21 Nov Microneedling: What You Should Know
Microneedling—also known as collagen induction therapy—is a minimally invasive procedure at RefinedMD that uses fine needles to create controlled microchannels in the skin. This stimulates the body’s natural healing cascade, promoting collagen and elastin remodeling. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, microneedling is effective in reducing acne scars, dark spots, large pores, and improving uneven skin tone. AAD further notes that by creating precise injury, the skin responds by rebuilding itself stronger and smoother.
Recent advances deepen the technique’s potential. For example, a 2025 review in Frontiers in Pharmacology highlights how microneedling arrays also support transdermal drug delivery, improve biosensing, and aid in skin disease treatment. In aesthetic settings, microneedling is often used in conjunction with serums or growth factors to amplify outcomes. A recent case series combining microneedling with stem cell–derived exosomes showed sustained reductions in pore size and improved texture over 22 weeks. Medical Research, Inc. reported high satisfaction and no adverse events in that small study.
Why Winter Is a Smart Time for Microneedling
Winter’s low UV exposure and cooler conditions create a limited but safe window for skin rejuvenation treatments. With less ambient sun, the risks of post-procedure pigmentation or sensitivity drops significantly. Patients often prefer to schedule microneedling in autumn or early winter so that by the holidays, renewed skin can be revealed in confidence. Moreover, as indoor heating and dry air damage barrier function, microneedling can help reboot skin resilience during the harsh months.
Because the healing process unfolds gradually over days to weeks, starting earlier ensures that any transient redness or micro-peeling resolves well in time for events. And since microneedling is generally safe across skin tones (when performed properly), it provides a flattering, low-downtime boost in a season when many avoid aggressive resurfacing.
What Microneedling Can Treat and How It Works
Microneedling benefits are broad. It’s used to smooth acne scars, erase fine lines, shrink enlarged pores, and enhance overall texture. SkinMatRx notes that collagen production can continue for months after treatment, leading to progressive improvement. When combined with active agents—vitamin C, peptides, retinoids, hyaluronic acid—those microchannels increase absorption and efficacy. A review in MDPI underscores this combinatorial strategy in cosmetic applications.
Clinically, microneedling is often applied to the face, neck, décolletage, and areas with mild texture irregularities. Needle depth is calibrated to the target (shallower for delicate skin, deeper for scars). Multiple sessions—typically 3 to 6 spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart—yield cumulative gains as newer, firmer tissue replaces older, damaged skin.
Risks, Safety & What to Expect
Microneedling is generally well tolerated, though transient redness, mild swelling, or pinpoint bleeding may occur immediately after treatment. These resolve in 1–3 days for most clients. When performed outside controlled settings or with overly aggressive settings, rare complications like infection or scarring can arise. A cautionary story reported by People recounts a case of a chemical burn and scar following an improperly executed microneedling session in a nonmedical environment.
At our clinic, safety is paramount. We use sterile, single-use cartridges, apply numbing agents, and adhere to strict hygiene protocols. We start with conservative settings and adjust based on how skin responds. If active skin conditions (e.g. acne, rosacea, eczema) or other contraindications exist, we pause or modify the plan until safe treatment is possible.
How We Use Microneedling in Our Practice
Microneedling is one of the dependable tools in our skin rejuvenation menu. We integrate it within comprehensive plans tailored to individual needs. For many, it’s paired with growth factor serums or peptide formulations in-office to boost absorption. For patients with pigment risk, we adjust depth and interval cautiously and emphasize sun protection. We monitor progress with imaging and clinical assessment, and recommend maintenance sessions to preserve gains.
Because microneedling supports barrier repair and renewal, it suits clients who want visible improvement without long recovery. It’s often scheduled when more aggressive resurfacing (like ablative lasers) is less advisable due to sun risk—making winter a strategic season.
Choosing Microneedling Wisely This Season
If you’re considering microneedling, start with a consultation to assess skin type, history, and goals. Don’t equate DIY at-home rollers with medical microneedling; the latter offers deeper, safer, controlled results. Monitor skin response, hydrate meticulously, and protect from UV. Use anti-irritant and barrier products before and after to support healing.
Microneedling remains a time-tested, adaptable, and effective method to renew skin. When applied with care, it offers savings in downtime and long-term payoff in tone, texture, and confidence.
Contact RefinedMD today by calling our office or completing the online form to schedule your microneedling consultation and begin your winter skin revival journey.