Thinking About Microneedling for Acne Scars? Here’s What You Should Know

Acne scars can feel like the last chapter in a story you never wanted to begin with. Even after the breakouts are gone, the marks they leave behind can be a frustrating daily reminder of your skin struggles. That’s where treatments like microneedling come in.

Microneedling—also known as collagen induction therapy—has gained traction as a non-invasive, minimal-downtime option for treating acne scars. But how does it work? Is it worth it? And how does it compare to other options like lasers?

At CLEAR Acne Treatment Centers, our focus is on long-term acne clearance through AviClear®, but we know many of our clients are also searching for ways to address the scarring left behind by past breakouts. Here’s what you should know about microneedling and whether it might be a helpful piece of your healing journey.

WHAT IS MICRONEEDLING?

Microneedling is a skin treatment that uses tiny, controlled punctures—created with very fine needles—to stimulate your body’s natural healing response. The process triggers collagen and elastin production, which helps repair damaged skin and improve its texture and tone.

It’s commonly used to reduce:

• Atrophic (indented) acne scars

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Enlarged pores

• Uneven skin texture

• Stretch marks

When it comes to acne scarring, microneedling is best for treating rolling scars and shallow boxcar scars. Deeper or more fibrotic scars may require more intensive procedures or combination treatments.

HOW DOES MICRONEEDLING HELP ACNE SCARS?

Think of microneedling as a signal booster for your skin’s natural healing. When the skin is pricked by the needles, your body sees those micro-injuries as damage and rushes to repair them. This creates a cascade of regenerative activity—collagen production increases, fresh skin cells are generated, and over time, scar tissue begins to remodel and soften.

The result? Scars become less noticeable, skin looks smoother, and texture improves.

That said, microneedling isn’t a one-and-done treatment. Most people need a series of sessions—often spaced 4–6 weeks apart—to see significant improvement.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A MICRONEEDLING SESSION

If you’ve never had microneedling before, here’s what the process usually looks like:

BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT

• Your provider may ask you to stop using certain products like retinoids, AHAs, or exfoliants a few days prior.

• You’ll come to your appointment with clean skin—no makeup or skincare.

DURING THE APPOINTMENT

• A topical numbing cream is applied first to minimize discomfort.

• Then, a handheld device with fine needles is passed across your skin in multiple directions. You might feel light pressure or a sandpaper-like sensation.

• Most sessions take 30–45 minutes.

AFTER THE APPOINTMENT

• Expect redness, mild swelling, and some sensitivity for 24–72 hours.

• You might also see some flaking or dryness as your skin renews itself.

• Avoid sun exposure and follow any post-care instructions—this is critical for safe healing and best results.

MICRONEEDLING RESULTS: WHEN WILL YOU SEE A DIFFERENCE?

Many clients notice a subtle improvement in skin texture after just one session, but more significant scar fading typically requires 3 to 6 treatments.

It’s also important to know that collagen remodeling is a slow process. While you might see some early changes within a few weeks, the full benefits often take 3–6 months to unfold.

That delayed gratification is actually a good sign—it means your skin is repairing itself from within.

IS MICRONEEDLING SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES?

Yes—with some caveats. Microneedling is generally safe for all skin tones, including deeper complexions, because it doesn’t involve heat or light like lasers do. That lowers the risk of pigmentation issues.

However, the skill of your provider matters. If the treatment is too aggressive—or performed improperly—it can trigger inflammation or even post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

That’s why we always recommend seeing a trained, experienced professional who understands how to adjust depth and technique based on your skin type, tone, and scar severity.

MICRONEEDLING VS. OTHER SCAR TREATMENTS

So how does microneedling stack up against other options like lasers or chemical peels?

MICRONEEDLING VS. LASERS

Laser treatments like Fraxel or CO2 resurfacing can produce faster and more dramatic results, especially for deeper scars. But they also come with more downtime, a higher price tag, and greater risk for side effects in darker skin tones.

Microneedling offers a gentler approach with fewer risks and minimal recovery time, though it may require more sessions.

MICRONEEDLING VS. CHEMICAL PEELS

Chemical peels can help with pigmentation and surface texture, but they’re not very effective for deeper indented scars. Microneedling penetrates deeper into the dermis, where true scar remodeling happens.

MICRONEEDLING WITH PRP (A.K.A. THE “VAMPIRE FACIAL”)

Some providers pair microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) drawn from your own blood. This combo can enhance healing and collagen production, though it comes at a higher cost and isn’t necessary for everyone.

WHEN TO WAIT ON MICRONEEDLING

If you’re still breaking out regularly, microneedling might not be the best option just yet. Why? Because active acne can worsen post-treatment inflammation and slow down healing.

At CLEAR, our first priority is getting your acne under control with AviClear®, the first FDA-cleared laser that targets the oil glands responsible for breakouts. Once your skin is stable and you’re no longer dealing with active acne, that’s the perfect time to start focusing on scar revision with options like microneedling.

CAN MICRONEEDLING BE COMBINED WITH AVICLEAR®?

Absolutely—but not at the same time. Microneedling and AviClear® treat two different issues: acne scars and active acne. We typically recommend completing your AviClear® treatment series and allowing a few months for your skin to fully calm down before starting scar treatments.

This sequence helps ensure the best results: first clear the acne, then treat what’s left behind.

IS MICRONEEDLING RIGHT FOR YOU?

Microneedling is a versatile, well-tolerated option for treating acne scars—especially rolling and shallow boxcar scars. It works gradually by stimulating your body’s natural healing mechanisms, which means improvement takes time but comes without major downtime or risk.

If you’re still actively breaking out, it’s best to get your acne under control first. AviClear® is an excellent choice for doing exactly that—offering long-term results with no ongoing medications, blood tests, or harsh side effects.

Once your skin is clear, we can help guide you toward the best plan for scar repair, whether that’s microneedling, laser resurfacing, or a customized combination approach.

🚀 Get your Treatment Estimate: https://www.clearacne.com/estimate

⏰ Book a Free Consultation: https://www.clearacne.com/schedule