plasma, for even more benefits.
Microneedling With the SkinPen®
SkinPen is a precision-controlled microneedling device cleared by the FDA for treating acne scars and improving skin texture. It uses a set of sterile, disposable needles that create uniform microchannels in the skin with consistent depth and spacing. The device’s design allows for customizable treatment settings, which can be adjusted based on your skin’s needs and the area being treated. One advantage of SkinPen is its ability to treat delicate or hard-to-reach areas while minimizing discomfort. Its mechanical precision helps reduce the risk of skin tearing and makes the process smoother and more consistent than manual or lower-grade devices.
Our Microneedling Process
Cleaning the Skin
We always begin by cleansing your skin thoroughly to remove makeup, sunscreen, oil, and debris. This first step helps reduce the risk of introducing surface bacteria into the microchannels created during treatment. We use a gentle cleanser appropriate for your skin type to avoid irritation. Once clean, we pat the skin dry and prepare for the anesthetic.
Applying the Anesthetic
To keep you comfortable throughout the session, we apply a topical anesthetic cream that contains lidocaine, benzocaine, and tetracaine. These three medications work together to numb the surface of the skin. We leave the cream in place for at least 30 minutes to allow it to take full effect. During this time, we can review any questions you may have, prepare add-ons, and finalize settings based on your skin’s needs.
Secondary Cleansing
After the numbing process, we perform a second cleanse using soap, water, and rubbing alcohol. This step helps sterilize the surface and reduces the risk of irritation or infection. We carefully remove all traces of the numbing cream and make sure the skin is fully dry before beginning.
Microneedling With SkinPen
We divide the face into sections and treat one area at a time, starting with the forehead. From there, we move to the cheeks, then down to the chin and under the eyes. Each area requires a slightly different needle depth, ranging from 0.25 mm in more delicate areas like under the eyes to up to 1.75 mm on thicker skin like the cheeks. The SkinPen allows us to control this depth precisely, depending on your skin’s texture and the concern we are treating. Throughout the session, we maintain steady, even passes to create a uniform pattern of microchannels across the skin’s surface.
How Long Does the Treatment Take?
The microneedling portion of the treatment typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated and whether we include the neck. If we are treating both the face and neck, plan for a longer treatment. In addition to the treatment itself, we also allow at least 30 minutes for the topical anesthetic to take full effect before we begin. Altogether, you should expect to spend about an hour to an hour and a half in the office.
Complementing Your Treatment With Add-Ons
Peptides
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that send signals to your skin to support specific functions, like stimulating collagen or improving hydration. When we apply peptides immediately after microneedling, they can penetrate more effectively through the microchannels, allowing them to reach deeper layers of the skin. This can improve healing, promote a smoother texture, and enhance the overall results of your treatment.
We may use a combination of growth peptides to support cell regeneration, copper peptides to reduce inflammation and assist in tissue repair, and signal peptides to encourage the production of new collagen and elastin. Each type serves a different purpose, and we select the best option based on your skin’s condition and goals.
Platelet-Rich Plasma
Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a concentrate of platelets drawn from your blood that contains natural growth factors used to support healing. We prepare PRP while the anesthetic is taking effect by drawing a small amount of blood and spinning it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from other components. After microneedling, we apply the PRP topically to the treated areas, allowing it to absorb deeply into the skin while the microchannels are still open. PRP can enhance skin regeneration, improve tone and texture, and support faster recovery.
Preparing Your Skin for Microneedling
In the week leading up to your microneedling appointment, avoid using exfoliants, retinoids, or products containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids. These ingredients can make your skin more sensitive and increase the risk of irritation during treatment. We also recommend staying out of direct sun exposure and postponing any waxing or laser treatments on the area. Come to your appointment with clean skin, free of makeup, moisturizer, or sunscreen. If you are prone to cold sores, let us know in advance so we can discuss whether an antiviral medication is appropriate.
Post-Treatment Care
After microneedling, your skin may feel warm and appear slightly red for the rest of the day. Avoid applying makeup or using harsh skincare products for at least 24 hours while the skin begins to recover. Use only gentle cleansers and a plain moisturizer, and avoid direct sunlight for several days. We will give you specific instructions based on your skin and any add-ons used during your treatment.
Microneedling FAQs
Does Microneedling Hurt?
Most patients tolerate microneedling well, especially with a topical anesthetic in place. You may feel some mild pressure or a slight scratching sensation, particularly in areas with thinner skin, like around the eyes or forehead. The SkinPen allows us to adjust the depth and speed to keep the experience as comfortable as possible.
When Can I Wear Makeup After Microneedling?
You should avoid wearing makeup for at least 24 hours after your treatment. This gives your skin time to start healing without the risk of clogging the microchannels. If your skin feels calm and no longer irritated the next day, you can begin using clean makeup products again. Use gentle formulas and avoid brushes or sponges that may introduce bacteria.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Microneedling?
Most healthy adults looking to improve skin texture, mild scarring, or early signs of aging can consider microneedling. This treatment works well for patients with light and dark skin tones because it does not use heat or lasers. We may advise against microneedling if you have an active skin infection, ongoing acne breakouts, or a history of poor wound healing. We can review your health history and skin condition at your consultation to confirm whether it is a good fit for you.
What Types of Acne Scars Can Microneedling Treat?
You can use microneedling for acne scars that create textural changes, including rolling scars, boxcar scars, and shallow pitted scars. These scars form when inflammation damages deeper layers of skin and disrupts collagen production. Deeper or more fibrotic scars may need multiple sessions or additional treatments to improve fully.
How Often Should I Schedule Microneedling?
For most patients, we recommend starting with a series of three microneedling treatment sessions spaced about four weeks apart. This gives the skin time to respond and rebuild between each visit. Some patients with deeper concerns, like pronounced scarring or sun damage, may benefit from additional treatments. Once you complete your initial series, occasional maintenance sessions every few months can help keep your results stable.
When Will I See My Microneedling Results?
Most patients start noticing changes in texture and tone within a few weeks, although full microneedling results typically develop over several months. Collagen production takes time, so you may continue to see improvement up to three to six months after your final treatment. Scars and deeper texture concerns may take longer to improve but can respond well to repeated sessions.
Choosing Our Practice for Microneedling Treatments
At RejuvaCare Aesthetics and Wellness, Dr. Mark Paz brings a thoughtful, medical-based approach to skin treatments like microneedling. With a background in internal medicine and advanced certifications in peptides, weight loss, and hormone replacement therapy, he offers a broader view of how skin health connects with overall wellness. His experience as Medical Director of a multi-clinic health company has shaped the way he delivers care, with treatments that are always focused, professional, and informed by real clinical insight. Dr. Paz takes time to listen to your concerns and guides each treatment with precision and purpose.
Enjoy Smoother, Healthier Skin With Microneedling in Golden, CO
Microneedling creates controlled stimulation in the skin that can help address surface-level concerns like rough texture, fine lines, and discoloration. It also offers a non-heat-based option for treating deeper concerns such as microneedling for acne scars, with minimal downtime and wide compatibility across skin types. At RejuvaCare Aesthetics and Wellness, we take a clinical, results-driven approach to every treatment we offer in Golden, CO. To schedule a consultation or learn more, call (303) 903-3775 or contact us using the online form.