The Skin Concern Skincare Products Alone Usually Can't Fix

Serums and creams can do a lot for hydration and surface tone, but there is a limit to how much a topical product can change once a concern lives below the skin's surface. Enlarged pores, acne scarring, and years of accumulated texture from sun exposure fall into this category, which is why so many people eventually look past their skincare shelf and toward a treatment that works from within the skin itself.

That is essentially what microneedling is built to do. Updated this July 2026, here is a breakdown of how the treatment works, what it actually helps with, and how to decide between standard microneedling and its radiofrequency variation.

What Microneedling Actually Does

Microneedling uses a device fitted with fine, sterile needles to create controlled micro injuries in the skin. This might sound counterintuitive, but those tiny, precisely controlled punctures trigger the skin's natural wound healing response, which includes new collagen and elastin production. Over the following weeks, that fresh collagen fills in and firms up areas affected by scarring, texture irregularities, and fine lines.

Unlike treatments that work only on the surface, microneedling's effects build gradually from within, which is part of why results continue to improve for weeks after a session rather than showing up all at once.

Why This Matters for Sun Exposed Skin

Years of UV exposure break down collagen faster than skin can naturally replace it, which is a big part of why texture, enlarged pores, and fine lines tend to show up earlier and more noticeably in sun heavy climates. Since microneedling directly stimulates new collagen production, it addresses this kind of damage at a deeper level than most topical treatments can reach on their own.

Common Concerns Microneedling Helps With

• Acne scarring and post breakout texture
• Enlarged pores, especially across the cheeks and nose
• Fine lines and early textural aging
• Uneven skin texture from years of sun exposure
• Overall skin firmness and tone

Standard Microneedling vs RF Microneedling

This is one of the most common questions people have once they start researching the treatment, since both options fall under the same general category but work slightly differently.

Standard microneedling relies purely on the mechanical micro injury created by the needles to trigger collagen production. It is a well established, effective option for general texture, scarring, and early fine lines.

RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy delivered through the needles as they penetrate the skin. This combination targets collagen production both through the physical micro injury and through heat, which tends to make it a stronger option for concerns like deeper texture irregularities, moderate skin laxity, and more established scarring.

Generally speaking, standard microneedling is a solid choice for people newer to the treatment or focused mainly on pores and mild texture, while RF microneedling tends to appeal to people dealing with more noticeable laxity or deeper scarring who want a more intensive approach. A consultation is the best way to determine which fits your specific skin, and both options are detailed on the microneedling page and the RF microneedling page.

What a Session Actually Involves

Before treatment, a numbing cream is typically applied to keep the process comfortable. The provider then moves the device across the treatment area in controlled passes, adjusting needle depth based on the specific concern being addressed. Sessions usually take around 30 to 45 minutes.

What to Expect Afterward

• Skin typically looks flushed or slightly pink for a day or two, similar to a mild sunburn
• Some light swelling can occur, especially with deeper settings or RF microneedling
• Makeup is usually fine to apply again after 24 hours
• Sun protection matters even more than usual for at least a week following treatment
• Collagen production continues building over the following weeks, so results tend to keep improving for a month or more after each session

How Many Sessions Does It Take

Because microneedling works by triggering a gradual healing and rebuilding response, most people need a series of treatments rather than a single session to see significant improvement in scarring or texture. A common approach involves three to six sessions spaced about four to six weeks apart, followed by occasional maintenance sessions once the desired improvement is reached.

Combining Microneedling With Other Treatments

Microneedling is often paired with other treatments depending on the specific goal:

• Pairing with a chemical peel on alternating sessions for people focused on both texture and tone
• Following up with a HydraFacial between microneedling sessions to support hydration during the healing process
• Combining with skin tightening treatments for people dealing with both texture and laxity concerns

You can explore the broader lineup of options on the body treatments page or the full aesthetician services menu.

Is Microneedling Right for You

Microneedling tends to work best for people who are looking for gradual, natural feeling improvement in texture, scarring, or firmness rather than an instant transformation. Because it relies on your body's own healing response, patience with the process matters just as much as the treatment itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many microneedling sessions will I need? Most people need a series of three to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart to see significant improvement in scarring or texture, followed by occasional maintenance visits.

Is microneedling painful? A numbing cream is applied beforehand, so most people describe the sensation as mild pressure or vibration rather than significant pain.

What is the difference between microneedling and RF microneedling? Standard microneedling relies on the physical micro injury from the needles alone, while RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy for a stronger effect on deeper texture and mild skin laxity.

How long is recovery after microneedling? Most people experience redness similar to a mild sunburn for a day or two, with the ability to return to normal makeup and activities shortly after.

Can microneedling help with acne scars? Yes, it is one of the more effective treatments for acne scarring, since it directly stimulates new collagen production in the affected areas over a series of sessions.

Ready to Address Texture at the Source?

If years of sun exposure, old acne scars, or stubborn texture have made your skin feel less smooth than it used to be, microneedling is one of the more effective ways to work on that concern directly rather than just covering it with makeup. You can learn more about the current options at Source of Health or book a consultation to find out whether standard or RF microneedling fits your skin best.