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.

Watch this quick video to learn an overview of what microdarts are 

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.

What are the Key Ingredients Use In Microneedle Patches?

There are many skin friendly ingredients that makes microneedling patches so effective, but the key ingredient that makes the needle. At Avarelle, we use Sodium Hyaluronate, which is a derivative of hyaluronic acid for the needle. Which is great for hydration, and keeping moisture in.  We chose this ingredient because of it's natural ability to boost or enhance other ingredients. The beauty of this ingredient comes from its self-dissolving nature.  It will dissolve within a matter of a few hours, but remember, don't take it off even if it melts away. Think of when you wash your face, you are not going to stop mid way are you? While, the soap is still there.  It will actually make your skin worse off.  Similar with microneedling patches.  The dissolving needling is only one part of the whole process.   

Another great ingredient is niacinamide.   Which is a form of vitamin B3, and has many other fantastic skin benefits, such as, brightening the skin, as well as, fading hyperpigmentation, which simply means naturally removing dark spots over time.  Here are some really cool benefits:

1. Strengthens Skin Barrier: Keeping moisture in and harmful elements out.
2. It's antibacterial: can prevent acne from spreading.
3. Reduces Redness and Inflammation: Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to calm redness and irritation caused by conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema.
4. Minimizes Pores: Niacinamide can help to regulate sebum production, which can lead to the appearance of smaller pores. To emphasize, there was a study that included two groups of people, Japanese and caucasian, and 2% niacinamide.  The results were successful but within each group, there were different results, where they saw improvements in the casual sebum levels while the Japanese group saw improvement in the  sebum excretion rate. 
5. Protects Against Sun Damage: Niacinamide has antioxidant properties that can help to protect the skin from sun damage. However, it is important to note that niacinamide is not a substitute for sunscreen. Where niacnamide helps increase the NAD(P) which have high antioxidant properties.   
6. Minimizes Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Niacinamide can help to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and those pesky smile lines. By boosting the dermal fibroblasts, they can stimulate the production of collagen, as well as elastin. Which are the main proponents to youthful skin.

Next up is a cult class in the skincare world.  It's tea tree oil! Here are some benefits: While, tea tree oil can reduce acne, the real reason how it can do so is by its antimicrobial nature, This means that it is antibacterial, and anti fungal, which amazing for fighting acne. As well as,  anti-inflammatory properties make reducing and eliminating acne super convenient. Leaving your skin less red and puffy. 

Now, what skin types are tea tree oil best for? It's good for oily skin types and people with sensitive skin types should be cautious.  As it is quite strong, it should be diluted regardless of your skin type. 

 Finally, there's cica. It has anti aging, anti inflammatory, and antioxidants.  Sound familiar? Well, it should since clear skin is our goal for you.  Through a compound called madecassoside, cica may contribute to collagen Type II boosts.  

All this and more, but the beauty of it all is that with microneedling patches it is directly injected into those problem areas, making it that much more effective. 

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 350 microns, which is 50 microns larger than the size of a dust mite! That's small! But, there's a reason behind the size, as skin is about 120 micros,  Even with the 230 micron difference, microneedle patches painlessly penetrate the skin. This is the right size for the body to call its army of cells to get rid of that "exterior attacker". Where 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.

Watch this video to learn that longer needles are not always better.  At Avarelle, we want your skin to be safe.

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.