The Power of Microneedling for Acne Scars and More!

As one of the most common skin conditions, acne itself can be very frustrating to deal with, not only during active breakouts, but also the scars that can be left behind. While it often plagues teenagers, acne can affect anyone regardless of age.

At SMooth Solutions Medspa in Naperville we offer acne scar treatments and work with our clients to determine the best treatment plan for their individual needs. We can use a combination of microneedling for acne scars and hydrafacials or phototherapy to help treat active acne breakouts. 

If you’ve tried over the counter skincare products without success, it may be time to consider professional aesthetic treatments to reclaim your smooth, acne free skin.

How does microneedling for acne scars work?

Microneedling in Naperville uses tiny, sterile needles to create controlled injury to the skin. This process causes your skin to produce more collagen and elastin, which leads to firmer and smoother skin.

What causes acne scars?

Acne is the result of clogged pores. When our pores are filled with dirt, oil, and bacteria, it can lead to blemishes, lesions, and cystic acne in worst case scenarios. Hormonal changes can cause acne, which is why it’s really prevalent in teenagers. Diet and medications can also cause breakouts.

Acne scars form like other scars on the body. When the blemishes swell or break, they create wounds that the body heals by rapidly producing new collagen. Because the body is focused on repairing the skin quickly, it lays down the collagen in a different pattern than in your normal skin. Your body may use too much or too little collagen in the area as well.

What is collagen?

Collagen is one of the 2 proteins that make up your skin. The other is elastin. Together, these proteins create the structure, volume, and elasticity of your skin. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, making it harder for our skin to heal and maintain its shape.

What does microneedling do?

When our aestheticians insert the needles into your skin, they physically break up the scar tissue and signal to your body to produce more collagen in that area. By producing more collagen, your skin’s structure returns to normal and smooths out. 

We don’t just use microneedling for acne scars in Naperville, either. We can use the collagen boosting effects of microneedling on burn scars, stretch marks, sun damage and more. Plus, it’s safe for all skin types and tones and can be used almost anywhere on the body!

How soon will I see results with microneedling for acne scars?

It may take more than one microneedling treatment to see your desired results, depending on the severity of your scarring.

Depending on your individual needs, typically we recommend 2 to 3 microneedling treatments to see significant improvement in acne scarring and overall skin texture. These are spaced several weeks apart to give the skin time to fully regenerate in between treatments, making subsequent treatments more effective.

What should I expect from my microneedling treatment?

At SMooth Solutions all of our treatment plans start with a complimentary consultation. Our goal is always to develop a personalized plan for each client to guarantee their desired results.

Consultation

When you visit our office our trained staff will take the time to get to know you and your needs. We’ll explain the microneedling procedure and answer any questions you may have. 

Your provider will examine your skin, discuss the methods you’ve used in the past, and assess whether microneedling is the right treatment for you. In some cases we may recommend an alternative or combination treatment. We’ll also talk through post treatment skincare!

Treatment

During your microneedling treatment, our experienced practitioner will apply a topical serum before gently gliding the microneedling pen over the treatment area. Microneedling treatments are typically very comfortable, most clients report only a slight vibration or tingling during the treatment.

The 3 phases of wound-healing are initiated (inflammation, proliferation & remodeling) and the result is effective remodeling of the acne scar tissue and new collagen production while keeping the overall structure of the skin intact.

Your treatment will only last 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of your treatment area! 

Next steps

Immediately after your microneedling session your skin will appear slightly pink, similar to mild to moderate sunburn. This naturally resolves within a short time. 

You’ll receive an after care plan with information on what to expect over the next few days and proper skin care guidance. Using medical grade skincare products can speed healing and enhance your overall results.

Are there other treatments besides microneedling for acne scars?

Prevention is one of the best methods to reduce acne scars. Caring for your skin regularly can reduce acne and proper treatment during breakouts can prevent acne scarring. At SMooth Solutions we offer multiple options for acne treatments in Naperville

Our facial treatments are clinically proven and results focused. We’ve gathered the best aesthetic technology to address acne and acne scars.

Aquafirme hydrafacial

Incorporating a regular hydrafacial treatment into your skincare routine can help reduce the causes of acne and boost your overall skin health. The Aquafirme facial provides deep cleansing and purification of the pores to remove debris and bacteria that lead to acne breakouts. They’re even safe to get during active breakouts!

The gentle exfoliation and RF skin tightening can also improve skin laxity and reduce the appearance of acne scars over time.

Chemical peels

A custom chemical peel can provide a deep cleanse and reset for your skin. They’re a great pick-me-up that enhances and maintains the results of your less frequent aesthetic treatments like microneedling.

Using medical-grade products, each chemical peel is tailored to specific skin concern and type. For acne scars, we’ll use a peel with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and other acne fighting ingredients. We’ll remove the dry, damaged layers to reveal the smoother skin underneath. 

Dermalux phototherapy

LED phototherapy in Naperville has many benefits, including treating acne. Blue light therapy addresses the bacteria on the skin causing breakouts and reducing inflammation. On the other hand, red light therapy can promote healing and reduce the visibility of acne scars. 

When we pair LED light therapy with microneedling it can actually speed your recovery time! Phototherapy can help enhance the results of all your facial treatments and provides great results on its own.

Medical grade skincare products

Medical-grade skincare will provide you with more effective results than over-the-counter products and can help you maintain the results of your aesthetic treatments in between office visits. 

We offer ZO, Alastin, and our own SMooth Solutions brand products to help you build your best skin care routine. Our skincare experts can assist you in picking products and knowing how often to use them.

Related: How often should you exfoliate?

Frequently asked questions about microneedling for acne scars

When will I see results from my microneedling treatment?

Most clients will notice improvements within about a week. As your skin continues healing, your scars will continue to diminish. Results continue improving over time after each microneedling session.

How many sessions of microneedling will I need?

This is dependent on the severity of your scars and how much change you would like to see. Typically we recommended at least 2 to 3 sessions to see optimal results.

Is microneedling better for acne scars than laser resurfacing?

Both of these treatments can work together to get rid of acne scars. Microneedling is often preferred for acne scars because it has less downtime than laser resurfacing. Each of these treatments is designed to produce a particular outcome, your aesthetician can discuss the benefits of both during your consultation.

Can I get microneedling if I have an active breakout?

Microneedling is best utilized on skin that is not suffering from an active breakout. The small punctures made by the needles can further irritate active acne and possibly spread bacteria. We can use other treatments, hydrafacials, phototherapy, and topical skincare to calm the acne before we schedule your microneedling appointment.

Discover your SMooth Solutions and book your consultation!

You don’t have to keep struggling with acne and acne scars. At SMooth Solutions Medspa, Our team of experienced and licensed aestheticians are here to assist you in reclaiming your skin and getting back to living a confident, clear-skin life.

We are a results-focused establishment that will never try to sell you things you don’t need. Our goal is to provide medical-grade treatments that leave you feeling refreshed and confident, whether we are using laser machines, medical aesthetic equipment, or topical products.

If you’re wondering if microneedling is the solution for your acne scars, book your consultation today to get started!

Not quite ready for an in person visit? You can always explore our aesthetic offerings using our virtual consultation tool. Simply answer a few questions about your areas of concern or interest and you’ll receive customized treatment recommendations right to your inbox!