Acne scars can feel like a lasting reminder of breakouts long past. If you’ve tried countless creams, serums, or home remedies without results, you’re not alone, and there are more effective options. At RejuvaCare Aesthetics and Wellness in Golden, CO, we offer microneedling to help soften and smooth acne scars by stimulating your skin’s natural healing power.
If you’re considering microneedling for the first time, here’s everything you need to know about what to expect before, during, and after your session.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a device with ultra-fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in your skin. These tiny punctures trigger your body’s wound-healing response, leading to the production of new collagen and elastin.
How Does Microneedling Work for Acne Scars?
Acne scars form when the skin’s healing process after breakouts is disrupted, leaving behind uneven texture, pits, or raised areas. Traditional creams and surface treatments often struggle to address these deeper issues because scars affect the skin’s underlying structure, not just the outermost layer.
Microneedling stimulates your body’s natural repair mechanisms. The device creates controlled micro-channels in the skin, which trigger a cascade of healing responses:
Collagen Induction
The tiny injuries signal your body to produce fresh collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for keeping skin firm, smooth, and resilient. Over time, this new collagen fills in depressed areas left by acne scars.
Cellular Renewal
As the skin regenerates, old, damaged cells are gradually replaced with healthier ones. This results in a more even skin tone and a softer texture.
Remodeling Scar Tissue
Repeated treatments encourage the skin to reorganize old scar tissue while laying down new, healthier tissue in its place. This process helps reduce the appearance of pitted or rolling scars that once seemed permanent.
Enhanced Product Absorption
The micro-channels also allow topical serums or growth factors applied during treatment to penetrate more deeply, further accelerating the healing and rejuvenation process.
The result is a gradual but visible improvement in scar depth and overall skin smoothness. While no treatment can completely erase scars, microneedling can soften their appearance significantly, so your skin looks healthier and more even.
Preparing for Your First Session
Walking into your first microneedling appointment may feel overwhelming, but preparation is simple. At RejuvaCare, we start with a consultation to review your skin goals, medical history, and treatment plan. To maximize your results and minimize sensitivity, your provider may recommend:
- Avoiding sun exposure and tanning for at least one week prior
- Pausing retinoids, acids, or harsh exfoliants for three to five days before treatment
- Keeping your skin clean and moisturized leading up to your appointment
- Arriving makeup-free on the day of your session
These small steps help ensure your skin is primed and ready for treatment.
What Happens During Your Microneedling Session?
On the day of your appointment, the process is designed to be straightforward and comfortable from start to finish:
Cleansing & Numbing
Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed, and a topical numbing cream will be applied. Most patients find that this makes the procedure very comfortable, often describing the sensation as a light vibration or a prickling sensation.
Microneedling Treatment
Using a handheld device, we will gently pass the microneedling pen over your skin. The depth and speed of the needles are carefully adjusted based on the severity of your acne scars and the area being treated.
Soothing Serum or Mask
After the treatment, your skin is typically treated with a calming serum, hyaluronic acid, or a cooling mask to boost hydration and aid healing. The procedure generally takes about 30–60 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.
Immediately After Treatment
Right after your microneedling session, your skin will look and feel as though you have a mild to moderate sunburn. This is a completely normal part of the healing process, as your skin has just experienced thousands of tiny controlled micro-injuries.
You may notice:
- Redness and warmth for 24–48 hours, especially in areas where scars are deeper and the device needs to penetrate more strongly.
- Mild swelling or tightness, which usually fades within the first two days as your skin begins to repair itself.
- Tiny pinpoint marks or light scabbing in treated areas. These are micro-channels created by the needles and often fade or flake away within a few days.
- Increased sensitivity, where the skin feels tender to touch. This is a temporary condition that usually resolves quickly.
Most patients can return to their regular daily routine immediately, with a significant reduction in redness and swelling by the second day. Within a week, your skin typically feels smoother, and the first signs of improvement in scar texture may start to appear.
Is Microneedling Right for You?
Microneedling is safe for most skin types and tones, making it an excellent option for many people who struggle with acne scars. However, it may not be recommended if you have active breakouts, certain skin conditions, or are pregnant.
During your consultation at RejuvaCare Aesthetics and Wellness in Golden, CO, we will assess your skin and recommend the best treatment approach—whether that’s microneedling alone or in combination with other therapies for optimal results.
Start Your Acne Scar Transformation with Microneedling
Your first microneedling session for acne scars can mark the beginning of a journey toward smoother, more confident-looking skin. By understanding what to expect before, during, and after treatment, you’ll feel prepared and reassured every step of the way.
With the guidance of skilled professionals at RejuvaCare Aesthetics and Wellness in Golden, CO, you can finally take control of your acne scars and embrace clearer, healthier-looking skin. Contact us online or call (720) 853-5957 today to schedule your microneedling consultation.
