Microneedling for Rosacea: Can It Work and Is It Safe?
Microneedling, which is also called collagen induction therapy, has become a possible way to treat rosacea. But is it safe, and does it work? This blog post will talk about the possible benefits and risks of microneedling for rosacea. This will provide you with the information you need to make the right decision about this treatment.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a skin disease that mostly affects the face and is caused by chronic inflammation. It can result in visible blood vessels, eye irritation, a swollen nose, redness, flushing, and pimples.
Causes
There is no known cause for rosacea, but the following are believed to play a role:
Genetics. People who have a family history of rosacea are more likely to develop this condition.
Demodex folliculorum mites. These tiny mites live on the skin and can make rosacea symptoms worse.
Immune system factors. An overactive immune system may be linked to rosacea.
Environmental triggers. Rosacea flare-ups can be caused by hot drinks, spicy foods, sunlight, liquor, and stress, among several other factors.
Symptoms
Facial redness. This is the most common sign, and it commonly shows up on the forehead, nose, and cheeks.
Flushing. When hot drinks, spicy foods, sunlight, or alcohol are involved, the skin may flush easily.
Visible blood vessels. Spider veins, which are small, red blood vessels, can appear on the face.
Swollen bumps. These bumps look like pimples, but they don’t have pus in them.
Burning or stinging sensation. The skin may feel hot, itchy, and sensitive.
Eye problems. People with rosacea may experience dryness, irritation, and swelling in their eyes.
Enlarged nose. In the worst cases, the nose can get swollen and bulbous, which is called rhinophyma.
What is Microneedling?
Using a device with fine needles, microneedling—also called collagen induction therapy or dermarolling—creates controlled micro-injuries to the skin.
The concept of microneedling is to promote the body’s natural wound healing process, which increases the production of collagen and elastin. These vital proteins promote skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and promote skin firmness.
Does microneedling help with rosacea?
Because microneedling can increase blood flow, reduce redness and inflammation, decrease the appearance of red blood vessels, the appearance of bumps, and pimples, and destroy bacteria from the skin, it can be helpful for treating rosacea.
Is Microneedling Safe for Rosacea?
A study published in the journal Dermatologic Surgery in 2017. According to the results, microneedling improved rosacea severity overall, pustules and papules (bumps), and erythema (redness) statistically more effectively than the suggested treatments. Moreover, no serious side effects were reported.
Microneedling can be beneficial for people with rosacea, but it’s important to remember that it’s not suitable for everyone.
Before trying microneedling for rosacea, here are some points to keep in mind:
Severity of your rosacea — Microneedling may not be suitable for severe cases or during a flare-up.
Skin sensitivity — You can experience more side effects, including inflammation and redness, if your skin is very sensitive.
Underlying medical conditions — Microneedling may be dangerous in certain medical conditions, like autoimmune diseases.
Medications — Bleeding during treatment is a possibility that is increased by several medications, like blood thinners.
You should talk to a dermatologist or other experienced medical professional to make sure that microneedling is safe and suitable for you.
Things to Avoid Before and After Rosacea Microneedling
Some people with rosacea find that microneedling can be effective. If you decide to try microneedling for rosacea, you should be careful before and after the treatment to lower the risk of side effects and get the best results. Here is a list of things you should not do:
Before microneedling
Medications that reduce inflammation — For at least three days before your appointment, don’t take aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or any other medicines that reduce inflammation. These medications can make the blood thinner, which increases the risk of bleeding during the treatment.
Direct sunlight — Avoid staying under the sun for at least two weeks before and after your treatment. Sunburn can make rosacea symptoms worse, and microneedling may damage the skin more.
Chemical peels and laser treatments — Avoid any of these treatments for at least two weeks before the appointment for microneedling. They can damage the skin and make it more likely to be hurt.
Waxing, depilatory creams, and electrolysis — These are unsafe to use on the area that is going to be treated for 5 to 7 days before the treatment. All of these can make the skin red and irritated.
Alcohol — While you’re getting microneedling, don’t drink any alcohol for at least 24 hours. Because alcohol thins the blood, it increases the risk of bleeding.
Also Read:
LED Light Therapy for Rosacea – A Game-changer In 2024
After microneedling
Direct sunlight — Stay away from the sun for at least two weeks after your treatment. When you go outdoors, remember to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Hard exercise — Don’t do any hard exercise for at least 48 hours after your treatment. This might cause you to sweat, which might damage your skin and increase the risk of infection.
Makeup — For at least 24 hours after your treatment, avoid wearing makeup. Some makeup ingredients may irritate your skin and clog pores.
Hot baths and showers — Avoid taking hot baths or showers for at least 48 hours after your treatment. The skin can get irritated and more likely to get an infection when you use hot water.
Steam rooms and saunas — Avoid using steam rooms or saunas for at least two weeks after your treatment. The heat can make rosacea symptoms worse by irritating the skin.
Swimming — After your treatment, avoid swimming for at least 24 hours. Chlorine can make skin red and itchy and increase the risk of getting an infection.
Touching or scratching — Do not scratch or tuoch at the treatment area. This may damage the skin and make it take longer to heal.
What is the Period for Results from Microneedling for Rosacea?
How long it takes to see the results of microneedling for rosacea depends on a number of factors, such as how serious your rosacea is, how many treatments you receive, how deep the needles are placed, and how your skin reacts. Below is a general timeline for what you can expect:
Immediately after treatment — You might experience some redness, swelling, and minor bleeding. This is normal, and it will go away in a few days.
1-2 weeks — The redness and texture of your skin may start to get a little better.
4-6 weeks — Your skin tone and texture might start to show clearer improvements.
3-6 months — The most effective results from your microneedling treatments may be clear in 3 to 6 months.
Microneedling rosacea before and after
Before and after microneedling, rosacea may result, as shown in the below image.
Image by skingymatl
Conclusion
Microneedling might be a good way to treat rosacea. But it’s important to talk to an experienced medical professional to make sure it’s safe and right for you. In this case, you can decide if microneedling is a good way to treat your rosacea by looking at the pros and cons.
