An article published in Dermatologic Therapy discussed that skin microneedling accelerates the process of skin regeneration through the creation of numerous microinjuries which emerge when skin is deeply punctured with very thin needles. This procedure evokes various reactions in three major phases – inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. The intervention activates platelet growth factors which are responsible for the stimulation of fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin. While skin breakdown enhances penetration of active ingredients.

This treatment can be performed with the use of different devices, and with needles of various lengths. Due to the fact that skin microneedling stimulates the synthesis of significant rebuilding and structural skin elements; vis, collagen, elastin and proteoglycan, it is used in the treatment of many skin defects of different etiologies, for example, photoaging, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, hypo- or hypertrophic scars, pigmentation changes, infraorbital dark circles, teleangiectasia, stretch marks, cellulite, alopecia and vitiligo.

Furthermore, to accelerate postsurgical regeneration and/or to enhance effects, microneedling is combined with the application of UV light (photodynamic therapy with ALA); LED light; platelet-rich plasma; chemical peels; stem cells; retinoids; and other pharmaceuticals and vitamins. Moreover, the high effectiveness, limited number of side effects and short recovery time make skin microneedling a popular cosmetic and medical treatment.

Source: Dermatologic Therapy. 2018 Nov;31(6):e12714. doi: 10.1111/dth.12714.