Hyperpigmentation is a common sign of premature aging. It is the result of increased melanin production following excessive sun exposure, a hormonal imbalance, inflammation, or certain medications.
People with this skin condition typically use makeup to disguise it, but there are more practical, long-term solutions.
This article discusses microneedling for hyperpigmentation, a popular cosmetic treatment that effectively minimizes dark spots in all skin types.
Who Can Benefit from Microneedling for Hyperpigmentation?
Microneedling is an effective treatment for hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. It can help with most pigmentation concerns, including the following:
- Sun-damaged skin – Irregular skin patches caused by excessive sun exposure.
- Melasma – Pigmentary changes caused by an overproduction of melanin, often due to hormonal imbalance.
- Age spots – Aging signs on the face, neck, hands, and shoulders that appear due to too much sun exposure.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – Dark patches of skin that remain after a breakout, acne scar, or other injury and inflammation.
Microneedling is suitable for all skin types, including dark skin. It helps break down clumps of excess melanin, leading to a brighter and more even skin tone. However, dark skin is more prone to post-inflammatory pigmentation – a side effect of the body’s inflammatory reaction to the treatment. Patients need to follow their medical provider’s instructions before and after the treatment to reduce this risk.
Note: Learn the difference between microneedling and chemical peels and which one is a better solution for dark skin.
How Can Microneedling Help with Hyperpigmentation?
Microneedling makes tiny punctures on the skin’s surface, creating microinjuries that reduce hyperpigmentation through the following processes.
Collagen and Elastin Production
Microneedling induces collagen and elastin production as part of the body’s natural healing response to injury. Collagen and elastin are the skin’s primary structural proteins, contributing to firmness, elasticity, and overall skin health. They help dark spots fade over time.
Melanin Breakdown
As microneedling makes controlled microinjuries on the skin’s surface, the body’s natural healing system increases the skin cells’ turnover – the shedding of dead and damaged skin cells, including those containing excess melanin.
Skin Regeneration
Microneedling causes damaged, hyperpigmented cells to peel off as the new, more homogenized skin grows. By regenerating the skin and building a more resilient skin barrier, the treatment helps minimize sun damage and pigmentation concerns.
What Can You Expect During Microneedling for Hyperpigmentation?
Microneedling for hyperpigmentation is a quick, painless procedure. The medical provider first cleanses the treatment area and applies a numbing cream to minimize discomfort. They use a hand-held device with dozens of tiny needles that puncture the skin and create microchannels with pinpoint precision. Sometimes, providers apply additional skincare products with active ingredients during the treatment, taking advantage of the microchannels that enable faster and more effective ingredient absorption.
The session may take up to 90 minutes. Patients typically feel mild stinging during the session but no pain. They can resume their daily activities without downtime.
Note: Read about more solutions for full-body rejuvenation.
Microneedling for Hyperpigmentation Results
As a collagen-induction procedure, microneedling doesn’t remove dark spots and other pigmentary concerns immediately. The treatment brightens and evens out skin tone gradually because it takes time for fibroblast cells to increase collagen production and repair skin tissue. Patients usually see an improvement within several weeks and the fading of dark spots after three to six months. Skin experts recommend repeated annual treatments to maintain results.
How Many Microneedling Sessions for Hyperpigmentation Are Needed?
Skin professionals recommend three to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart for sunspots, age spots, melasma, and other hyperpigmentation concerns. Many patients experience the lightening of hyperpigmented areas after the first treatment but need more sessions for optimal results.
The total number of visits depends on the patient’s skin type and condition.
Microneedling for Hyperpigmentation Side Effects
Microneedling is considered safe when performed by medical professionals using FDA-approved microneedling pens. Mild, short-term side effects are common, including:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Bruising
- Dry skin
- Skin flaking and peeling
- Pinpoint bleeding
In rare cases, patients may experience numbing, infection, allergies, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Should Anyone Avoid Microneedling for Hyperpigmentation?
Microneedling for hyperpigmentation is considered safe for most healthy adults. It can be used on all skin tones, including darker ones. However, patients with dark skin are more at risk of discoloration. They should follow their provider’s instructions to minimize undesired effects.
Other patients that may not be suitable for microneedling include:
- Pregnant women
- Patients with active skin lesions and infections
- Patients with a history of keloid scarring
- Patients with blood-clotting disorders
How to Treat Hyperpigmentation After Microneedling?
The safety and effectiveness of a microneedling treatment depends on several factors, including the patient’s behavior after the procedure. Follow these aftercare practices for the best results:
- Avoid direct and extended sun exposure.
- Wear strong sun protection (SPF 30+) outdoors.
- Refrain from strenuous exercise and other activities that cause sweating.
- Don’t rub or scratch the skin.
- Don’t use makeup and harsh skincare products.
- Avoid other cosmetic treatments (e.g., chemical peels).
- Limit or eliminate alcohol and nicotine.
Microneedling for Hyperpigmentation at Home
Patients can buy and use microneedling roller devices at home. However, they don’t provide the same effects as professional treatments. At-home devices have smaller needles, which are unable to generate a strong enough healing and rejuvenating response from the body. Home users also lack the experience, technique, and precision of medical professionals, which further reduces the treatment’s effectiveness and increases the risk of injury.
Microneedling for Hyperpigmentation Cost
At Vibrant Skin Bar, one microneedling session costs $300.
Our skin professionals also provide combined treatments. Microneedling with Stemfactor costs $400, microneedling with vitamin A costs $450, and Vivace with PRF costs $,1000.
Conclusion
If your dark spots are causing you distress, consider eliminating them with microneedling for hyperpigmentation. It’s a quick and safe procedure that will not only brighten your complexion, but also reduce wrinkles, tighten your skin, and improve other aging signs.
