When seeing “pitted” or atrophic scars, we often think, “Am I going to be stuck with these forever?” No, you do not have to be stuck with pitted scars forever, although they may be stubborn and seldom remedied by regular skincare. Trust me, it gets better. I know firsthand how difficult it is to deal with scarring after years of breakouts. 

And over the years, I've explored dozens of treatments, from chemical peels to lasers. But, for me, one of the most transformative treatments was microneedling. Microneedling is often hailed as the game-changer for acne scars, especially pitted scars. But, is it truly worth the hype? Let’s break down the science, my personal experience, and what you need to know before trying it.

What is microneedling?

Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. This triggers the skin’s healing process, stimulating collagen, and elastin production. Since acne scars often result from a loss of collagen, the idea is that microneedling can help smooth out the skin’s texture over time.

Cover photo cred: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40257-018-0358-5

As you can see, pitted scars create a depression or indentation in the skin. So, triggering a rebuilding process can be a great solution to resolve them.

You can read more about microneedling and collagen synthesis here. 

Does research back microneedling?

The research on microneedling is very promising:

 

According to the AAD, studies show that microneedling can improve acne scars by 50-70% after multiple sessions.

When combined with PRP (platelet-rich plasma), microneedling has been shown to work even better, accelerating healing and collagen production.

Compared to laser treatments, microneedling is often more affordable and safer for a variety of skin tones, with a lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

However, microneedling isn’t a magic fix. It takes multiple sessions (usually 3 to 6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart) to see noticeable improvements.

My personal experience with microneedling

I’ve tried microneedling multiple times, including Korean professional treatments, and here’s what I’ve learned:

Professional microneedling gave me the best results. 

I’ve had microneedling done at a dermatologist’s office using radiofrequency (RF) microneedling, which combines traditional microneedling with heat to stimulate even more collagen. Over time, I saw a smoother texture and an improvement in my acne scars.

At-home microneedling devices were less effective. 

While they can be helpful for product absorption, at-home devices don’t penetrate as deeply as professional treatments.

Read more here about DIY microneedling vs professional microneedling

Post-treatment healing is crucial. 

After microneedling, my skin felt red, sensitive, and slightly swollen for about 24-48 hours. I learned the hard way that you MUST use sunscreen and avoid harsh products like exfoliants and retinoids for a few days to prevent irritation.

Consistency is key

One session won’t transform your skin overnight, but with repeated treatments, I did notice improvements in skin texture and scar depth.

At-home vs professional Microneedling

While professional microneedling offers deeper penetration and better results, at-home dermarollers or microneedling pens can still be beneficial—if used correctly. and safely.

Risks & Side effects of Microneedling

Microneedling is generally safe, but there are some important things to consider:

DON'TS

If you have active acne, don’t DIY microneedle. Microneedling over pimples can spread bacteria and cause more breakouts.

Hyperpigmentation can occur if not done correctly. If you have a medium to deep skin tone, always consult a dermatologist first to ensure the treatment won’t trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or “dark spots.”

DIY Microneedling can lead to scarring if done incorrectly. Pressing too hard or using unsterilized tools can cause permanent damage.

My Microneedling Recommendations

Based on my personal experience and research, these are my top microneedling-approved products and treatments:

Best Professional Treatment: RF Microneedling (Morpheus8, Secret By Cutera)

Secret RF by Cutera uses microneedles to deliver radiofrequency (RF) energy into the skin. This process stimulates cell regeneration and collagen synthesis, often resulting in bouncier, glowier, more even and glazed skin. 

I highly recommend going to a licensed professional to get the best and safest results.

If you’re not quite ready for professional microneedling, you can start with at-home devices to boost product absorption and get your skin accustomed to the process. Whatever you choose, be patient, take care of your skin post-treatment, and don’t forget SPF!

Make sure to use a gentle skincare routine after a microneedling treatment. The healing process produces collagen, and it’s what makes microneedling so great. However, it's important to be gentle with your skin for the next week or even two, especially if it's one of your first few times getting microneedling done. You'll want to avoid AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, and for some, maybe even potent plant extracts like tea tree and bergamot. 

Here are 4 gentle products for post-microneedling that form a routine.

Be Plain Greenful pH-Balanced Cleansing Foam

$12.90

 

Cassandra has been using this cleanser for 3 years. This has a beautiful, fluffy texture with green flecks in it. This cleanses makeup, dirt, and oil from the skin thoroughly, but the ingredients are acne-friendly, and overall the formula is very gentle. 

 

PURE'AM Authentic Barrier Cream Balm

$36.99

This moisturizer was tested in Korea and Germany. They did a skin penetration and a skin irritant test, and they worked until they got it right. This is one of the best formulas for dry skin or for skin in need of healing hydration. 

Plus, the ceramides within this product are actives that work to rebuild the skin barrier, enhancing the collagen rebuilding process after microneedling. You can simply wear sunscreen. But, this is just an acme-friendly add-on if you want to double up on moisturization. 

Best Sunscreen (Post-Treatment Must-Have!): EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46

$44

After microneedling, you'll want to get a physical sunscreen since they also reflect visible light. Plus, some say that chemical sunscreens sting sensitive skin barriers. This sunscreen also has calming ingredients like zinc that can help to reduce stinging. 

Cover photo cred: Skin Solutions Dermatology