You may have heard that microneedling is effective for improving skin texture and even the appearance of acne scars. If you have Rosacea, you may also wonder, “Is microneedling good for rosacea?” The answer – it depends.
Let’s consider some of the ways microneedling may be beneficial for treating mild scars, changes in skin texture, and discoloration caused by Rosacea. We can’t talk about the upsides without also including a warning to avoid treatments like microneedling during an active rosacea flare-up. We also urge you to see a medical professional to manage the Rosacea before starting any cosmetic treatments like microneedling, which could potentially trigger a flare-up for some people.
Although Rosacea is common, it is also a little mysterious. Let’s start by considering what it is and some of the ways people manage the condition.
What is Rosacea, and How is it Managed?
You are probably familiar with Rosacea since it is a common chronic condition. It causes redness, flushing, and often small bumps and other issues. Unfortunately, Rosacea isn’t curable. According to the Mayo Clinic, it may be triggered by a range of stimuli, including stress, products, sun exposure, wind, alcohol use, or even eating spicy foods.
Symptoms of Rosacea include:
- Redness, especially if persistent
- Visible blood vessels, especially in the center of the face
- Flushing
- Thickening skin
- Small red bumps or pimples
- Eye irritation
- Dryness
- Burning sensation
- Swelling
The exact cause isn’t known. According to researchers, there are numerous potential causes, including:
- Genetics and aging
- Immune system issues
- Bacteria or mites
- UV- damage to the skin
- Other possible causes
Since Rosacea is so variable, the treatment plans also vary. Here are some of the ways people manage it:
- Topical medications that help reduce redness and inflammation like metronidazole, azelaic acid, and ivermectin.
- Oral antibiotics like doxycycline also help reduce inflammation and redness.
- An oral medication called Isotretinoin for severe and persistent cases, though it is often a last resort due to potential side effects.
- Lifestyle changes to avoid things that trigger flare-ups, which may include certain foods, alcohol, or extreme temperatures
- Gentle skincare products and broad-spectrum sun protection can help prevent flare-ups.
Remember, it’s always best to consult with a dermatologist to discuss the best treatment options for your specific case, especially if you have frequent or severe flare-ups.
The causes, prevention, and effective treatment of Rosacea are areas requiring more research. Treatment involves identifying triggers and finding ways to avoid them to reduce the risk of future flare-ups. This is best done in the care of a doctor or dermatologist. Sometimes, a doctor may recommend microneedling to treat some of the cosmetic damage caused by Rosacea, such as lingering redness.
Can Microneedling Help With the Effects of Rosacea?
Microneedling stimulates the skin and triggers the body’s healing process. Part of that is stimulating collagen production. It may strengthen collagen in the walls of the blood vessels and the connective tissue that provides support to these vessels.
For many, microneedling reduces redness and improves skin texture. While some researchers are looking into the benefits of microneedling for people with Rosacea, it is in the early days. This is an area where we need more research to better understand who may benefit from microneedling to treat redness and scarring from Rosacea and the most effective approach.
Microneedling stimulates collagen by creating tiny injuries. A common aftereffect is a tender, stinging sensation similar to a mild sunburn. As you can imagine, that isn’t a sensation you want to experience during an active rosacea flare-up,
In the case of an active flare-up, a good dermatologist may be able to help uncover your triggers and find relief, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).
However, some of the lingering redness and blemishes caused by rosacea can significantly improve with microneedling. Microneedling may also alleviate clogged pores often found in rosacea patients, improve the overall texture and appearance of skin that has been scarred or damaged. Avoid microneedling when you have open wounds, active rash, or other skin injuries.
As with many medical procedures, there is no One-Size-Fits-All. Whether microneedling is an effective treatment option requires a nuanced answer. The National Rosacea Society recommends that patients with active flare-ups avoid microneedling, but it can sometimes be beneficial once any flare-ups are under control.
Other Cosmetic Treatments to Improve the Skin’s Appearance After Rosacea
Other treatments that may help improve the appearance of skin damaged by Rosacea include light and laser therapy, according to the AAD. Some even combine laser treatment with microneedling. Diamond Glow Facials may also help make the skin look more even-colored and smooth. Botox® and Aquagold treatments have also been found to be beneficial in treating the underlying vascular and regulating the overproduction of sebum (oil) often accompanying Rosacea.
If you want to improve the look of your skin, see a trained cosmetic medical professional to explore your options. The professional will help you decide whether the time is right for microneedling, lasers, Diamond Glow, Botox® or if another treatment option would be better.
In some cases, the provider may recommend waiting for approval from your primary care physician or your dermatologist, especially if it appears that your condition isn’t yet managed. If this happens, it is only because your provider is looking out for your long-term safety and well-being.
During your appointment, discuss your symptoms, triggers, any treatment or medications you take, and your overall health history. Microneedling isn’t for everyone. Your provider will talk with you about whether it is a good option for your condition or whether another treatment may be more beneficial.
Next Steps: Schedule a Consultation
Since Rosacea is so atypical, it is hard to give a standard answer. Many have found laser and microneedling treatments helped improve their appearance and restore their confidence. The answer may vary depending on the severity of the condition, what triggers flare-ups, how well it is managed, how long since the patient suffered a flare-up, and overall health.
If you have lingering redness, uneven texture or discoloration from prior rosacea episodes and are interested in finding a cosmetic treatment, please talk with your doctor or dermatologist if you have one. If cleared, contact a well-reputed medispa and schedule a consultation with someone trained to treat the condition.
If you live in or near Charlotte, NC, The Skin Center by CPS offers today’s most sought-after treatments. Contact us to book your consultation.
