What Is the Difference Between Traditional and SkinPen Microneedling?

Microneedling has been gaining popularity over recent years as an effective treatment for acne scars. As the most common skin condition in the U.S., acne affects over 50 million American citizens each year, and acne scarring can significantly undermine self-confidence.

Fortunately, microneedling has proven to be effective at reducing these scars’ appearance and providing a smooth, even skin texture.

But another, newer technology has recently emerged on the market: SkinPen microneedling.

Here, the expert team at Etre Cosmetic Dermatology and Laser Center in New Orleans, LA, looks at how microneedling solves the issue of acne scars and takes a deep dive into the differences between traditional and SkinPen microneedling.

What Causes Acne Scars?

Acne occurs when skin pores become clogged and swollen with bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil. In severe cases, the pores swell beyond their capacity to maintain their structural integrity. At this point, the skin tissue breaks and requires healing with collagen.

During this healing phase, scars form, as the skin rushes to heal the wound with an influx of collagen.

How Does Microneedling Fix Acne Scars?

Microneedling works by stimulating the body’s healing systems – achieved by inflicting thousands of superficial micro-wounds in the upper layer of the dermis, where scars form.

By doing so, the process causes the skin to start healing in a uniform process, which creates a smooth and even texture where scars once existed.

How the SkinPen Differs From Traditional Microneedling

Traditionally, the microneedling process required using rollers composed of hundreds of needles, gently applied to the treatment area to create microscopic injuries. Though this technique can produce excellent results, complications can arise with sanitary conditions and multiple uses of these rollers.

The SkinPen offers a completely safe and clean solution because it uses disposable needle cartridges. Furthermore, treatment sessions with the SkinPen are far shorter than those necessary with the traditional dermal rollers.

Finally, the SkinPen penetrates slightly deeper into the dermal layer, which significantly stimulates the collagen recruitment and healing process, thus providing a solution to deeper and broader scarring problems.

Many patients also consider a skin resurfacing procedure, such as a chemical peel, to revitalize their skin completely. Whereas microneedling is effective because of mechanical intervention, a chemical peel works by peeling away the top layer of dead, damaged skin cells to help reveal the healthy, young skin underneath. Consult with your doctor on how to combine different skin treatment procedures for optimal results.

As the only FDA-approved tool for microneedling, the SkinPen is your best option for treating acne scars. With guaranteed results, short treatment times, and recovery times from under one week, the SkinPen can revolutionize your self-confidence and skin texture. If you would like to learn more about the SkinPen microneedling, please reach out to our expert team at Etre by calling 504-227-3873 or filling out this online form to arrange your consultation.