The Connection of Microneedling and Hyperpigmentation: Everything You Need To Know

Summary

• It can potentially cause post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation most especially in darker skin types and when aftercare is inadequate.
• It involves various factors such as skin tone, treatment depth, sun exposure, and use of strong actives right after post-treatment.
• It can be prevented with the following steps like making sure getting the treatment done in a sterile clinic, consistently following the aftercare, and using broad-spectrum SPF when going outside.
• You will enjoy an improved texture, tone, and visibility of scars once you follow all the necessary aftercare steps.

What You Will Learn

At the end of this article, you will learn the following:

• You will learn to understand how microneedling works and what are the benefits of it.
• You will learn about hyperpigmentation, especially PIH, and how it is related to microneedling.
• You will learn to recognize risk factors that increase PIH likelihood.
• You will learn aftercare steps to mitigate hyperpigmentation risk.
• You will learn how to be more confident in choosing safe, professional microneedling treatment.

Everything You Need To Know About Microneedling

Microneedling is one of the leading skin treatments in the UK. It works by using your body’s natural healing power instead of using harsh chemicals. The majority of the people who choose this treatment because it is highly effective for smoothing and firming the skin. However, people with darker skin tone often worry if the needles will cause them hyperpigmentation. Microneedling can actually be a treatment solution for fixing uneven skin tone when it is performed correctly by an experienced aesthetician.

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a device with tiny sterilised needles that creates thousands of microscopic punctures in the top layer of the skin. Oftentimes, it is called ‘collagen induction therapy’ because the main goal of microneedling is to use your body’s natural healing power in refreshing and tightening your skin without needing any surgery or using any harsh chemicals. The tiny needles penetrate just deep enough to create “micro-channels” without actually causing permanent damage to your skin. By creating tiny punctures, the device works your skin into thinking there is a wound that needs to be fixed. This would immediately send signals to your immune system to increase blood flow to the area. It will then start the repair process, your skin may look a bit red immediately after the treatment procedure.

Once the tiny punctures are made, your body will then enter a high-speed healing phase where it will naturally produce a fresh supply of collagen and elastin. These two are the most important proteins that your skin needs as it provides a firmer structure of your skin and makes it look youthful. Most people who choose this are experiencing dull skin and who have problems with skin due to ageing.

What Are The Potential Side Effects of Microneedling

Right after your microneedling session, your skin will most likely appear bright red and will feel tight due to the tiny punctures done. It is similar to a moderate sunburn feeling. This typically happens because the tiny needles are increasing the blood flow to the surface as part of the treatment’s natural healing response. You might also notice minor swelling during the procedure but this would usually be gone within a few hours. Your skin will also feel quite sensitive to touch for the first two days after the treatment. As you go through the healing process over the next 3 to 5 days, you might experience light peeling or flaking. Don’t worry because it’s actually a good indication that the treatment is working and your skin is now creating fresh and new tissue underneath. At this time, you should make sure that your skin is well hydrated with gentle moisturiser and avoid picking at any flakes. Make sure also to protect your skin from the sun and any harsh products that might irritate it during the healing process.

Verified Before & After

Verified Before & After

Can Microneedling Cause Hyperpigmentation?

Microneedling is generally safe for all skin types compared to other heat-based laser treatments. However, if the treatment is not performed correctly, it might harm your skin. If the needles are set too deep for your skin type, and/or your skin is not properly protected from the sun after your treatment, this could potentially trigger dark spots. The risk of getting hyperpigmentation is much higher if you’re doing it by your own, especially at home, when not performed by a trained professional.

The ultimate key in preventing hyperpigmentation is with proper preparation and professional guidance. A skilled professional knows how to adjust the needle depth based on the thickness of your skin and will recommend specific creams before the treatment if your skin has a history of scarring easily. Microneedling is actually used to fade existing dark spots and it won’t cause any hyperpigmentation through that treatment. It is only with the preparation and how the actual procedure is done that could potentially lead to hyperpigmentation.

What Is Post‑Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation?

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation specifically happens after the skin has been irritated or injured. When your skin is stressed by acne, burn, or any aggressive cosmetic treatment, your skin will most likely over produce melanin as a way to protect your skin. This is usually a flat patch of brown and is visible where the original irritation occurred. PIH is not permanent. It is only temporary and it might take a few months to fade away on its own. In microneedling, PIH usually occurs if the micro-injuries done are too severe or if your skin is immediately exposed to direct sunlight while still in the healing phase.

This is why following the after-care instructions are very important to avoid experiencing this. It is highly recommended to keep your skin hydrated by using gentle moisturiser, applying SPF every single day, and avoiding too much sun exposure.

What Are The Factors Influencing Hyperpigmentation After Microneedling

In the UK, the majority of the practitioners use the Fitzpatrick Scale in determining how different skin types respond to microneedling. It shows that people with darker skin tones, typically with Fitzpatrick types IV–VI, have more active melanocytes. These are the cells that are responsible for producing skin pigment. Because of this, people with darker skin tones can perceive the microneedling process as a threat and actually overproduce melanin as a protective response. It also makes darker skin tones more prone to Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation. However, it does not imply that microneedling is not recommended for people with deeper skin tones. It simply means that the approach should be more cautious as it might lead to Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation.

The depth of a microneedling session is usually determined by how deep the needles go and whether additional energy is used. When a microneedling session is too aggressive for a specific area, it can possibly cause excessive inflammation which primarily triggers hyperpigmentation. This is particular with advanced treatments like Morpheus8 which combines microneedling with RF heat that works by tightening the skin. While adding the RF energy helps in improving the skin, if the heat or the needle depth is set too high for the patient’s skin thickness, it could result in thermal injury which could lead to long-lasting dark spots. It is why having a microneedling session performed by a professional is highly recommended to avoid any of this long term effect on the skin.

After your microneedling session, your skin’s natural barrier is now temporarily open, making it vulnerable to sensitivity. It is best not to use any active ingredients to soon like retinol, vitamin c, or exfoliating acids. These could cause chemical burn on the fresh tissue of your skin which frequently results in PIH. Make sure to protect your skin from too much sun exposure, hydrate using gentle moisturiser, and always apply SPF when going outside.

Aftercare and Post‑Care Tips You Should Follow

The first 24 to 48 hours after your microneedling session is very important. At this time, your skin’s protective barrier is temporarily open so it is essential to use only a very mild non exfoliating cleanser to keep the area clean and without causing any irritation. Avoid any scrubbing motion as your skin is still delicate at this point and extreme care should be observed to prevent inflammation.

Also avoid applying makeup or any active skin care ingredients to your skin during this time. Doing so might cause severe irritation and chemical burns to your skin. Allow your skin to naturally heal and use only mild products. Keep your skin hydrated and protected from the sun at all times.

Conclusion

Microneedling is generally safe for all skin types compared to other heat-based laser treatments. However, if the treatment is not performed correctly, it might harm your skin. If the needles are set too deep for your skin type, and/or your skin is not properly protected from the sun after your treatment, this could potentially trigger dark spots. The risk of getting hyperpigmentation is much higher if you’re doing it on your own, especially at home, when not performed by a trained professional.

Microneedling is actually used to fade existing dark spots and it won’t cause any hyperpigmentation through that treatment. It is only with the preparation and how the actual procedure is done that could potentially lead to hyperpigmentation.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

• Can microneedling cause hyperpigmentation?

It would only occur if the needle depth does not match your skin needs. Proper consultation with a professional is a must to assess your current skin condition.

• Who is at higher risk for hyperpigmentation after microneedling?

People with deeper skin tone are at risk. It is why skin assessment done by professionals is a must before undergoing microneedling.

• How can I reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation post-microneedling?

Choose the right clinic for your treatment, follow the after-care steps, and avoid any active ingredients after the treatment.

• How soon can I resume skincare and makeup after microneedling?

Typically, patients can resume after 72 hours but it depends on your condition so it is best to consult with your clinic first to get the accurate timeline.