Acne After Microneedling? Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

If you’re considering microneedling or have already undergone the treatment, you might be wondering, “Can you get acne after microneedling?” The short answer is yes, but it’s not as common as you might think.

Microneedling is a fantastic option for improving a range of skin issues, from fine lines to acne scars. Surprisingly, it can even treat active acne, despite old beliefs that microneedling might worsen the condition. Recent studies have shown that microneedling can actually help reduce both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions by promoting healthier skin regeneration.

However, for some people—especially those who are already prone to acne—there’s a slight chance of experiencing breakouts or flare-ups after the procedure. Studies show that about 5-10% of people who undergo microneedling to treat acne scars may notice a flare-up afterward. But don’t worry—these breakouts are usually temporary and can be managed with the right care.

In this post, we’ll explore why acne might appear after microneedling, the types of breakouts you might experience, and most importantly, how to manage and prevent them. Let’s dive in!

What Causes Acne After Microneedling?

To understand why acne might appear after microneedling, it’s helpful to know how the treatment works. Microneedling involves tiny needles creating micro-injuries in the skin, which triggers your body’s natural healing process. This boosts collagen production, leading to smoother, firmer skin over time.

But as with any skin treatment, there’s a possibility of side effects. One of the main reasons some people experience breakouts after microneedling is due to skin irritation. The procedure can cause temporary inflammation, making your skin more sensitive and reactive. If your pores become clogged during this period—whether from excess oil, dead skin cells, or product buildup—it can lead to the formation of pimples.

While less common, some people may also experience fungal or cystic acne after microneedling. Fungal acne, which is caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin, can sometimes be triggered by the disruption of the skin’s natural barrier during the healing process. Cystic acne, on the other hand, is a more severe type of breakout that can occur if inflammation goes deeper into the skin.

Why Do You Break Out After Microneedling?

Not everyone who gets microneedling will experience acne, but certain factors can increase the likelihood of a breakout. Your skin type plays a significant role—if you’re already prone to acne, your skin may be more reactive to the treatment.

Additionally, improper aftercare can contribute to post-microneedling breakouts. For example, skipping cleansing routines, using heavy products, or not following recommended aftercare instructions can clog pores and lead to acne.

It’s also worth noting that people who are treating acne scars with microneedling might be more susceptible to breakouts. This could be due to the existing condition of their skin or the fact that microneedling can sometimes bring underlying issues to the surface. However, it’s important to remember that these flare-ups are usually temporary and part of the skin’s healing process.

In summary, while acne after microneedling isn’t common, it can happen, especially if you have acne-prone skin or don’t follow proper aftercare. But with the right precautions, these breakouts can be managed and minimized.

Types of Acne After Microneedling

Dealing with Small Acne and Pimples

Let’s start with the most common type of breakout you might see after microneedling: small acne or pimples. These are usually minor and show up as a few whiteheads or tiny red bumps. If you’re prone to acne, these might appear as your skin goes through the healing process. Think of it as your skin reacting to the micro-injuries from the treatment—your pores might get clogged by dead skin cells, oil, or leftover product, leading to these small breakouts.

The good news? These pimples are usually short-lived and can be managed with gentle skincare and proper hygiene. Keeping your skin clean and avoiding heavy or oily products can help prevent these minor breakouts from turning into something more serious.

What About Cystic Acne?

Now, cystic acne is a different story. This type of acne is more severe and can be a bit trickier to deal with. Cystic acne appears as painful, deep-seated bumps under the skin, and it can be triggered by the inflammation that sometimes follows microneedling. If your skin tends to react strongly to treatments, you might be at a higher risk for this type of breakout.

Cystic acne after microneedling might happen if the inflammation goes deeper into the skin layers or if there’s a disruption in how your skin heals. While this type of acne can be frustrating, it’s important to remember that it’s not a common side effect. If you do experience it, it’s best to consult a dermatologist to get it under control quickly and prevent scarring.

Could It Be Fungal Acne?

Finally, let’s talk about a rarer type of breakout: fungal acne. Despite its name, fungal acne isn’t actually acne but rather an overgrowth of yeast on the skin. After microneedling, your skin’s barrier might be temporarily weakened, which can sometimes lead to an imbalance in your skin flora. When this happens, you might see small, itchy, uniform bumps that look a lot like acne.

Fungal acne can be tricky because it doesn’t respond to typical acne treatments. If you suspect that you’re dealing with fungal acne after microneedling, it’s important to seek professional advice for the right treatment, which might include antifungal products.

In most cases, any breakouts you experience after microneedling—whether they’re small pimples, cystic acne, or even fungal acne—are manageable with the right care. Knowing what to look out for can help you address these issues quickly and keep your skin on the right track.

Microneedling Variants: RF Microneedling and Acne

Traditional vs. RF Microneedling: What’s the Difference?

Traditional microneedling involves tiny needles that create micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen production. RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy to this process, delivering heat deep into the skin for enhanced tightening and rejuvenation. The key difference is the added heat, which aims to boost results, especially for deeper skin concerns like severe scars or loose skin.

Does RF Microneedling Increase Breakout Risks?

When it comes to acne risk, RF microneedling doesn’t seem to increase the likelihood of breakouts more than traditional microneedling. In fact, studies suggest that RF microneedling might even be gentler, as the heat can reduce inflammation more effectively, potentially lowering the chance of clogged pores.

Your skin type and acne-proneness are still the main factors in how your skin will react. Regardless of the method, proper aftercare is crucial to minimizing any risk of breakouts. So, whether you choose traditional or RF microneedling, taking care of your skin post-treatment will help keep it clear.

Managing Acne After Microneedling

How to Treat Acne After Microneedling

If you experience breakouts after microneedling, here’s how to manage them:

• Cleanse Gently: Use a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser, such as one containing ceramides or hyaluronic acid, to keep your pores clear without irritating your skin. Avoid cleansers with harsh sulfates or fragrances.
• Avoid Harsh Products: Skip exfoliants and strong active ingredients (like retinoids or acids) until your skin has fully healed. Instead, consider using soothing ingredients like aloe vera or centella asiatica (also known as cica) to calm irritation and reduce redness.
• Moisturize Wisely: Choose a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer that includes ingredients like niacinamide or panthenol to help soothe and strengthen the skin barrier. These ingredients can reduce inflammation and support your skin’s healing process.
• Spot Treat with Care: For mild acne, consider using a gentle spot treatment containing tea tree oil or salicylic acid. These can help target individual blemishes without overly drying or irritating your skin.
• Use a Cooling Gel: Applying a cooling gel with aloe vera or calendula can soothe inflammation and provide relief to irritated skin, helping to reduce the appearance of acne.
• Consult a Dermatologist: If acne is persistent or severe, seek professional advice for targeted treatments. They may recommend a gentle prescription topical like benzoyl peroxide in a low concentration or an antibiotic cream to control the breakout.

These steps, along with patience, can help your skin recover and clear up any post-microneedling acne more quickly.

How to Prevent Acne After Microneedling

To reduce the risk of breakouts after your microneedling session, follow these tips:

• Pre-Treatment Prep: Ensure your skin is clean and free of heavy products before your session.
• Stick to Simple Aftercare: Post-treatment, use a gentle cleanser and non-comedogenic moisturizer. Avoid makeup and heavy creams for a few days.
• Hands Off: Avoid touching your face to prevent bacteria from causing breakouts.
• Hydrate and Protect: Keep your skin moisturized and apply sunscreen if you’re heading outdoors.

These steps can help you prevent post-treatment acne and keep your skin looking its best.

How Long Does Acne Last After Microneedling?

If you’re dealing with acne after microneedling, the good news is that it’s usually temporary. For most people, these breakouts clear up within a week or two as your skin heals and adjusts to the treatment.

During this time, sticking to a gentle skincare routine is key. Avoid picking at your skin or using harsh products that could make the acne worse. If you notice that the acne isn’t improving after a couple of weeks, or if it’s getting worse, it might be time to consult a dermatologist. Persistent breakouts could be a sign that your skin needs extra care or a different approach to healing.

Remember, patience is important—your skin is in recovery mode, and with the right care, it should bounce back soon.

Wrapping Up: Final Tips

Although acne after microneedling isn’t very common, it can happen, especially if you’re prone to breakouts. If you’re concerned, opting for RF microneedling might be a better choice, as it’s less likely to cause acne flare-ups.

To minimize the risk of post-treatment acne, focus on keeping your skin hydrated with trusted products, avoid introducing new skincare items immediately after your session, and protect your skin with a gentle sunscreen every day. With these precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of microneedling with confidence and a lower risk of unwanted breakouts.

References:

https://www.heraldopenaccess.us/openaccess/microneedling-for-medical-and-aesthetic-purposes-current-indications-and-new-advances
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ski2.264
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7869810/