WHAT ARE MICRONEEDLE PATCHES AND HOW DO THEY WORK?

Microneedling patches are somewhat of a misnomer, since these "needles” are actually dissolvable crystals or molds made out of specific acne-fighting ingredients such as hydrocolloid dressing, hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid. But don't mistake these patches for microneedling, which is the process of intentionally creating "micro" puncture marks that go beyond the epidermal layer. These microneedles or rollers do not have active ingredients since it isn't meant to act as an injection, but rather a way to speed up new collagen production and skin tissue for smoother, firmer, more toned skin. Furthermore, if performed incorrectly (incomplete sterilization) these needles can damage, and even create further breakouts. Also, dissolvable microneedling patches are significantly more affordable in comparison to microneedling, which can range from $100 to several hundreds of dollars depending on the area and how large the treatment.

Of course, there are benefits to microneedling. According to Yale Medical, microneedling is a great option for a variety of skin conditions such as acne scarring, surgical scars, other scars, burns, enlarged pores, wrinkles (rhytides), and stretch marks (striae).

What Are Microneedling Patches?

Dissolvable microneedle patches are meant as an acne treatment for treating cystic acne. But, like anything, it can be repurposed for other types of acne as well. In addition, it does not puncture beyond the surface layer of skin. Unlike microneedling, dissolvable microneedling patches will not visibly damage your skin to the point of redness or possible bleeding, which is not uncommon for microneedling users.

When Should I Use Microneedling Acne Patches?

Typically, these patches target blind pimples and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Blind pimples are pimples that develop underneath the skin, which are created usually by a cyst or nodules. With a combination of sebum (oil), dirt, and bacteria that become trapped in the pores. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, on the other hand, is caused after the fact. Usually it is caused by injury. While, if you see a whitehead, where the puss is visible, don't use microneedling acne patches. It is not necessary since the pimple is about to pop.

Can I Use Microneedling Patches On Sensitive Skin?

Simple answer, it depends.  Dissolvable microneedle acne patches can work on all skin types, but it may be best to avoid using them on extra sensitive skin since it may cause further irritation and breakouts due to the spreading of bacteria.  We'd recommend using the standard non microneedle patches.  Such as, Avarelle's FRONTLINE ESSENTIAL which besides hydrocolloid dress includes aloe oil.

Will they hurt the skin?

Nope! Dissolvable microneedle patches will not hurt. If anything, you'll feel a little poke. Contrary to the standard hydrocolloid acne patches in the market, for example, Avarelle's best-selling ACNE COVER PATCH ORIGINAL 40 that's made from more than only hydrocolloid dressing, you'll only feel a little sensation. In our experience, trying out multiple microneedle pimple patches, we felt that the one's that we felt a slight sensation worked best. If you don't feel anything, we felt that it might not have been as effective or gone deep enough to be effective.

These needles are measured in micrometers. To demonstrate how small that is, let's compare the width of a single human hair. The length of a standard needle is 250 microns, which is 1/3 the size of the width of your hair! That's small! But, it's the right size for the body to call its army of cells to get rid of that "exterior attacker". Your body will dissolve the exterior of the needle and then the key ingredient(s) do their jobs.

How long does it take to see results?

While everyone has different skin types, we can't say for certain. But, with our initial testing, we saw results after the first use. The best time to apply these patches is right before going to sleep. Similar to other hydrocolloid patches, it takes time for the ingredients to absorb.

Summary

Whether you choose a microneedling patch or the topical patches that you'll see in the market, there is a time and place for both. But, the main benefits of a microneedling patch are the quick results, as well as, due to the crystal mold or needle for simplicity’s sake, can go into a deeper layer of skin, making it more effective compared to the topical patches.