Microneedling Facial vs. Regular Facial: Why It’s Worth the Upgrade

Thinking about upgrading from a regular facial to a microneedling facial? Smart move. A traditional facial focuses on the surface, cleansing, exfoliating, extracting, and refreshing the complexion for an immediate glow. It’s great for maintenance, congestion, and keeping skin balanced.

A microneedling facial goes much deeper. Instead of polishing the top layer of skin, it creates tiny micro-channels and activates your body’s natural repair process. That means you’re not just getting a glow, you’re helping rebuild firmer, smoother, more even-toned skin from within.

While both treatments leave your skin looking refreshed, microneedling offers long-term structural benefits beyond what a standard facial can achieve, especially for concerns like acne scars, texture, fine lines, and early laxity.

This guide breaks down exactly what a microneedling facial does, who it’s best for, and what to expect during and after your treatment, so you can feel confident making the switch.

What is a microneedling facial, and what does it do?

A microneedling facial is a skin renewal treatment where a device with tiny needles creates controlled micro-points on the surface to prompt your skin to naturally rebuild and strengthen. This controlled micro-injury activates the body's natural healing process, stimulating collagen induction, elastin production, and overall skin remodeling.

In simple terms, this minimally invasive cosmetic procedure encourages your skin to stimulate collagen production, which helps improve skin texture, soften fine lines, and support firmer skin over time.

A microneedling facial is a form of collagen induction therapy focused on the face. In clinical settings, the same approach can be used on the neck, chest, and body at deeper levels for acne scars, stretch marks, and other advanced goals. That’s why you'll hear both terms, microneedling for the face and collagen induction therapy for the face and body.

The results can include smoother texture, more even skin tone, and a refreshed glow. Many people go for a microneedling treatment to improve:

• Acne scars (including post-acne scarring and atrophic acne scars)

• Surgical scars and stretch marks

• Aging skin, fine lines, and early laxity

• Enlarged pores and rough texture

During the microneedling procedure, your provider may apply serums like hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The temporary micro-channels allow active ingredients to sink deeper, enhancing results and supporting the skin's healing process.

This is one reason microneedling pairs well with combination therapies and can complement other treatments in a skincare plan.

Who it’s for and who should avoid it

A microneedling facial is a great fit if you're looking to address skin texture, acne scars, enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles, or general skin rejuvenation goals. It's safe for many skin types, including darker skin tones, when performed by a trained professional who adjusts depth and technique to your needs.

You may need to delay treatment if you have an active infection, open wounds, or uncontrolled skin conditions like dermatitis or psoriasis. Those prone to keloids, currently taking blood thinners, or recently on isotretinoin should get medical clearance first to ensure the treatment is appropriate and safe.

Contraindications and medication considerations

A few health and medication factors can affect whether microneedling is right for you. Keep these in mind as you plan your treatment.

• Recent isotretinoin (Accutane): Most providers recommend waiting 6–12 months after finishing isotretinoin before microneedling. The skin can be more fragile during and shortly after treatment, so timing matters.

• Blood thinners: Medications like aspirin, warfarin, or certain supplements can increase bleeding and bruising risk. Your provider may request medical clearance or discuss temporary adjustments when appropriate.

• Pregnancy: Many clinics avoid microneedling during pregnancy out of caution. If you’re expecting or trying to conceive, share that during your consultation so your provider can recommend suitable alternatives.

• Active eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis in the treatment area: If the skin is inflamed or compromised, microneedling may worsen irritation. It’s best to treat or stabilize flare-ups first before proceeding.

• Topicals like retinoids, AHA/BHA acids, and exfoliants: Strong actives can make skin more sensitive. Most people are advised to pause these products a few days before and after treatment to help reduce redness and irritation.

Treatment timeline: Before, during, and after

A little planning goes a long way. Here's how to set yourself up for the best outcome, from prep to aftercare.

Prep checklist

• Two weeks out: Avoid intense sun, tanning beds, and any aggressive procedures (peels, lasers) on the area.

• 3-5 days out: Pause retinoids, scrubs, and exfoliating acids. Keep skin hydrated.

• Day of: Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin. You can take photos for tracking improvements.

Step-by-step procedure

• Cleanse and skin assessment: Your provider will cleanse the skin, review your goals, and determine the best needle depth and number of passes based on your concerns and skin type.

• Numbing cream: A topical anesthetic is applied for about 15–30 minutes. This helps minimize sensation, so the treatment feels more like light pressure and a prickly vibration rather than discomfort.

• Microneedling passes: Using a sterile, single-use tip, your provider moves section by section to create controlled microchannels. Most people describe the feeling as vibration or light scratching, and the intensity varies by area.

• Serum application: While the channels are still open, your provider may apply hydrating or reparative serums—often hyaluronic acid or growth-factor formulas—to support the skin's healing response and enhance results. In some clinics, platelet-rich plasma is also an option; it’s applied immediately after needling so your own growth factors can penetrate more effectively.

• Soothing finish: A calming mask, cooling gel, or LED light therapy may follow to help reduce temporary redness and support post-treatment comfort.

Immediate aftercare and downtime

Expect redness and a tight, warm feeling for 24–48 hours. Minor pinpoint bleeding and swelling can happen the first day. Most people feel “social” again within 1–3 days, though more intensive sessions may require a little extra recovery time.

For best results right after your treatment:

• Cleanse gently and moisturize often: Stick to simple, non-fragranced products to keep the skin calm and hydrated as it heals.

• Use SPF 30+ daily: Protect your skin from the sun. Avoid heat, sweaty workouts, and makeup for the first 24 hours to reduce irritation and lower the risk of sensitivity.

• Delay other treatments: Planning a facial next? Wait at least 7–10 days before scheduling a regular facial or any exfoliating treatment to protect your skin barrier.

• Hands off: Don’t pick, scrub, or exfoliate. Let any flaking shed naturally as your skin renews itself.

Safety, cost, and treatment add-ons

Because microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure, it’s generally well-tolerated and safe when performed by a licensed professional using sterile technique.

The most common side effects include temporary redness, swelling, and mild tenderness. Less common risks include bruising, prolonged irritation, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (especially without sunscreen), and infection if aftercare or device hygiene is poor.

Choosing an experienced provider and following your post-care plan keeps risks low.

How much is a microneedling facial?

Costs vary based on location, provider, and treatment type. Standard microneedling facials usually range from $275-800 per session. Packages often lower the per-session price, and most people plan periodic maintenance visits to extend results.

Many clinics offer optional boosters such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, or PRP to enhance hydration, glow, or recovery. Topical add-ons often range from $200-400+, and PRP microneedling is typically $300–$600+. Your provider can help determine whether extras will benefit your goals or if the core treatment is enough.

Microneedling is best viewed as an investment in long-term skin quality, one that reaches deeper than a standard facial and continues to improve the skin as collagen builds.

Experience renewed, confident skin with microneedling

If you want results that go beyond the surface, a microneedling facial is a powerful upgrade. It works with your skin’s natural repair system to smooth texture, soften deep acne scars, and support firmer, more radiant skin with results that last longer than a traditional facial.

At Eternity Wellness, we offer both microneedling facials and microneedling with PRP to help you achieve smoother, brighter, and more confident skin. Ready to get started? Book your session today and take the first step toward your best skin yet.

Microneedling facial: Frequently asked questions

Is a microneedling facial better than a chemical peel for acne scars and pores?

They target different concerns. Microneedling improves texture, rolling or boxcar acne scars, fine lines, and enlarged pores by rebuilding collagen. Chemical peels excel at surface exfoliation and pigment irregularities. For many, combining treatments in a planned series yields the best outcome. Your provider can tailor depth, peel strength, and timing.

Is microneedling safe for darker skin tones, and how do I reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation?

Yes, when performed by a trained professional who tailors depth and technique, microneedling suits a wide range of skin tones. Reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) risk by avoiding sun exposure pre/post, wearing broad-spectrum SPF daily, pausing strong actives, following sterile aftercare, and choosing conservative settings—especially if you pigment easily.

Can I get a facial after microneedling?

It’s best to wait 7–10 days before getting a regular facial or any exfoliating treatment after microneedling. Your skin needs time to recover and rebuild, and doing another procedure too soon can trigger irritation, sensitivity, or delayed healing.

How long do microneedling facial results last?

Results build gradually as collagen forms beneath the surface. Most people begin noticing a smoother, healthier look within a few weeks, with deeper changes appearing around 4–8 weeks. Improvements can last several months, but results are easiest to maintain with multiple treatments followed by occasional maintenance visits throughout the year.

Daily sunscreen, consistent skincare, and healthy habits all help extend your microneedling results.

Can microneedling help eczema?

Microneedling is not recommended on areas with active eczema. Because the skin barrier is already compromised, the procedure can worsen irritation or inflammation. Once eczema is calm and under control, a dermatologist can determine if microneedling is appropriate for nearby areas or for treating various skin concerns that may coexist, such as uneven texture or mild scarring.

Always consult a professional before considering microneedling if you have a history of eczema.