Microneedling Benefits to Treat Acne & Scars

Greta Ryan
Dec 18, 2025
4 min read

Acne isn’t just a temporary skin concern - for many people, it’s something that lingers long after breakouts settle. Ongoing inflammation, post-acne marks, uneven texture, and scarring can impact confidence and make skin feel difficult to manage, even years later.

At Skin Ritual, we see this every day. That’s why we focus on treatments that actively support healing at a deeper level. One of the most effective options we use is microneedling - a proven, clinical skin treatment that can improve both active acne and acne scarring over time.

Microneedling works by creating a controlled injury to the skin, stimulating the wound healing process. When treating scarring, this healing processs results in smoother, less visible scarring. When performed correctly, it can be a powerful part of an acne treatment plan.

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Understanding Acne and the Scarring It Leaves Behind

Acne can present in many forms - inflammatory breakouts, hormonal acne, pustules, nodules, or deeper cystic acne. While the visible breakout may heal, the inflammation beneath the surface can disrupt normal collagen formation, resulting in scars.

Acne scars typically form when:

Inflammation damages collagen during the healing process
The skin produces too little collagen (atrophic scars)
Or, in some cases, too much collagen (raised scars)

Post-inflammatory pigmentation and redness can also linger, making skin appear uneven even when acne is no longer active.

This is where microneedling for acne scars becomes particularly effective. Rather than treating the surface alone, microneedling skin treatments work by stimulating collagen production and supporting healthy skin repair - directly addressing the mechanisms that cause scarring.

How Microneedling Helps Heal Acne and Scars

Microneedling works by creating thousands of controlled micro-injuries in the skin using a medical-grade needling device. These micro-channels trigger the body’s natural wound-healing response, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.

The key microneedling benefits for acne-prone skin include:

Improved acne scarring: Gradual softening of indented scars and uneven texture
Support for active acne: Regulation of cell turnover can help reduce congestion
Refined pores and texture: Smoother, more even skin over time

For many clients, microneedling offers a dual benefit - helping calm ongoing breakouts while progressively improving acne scars. When people search for microneedling for acne scars before and after results, what they’re really seeing is the cumulative effect of collagen rebuilding over a series of treatments.

Microneedling Before and After: What to Expect

Before your treatment, your skin therapist will assess your acne history, scarring type, and overall skin health. This ensures microneedling is used safely and appropriately.

During treatment:

The procedure typically takes 30–45 minutes
A numbing cream is used optionally to maintain comfort

After treatment:

Expect temporary redness and warmth, similar to mild sunburn
Skin may feel tight or sensitive for 24–48 hours
Visible improvements develop gradually, not overnight

Acne scars soften and skin texture refines progressively with each session. This is why realistic expectations - and a treatment plan - are essential.

The Skin Ritual Approach to Microneedling for Acne

At Skin Ritual, microneedling is never a one-size-fits-all treatment.

Our process includes:

A detailed skin consultation
Audit of skincare to ensure optimal topical support during the treatment process
Medical-grade SkinPen microneedling technology
Strict hygiene and clinical protocols

Microneedling is often combined with tailored home care, or other supportive treatments to optimise acne recovery and long-term results.

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Who Can Benefit from Microneedling for Acne?

Microneedling is best suited for:

Mild to moderate acne scarring
Enlarged pores and uneven texture
Post-inflammatory redness or pigmentation

Caring for Your Skin After Microneedling

Proper aftercare supports healing and maximises results. We typically recommend:

Gentle cleansing only
Avoiding active ingredients temporarily
Strict sun protection
Keeping skin well hydrated

Redness and sensitivity are part of the normal healing response and usually settle within a few days. Consistency matters - multiple sessions are required for meaningful acne scar improvement.

Why Choose Skin Ritual for Acne-Focused Microneedling

Acne management requires expertise and a clear long-term strategy. At Skin Ritual, microneedling is delivered as part of a broader, evidence-based approach to skin health - not a quick fix.

We prioritise:

Safety and clinical integrity
Advanced technology
Individualised treatment planning
Education and realistic expectations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many microneedling sessions are recommended for acne scars?

Most clients require 6-8 sessions, spaced four weeks apart. The exact number depends on scar depth, skin response, and goals.

Can microneedling help with active acne?

Yes - microneedling can support acne-prone skin by improving cell turnover and reducing congestion, but it must be performed carefully and at the right stage of acne.

What are the side effects of microneedling for acne-prone skin?

Temporary redness, dryness, sensitivity, and mild swelling are common and expected.

How long before I see results from microneedling?

Some texture improvement may be noticeable after the first session, but collagen remodelling occurs gradually over weeks and months.

Does microneedling make acne scars worse before they improve?

No - when performed correctly, microneedling does not worsen scarring. Temporary redness can make scars appear more visible initially, but this resolves as healing occurs.