Can Microneedling Scar or Darken Skin (Hyperpigmentation)
Myth: Microneedling can potentially cause scars and hyperpigmentation in the skin.
Recently, many skin professionals and dermatologists have debunked this myth.
When done correctly, mircroneedling does not darken the skin or cause any long-term scars. Instead, it stimulates collagen production and the regeneration of skin cells.
But if microneedling is done incorrectly it can potentially cause long-term scarring and hyperpigmentation.
Why Microneedling Doesn’t Scar the Skin
For scarring to occur, an injury has to penetrate the dermis. This means that the needles would have to cut through the dermis (middle layer of the skin).
Microneedling once done correctly does not puncture the dermis. Instead, the needles puncture the epidermis (top layer) and just barely touch the dermis.
The needles do not cut through the dermis, and therefore, do not damage the skin enough to cause scarring or enough stress to produce extra pigment.
What to Expect Your Skin to be Like After Microneedling?
After microneedling your skin will be injured and temporarily inflamed. Expect that:
- Your skin may seem flushed, red, or discolored after your treatment. It might look as if you’ve spent the entire day in the sun and have a mild to serious sunburn.
- The discoloration caused by microneedling will disappear in about 48 hours, as will any kind of swelling.
- Side effects like peeling and breakouts could take a little longer to go away.
- The majority of visible recovery after microneedling occurs in the first day or two following treatment. However, healing will continue beneath the surface of your skin for up to 2 months after the procedure.
- There is not much you can do after the procedure to make the discoloration go away faster. However, you can make sure that you are practicing proper aftercare so that complications do not develop.
Using moisturizers, sunscreen, and gentle cleansers all help to care for your skin and aid the recovery process.
Your doctor will also specify what ointments or treatments should be used to prevent infections and to help your skin heal based on your specific skin type and condition.
Remember that you should not try to use makeup to cover up your discoloration before the skin has had time to heal. Ideally, you should wait a minimum of 48 hours before trying to use any makeup on your skin.
When Can Microneedling Cause Long-term Hyperpigmentation
If your microneedling procedure is not done properly, you can develop increased hyperpigmentation.
This kind of hyperpigmentation is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
This simply means that the microneedling procedure produced injury to the dermis enough to cause an inflammatory process to occur, which causes increased scarring and pigment production.
Does Microneedling Cause Hyperpigmentation In People With Dark Skin Tones
One of the most common myths about microneedling is that it cannot be used in people with dark skin tones because it will cause further darkening of the skin.
This myth has been debunked in recent years by dermatologists and skincare professionals. Microneedling, when done correctly, does not cause hyperpigmentation in people with dark skin tones. In fact, it can be very beneficial to people with dark skin tones.
People with dark skin tones do have the ability to scar more easily and their skin produces more pigment under stress. However, if microneedling is done the correct way, and the needles do not penetrate the skin too deeply, this can be efficiently avoided.
What to do if Microneedling Causes Hyperpigmentation
You will need to consult a dermatologist to safely and effectively treat this kind of hyperpigmentation.
Your dermatologist will evaluate your skin and prescribe a combination of bleaching creams and other skin-lightening treatments. These can vary based on what they deem to be safe for your skin type after the procedure.
Do not attempt to treat this kind of hyperpigmentation at home or on your own with over-the-counter treatments.
You may damage your skin, worsen hyperpigmentation, or over-bleach your skin permanently.
Can A Derma Roller Cause Darker Skin Or Hyperpigmentation?
If you know what you are doing, you can successfully use derma rollers without causing or worsening hyperpigmentation.
Alternatively Dermarollers can be used to improve the overall appearance of your skin.
When Can Derm Rollers Leave Scars or Cause Hyperpigmentation
Derma rollers come with needles of different lengths that are each suitable to treat different things.
And if the needle is too long, it can end up cutting into the dermis of your skin, then you will likely develop scars and hyperpigmentation.
The key is to be able to choose the right needle length and have the right technique.
Video Showing what Microneedling is and how it is beneficial
According to dermatologists, microneedling is an excellent compromise between topical scar treatments and harsh lasers. It’s wonderful for dull skin, and it can also help your skin-care products penetrate deeper than usual.
Sources:
Microneedling For Dark Skin: Guide To Safe Treatment
Microneedling for Darker Skin Tones
How to Take Care of Your Skin After Microneedling
A Scientific, DIY Guide to Dermarolling Away Scars and Marks
Dermaroller for Hyperpigmentation: How it Works, Efficacy, Before & Afters
