Microneedling serumsMicroneedling has become an immensely popular minimally invasive beauty treatment for enhancing the skin. This procedure involves using tiny needles to create microscopic punctures in the skin. This kickstarts the body’s natural wound healing process, resulting in increased collagen and elastin production.Using the right serums with microneedling can maximize its benefits for your skin. The tiny channels created by microneedling allow serums to penetrate deeper into the skin, making them much more effective.Choosing a serum suited to your particular skin goals is key to getting optimal results from microneedling. Here are the top serums to consider using with microneedling for maximum skincare benefits:
Why Serums Are Important for Microneedling
Microneedling creates microscopic injuries in the skin, which stimulates wound healing and new skin cell production. This leads to benefits like:
- Increased collagen and elastin synthesis, improving skin firmness and elasticity
- Enhanced absorption and efficacy of skincare products
- Reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars and hyperpigmentation
- Improved skin texture and radiance
Serums applied during and after the microneedling procedure can enhance these benefits exponentially. The tiny channels created by the microneedling needles allow active ingredients in serums to penetrate much deeper into the skin.This results in serums being absorbed better and working more effectively to treat skin concerns. Using the right serums makes a tremendous difference in the overall outcome of microneedling treatments.
How to Choose a Serum for Microneedling
With so many serums on the market, choosing the right one can seem overwhelming. Here are some tips on how to select a serum to use with your microneedling procedure:
- Look for high quality active ingredients – The serum should contain proven ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, etc. in optimal concentrations.
- Consider your skin goals – If you want anti-aging benefits, choose a serum with peptides or retinol. For pigmentation, vitamin C and niacinamide serums are ideal.
- Read reviews and recommendations – Opt for serums that are highly rated and frequently recommended by dermatologists for use with microneedling.
- Ensure it suits your skin type – Avoid potentially irritating ingredients if you have sensitive skin. See how your skin tolerates the serum before microneedling.
- Use a sterile single-use vial – Never dip a used serum applicator into the main container to prevent contamination.
- Perform a patch test first – Check for any reactions before applying it to your entire face.
Top Microneedling Serums for Different Skin Goals
Now let’s look at some of the best serums to use with your microneedling pen for targeted skincare concerns:
1. For Hydration: Hyaluronic Acid Serums
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a humectant that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. It helps hydrate and plump the skin, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. Look for serums with different molecular weights and forms of HA for multi-depth hydration.Try:
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier
- Cosmedix Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum
2. For Anti-Aging: Peptide Serums
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that help stimulate collagen production. This improves skin firmness and elasticity, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Copper peptides also promote healing.Try:
- The Ordinary Buffet
- The Inkey List Peptide Anti-Aging Serum
- Paula’s Choice Peptide Booster
- Revision Skincare Intellishade Original SPF 45
3. For Skin Brightening: Vitamin C Serums
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that inhibits melanin production and helps fade pigmentation and discoloration. It also promotes collagen production and improves skin texture.Try:
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic®
- Paula’s Choice C25 Super Booster
- Maelove Glow Maker
- Dr Brenner Vitamin C Serum
4. For Acne and Breakouts: Niacinamide Serums
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) helps regulate oil and sebum production. It also reduces inflammation, redness and helps clear up acne and breakouts.Try:
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
- Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Serum
- La Roche-Posay Redermic [R] Retinol Serum
5. For Skin Texture and Tone: Retinol Serums
Retinol encourages cell turnover and collagen production for smoother, firmer skin. It improves texture, evens skin tone, and reduces pores, fine lines, acne scars and sun damage. Start with a low percentage.Try:
- Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum
- SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3
- Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
- The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
Microneedling Procedure Tips with Serums
To get the most out of using serums with your microneedling pen, follow these tips:
- Cleanse and tone your skin thoroughly before microneedling.
- Apply the serum liberally over the treatment area and let it absorb for a few minutes.
- Use gentle circular motions to roll the microneedling pen across your skin. Apply moderate pressure for maximum benefits.
- After completing the treatment, apply another layer of serum and let it absorb fully.
- Follow up with a moisturizer and sunscreen during the day.
- Use soothing products like aloe vera gel to ease inflammation and irritation after microneedling.
- Avoid active skincare ingredients like retinol, vitamin C and acids for 24 hours post-treatment.
- Wait at least 4 weeks between microneedling sessions for optimal results.
Microneedling with the Dr. Pen
The Dr. Pen is an advanced microneedling device that makes in-office treatments more convenient and affordable at home. It uses ultra-fine stainless steel needles to create thousands of micro-injuries in the skin.The Dr. Pen device allows you to control the needle depth between 0.25 mm to 2.5 mm. The adjustable needle depth and speed lets you customize treatments for your specific skin concerns. It comes with interchangeable needle cartridges for use on different areas of the face and body.When combined with effective serums, the Dr. Pen can help improve various skin issues like:
- Fine lines, wrinkles and lack of firmness
- Dull, uneven skin tone and texture
- Enlarged pores and visible signs of aging
- Acne scars and other types of scarring
- Hyperpigmentation and melasma
The key is to always use the Dr. Pen responsibly by disinfecting the device, using a sterile technique and following aftercare instructions for optimal results.
The Takeaway
Microneedling paired with a high-quality serum is a game-changer for your skincare routine. The right serum can target specific skin concerns like anti-aging, acne, pigmentation etc. and provide dramatic improvements. Invest in an effective medical-grade microneedling device like the Dr. Pen. Combine it with a serum suited to your skin type and concerns for transformative skincare benefits.