Microneedling for Skin Health: What It Does, What to Expect, and Why the Device Matters

Microneedling has been around long enough now that most people have heard of it, but there is still a lot of confusion about what it actually does, who it is for, and why it matters which device is used. This post covers all of that, including why the studio uses SkinPen Precision specifically and what that means for the treatment you receive.

What microneedling does

Microneedling (also called collagen induction therapy) works by creating tiny, controlled channels in the skin using fine needles. This sends a signal to the body that repair is needed.

The skin responds the way it always does to injury: by producing new collagen and elastin, the structural proteins responsible for skin firmness, resilience, and tone. It also triggers angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), which improves circulation and nutrient delivery to the skin.

The key word in all of this is “controlled”. The channels are precise and superficial enough that the epidermis is preserved, but deep enough to trigger a meaningful repair response. Research published across multiple peer-reviewed journals confirms that this process leads to measurable increases in collagen and elastin levels, with results that continue to develop in the weeks and months after treatment.

This is why microneedling results do not appear overnight.

What it can help with

Microneedling has a broad application. The conditions it is most consistently used for, and where the research is strongest, include:

Acne scarring: One of the most studied applications of microneedling. Multiple clinical trials have found significant improvements in scar depth and texture. Research suggests microneedling produces comparable results to other mainstream treatments for acne scars, with a lower risk of side effects — including a lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which makes it a more suitable option for a wider range of skin tones.

Fine lines and skin texture: As collagen production increases and skin cell turnover improves, texture becomes smoother and the skin has more elasticity. Results are gradual and natural: the skin looks better because it is functioning better.

Pigmentation and uneven tone: SkinPen may help improve the appearance of pigmentation irregularities by promoting the skin's return to more normal pigmentation activity over the course of treatment.

Enlarged pores and skin quality generally: Improved collagen structure and cell turnover contribute to a reduction in pore appearance and an overall improvement in skin tone and resilience.

Stretch marks and surgical scars: Microneedling can be used on the body as well as the face — including the neck, décolleté, arms, hands, legs, abdomen, and back.

Not all microneedling tools are the same, and that matters more than you think

The microneedling market includes a very wide range of devices, from professional clinical tools to at-home rollers that share almost nothing but the name. Even among professional devices, there are significant differences in how needles are delivered, how depth is controlled, and whether cartridges are sterile and single-use.

At the studio, the device used is SkinPen Precision — the first FDA-cleared microneedling device, developed in the United States and supported by over 90 validation studies.

What makes SkinPen different from standard microneedling devices:

Needle motion: Unlike roller-style devices, which drag across the skin and can cause unnecessary tearing, SkinPen uses a vertical stamping motion. The needles move in and out of the skin rather than across it, which means cleaner channels and less trauma to the surrounding tissue.

Depth control: Needle depth is fully adjustable and consistent throughout the treatment, which allows the session to be tailored precisely to different areas of the face and the specific concern being addressed.

Sterile, single-use cartridges: Each cartridge is used once and discarded. This eliminates any risk of cross-contamination and ensures the needles are sharp and precise for every treatment.

Safety across all skin tones: SkinPen is clinically proven to be safe and effective for all skin tones and types, all year round (which is not true of all microneedling treatments).

The device matters because the quality of the stimulus is what determines the quality of the response: more consistent, precise delivery means more predictable results and a more comfortable experience.

What to expect

Before the treatment: A topical numbing cream is applied and left for around twenty minutes before the session begins. Most people find the treatment comfortable — the sensation is typically described as a light vibration or tapping.

During: A session takes approximately sixty minutes, including preparation. The device is passed over the treatment area methodically, with depth adjusted for different zones.

Immediately after: Some redness and mild swelling are normal (similar to a light sunburn). This typically settles within twenty-four hours. The skin may feel tight or slightly sensitive for a day or two.

Aftercare: This part is straightforward but specific. Immediately after the session you will be given a tube of SkinPen Lift Gel — this is the only thing to apply to the skin for the first twenty-four hours. Sun exposure should also be avoided during this period. After twenty-four hours, you can return to gentle skincare and SPF.

Results: Some people notice a change in how their skin looks and feels after the first session. Significant results (particularly for scarring, texture, and tone) develop over a course of treatments (3 - 6 sessions at 4 weekly intervals). My clients tell me the first thing they notice is how their skin feels (plumper!). Collagen remodelling continues for several months after the final session.

Microneedling as part of a wider approach 

Microneedling is a complete treatment on its own. For some people it is exactly what the skin needs and nothing else is required. For others, it works well alongside other treatments in the studio (acupuncture, gua sha, red light therapy, buccal massage) depending on what the skin needs and what the person wants from treatment. 

The results I have seen in the studio across all skin concerns have all been incredible, but the acne scarring cases stand out. For some clients, the improvements have been significant enough to change how they move through the world — people who had not left the house without makeup in years, sometimes since teenage acne first left its mark, finding they no longer feel they need to. That shift in skin confidence is not a small thing.

A consultation is the right starting point for working out which combination, if any, suits you.

If you have been considering microneedling in Dublin

If texture, scarring, tone, or general skin quality is something you have been thinking about, and you want to understand whether microneedling with SkinPen is the right approach for your skin, you can book your appointment using the button below or get in touch directly if you have questions.

Frequently asked questions about microneedling

• What does microneedling do for the skin?

  Microneedling creates tiny, controlled channels in the skin that trigger the body's natural repair response. This stimulates new collagen and elastin production, improves cell turnover, and supports better circulation in the skin. Over a course of treatments, this leads to improvements in texture, tone, scarring, pore appearance, and overall skin quality.

• How many microneedling sessions do I need?

  This depends on the concern being treated. For general skin quality and texture, 3-6 sessions at 4 weekly intervals. For acne scarring or more significant concerns, more sessions may be recommended. Results continue to develop for several months after the final session, so patience is part of the process. A consultation is the best way to get a clear picture of what to expect for your specific situation.

• Is microneedling painful?

  A numbing cream is applied before the treatment to ensure comfort. Most people describe the sensation as a light vibration or tapping rather than anything painful. Sensitivity varies depending on the area being treated and the depth used.

• What is the difference between SkinPen and a regular microneedling device?

  SkinPen Precision is the first FDA-cleared microneedling device. It uses a vertical stamping motion rather than rolling, which creates cleaner channels with less trauma to surrounding tissue. Needle depth is precisely controlled and adjustable throughout the session. All cartridges are sterile and single-use. These factors combined mean more consistent, predictable results and a higher safety standard than many other devices on the market.

• Is microneedling suitable for all skin tones?

  Microneedling with SkinPen is clinically proven safe and effective for all skin tones and types, all year round. This is one of its significant advantages over other treatments, which carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones.

• Can microneedling be used on the body as well as the face?

  Microneedling with SkinPen can be used on the face, neck, décolleté, arms, hands, legs, abdomen, and back. The same collagen induction principle applies across all areas.

• Is microneedling available in Dublin?

  Yes. SkinPen Precision microneedling is available at Amanda Nordell Acupuncture, based in Windy Arbour, Dublin 14. Appointments can be booked directly on the website.