Choosing the right serum to use with microneedling is essential if you want to get the most out of this powerful skincare method.
Microneedling gently creates channels in your skin which allow the serum to penetrate deeper into your skin. This way, the active ingredients in face serums can work their wonders more easily, helping you achieve glowing skin and improved texture faster.
But what serum should you use with microneedling? What active ingredients should you look for?
Perhaps you just got a dermaroller and have no idea what serum to use? Or maybe you didn’t know you could use one? You’re not alone. Many people don’t know there’s even such a thing as a serum or that they should be using it with their microneedling treatment.
If you are new to microneedling and have no idea what to look for in a serum, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll give you tips on how to find the right serum for your skin type, as well as walk you through each step of your skincare routine so that you can get the best results. Also, we’ll cover our favorite serums for common skincare concerns you may want to address.
Let’s jump right into it!
Table of Contents
What is microneedling?
Microneedling is a dermal treatment that uses small needles to create microchannels in the skin. This allows for better absorption of active ingredients, and can promote collagen production and cell turnover.
You can use microneedling to treat acne scars, signs of ageing, hyperpigmentation and stretch marks, for example.
Microneedling offers a few key benefits:
- Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
- Improves scarring and hyperpigmentation
- Improves skin elasticity
- Increases collagen production and circulation
If you are new to microneedling, we recommend consulting a professional aesthetician or your dermatologist before attempting to use it on your own. If done incorrectly, you could cause damage to your skin or even leave yourself open to infection.
I decided to try microneedling because I’ve been wanting to get rid of my acne scars and improve my overall skin tone. I expected it would hurt, but it didn’t hurt at all. In fact, it felt kind of like when you rub your hand over sandpaper – a little scratchy but not painful.
The only thing I really noticed was that there was some redness around my eyes afterward (and maybe some swelling), but nothing major or long-lasting. After about 1.5 hours the redness went away completely by itself.
The following day, my complexion definitely looked less dull and it had that glowing effect that makes so many people fall in love with microneedling (myself included!).
As for my acne scars, I couldn’t see a visible reduction in their appearance after the first session. But according to my dermatologist, that’s normal. They recommended a series of 4 to 6 treatments to for noticeable results.
What is a serum?
Face serums are a type of skincare product designed to provide targeted results for specific skin concerns.
Serums contain a higher concentration of targeted active ingredients than your other skincare products. Thus, you can pick and choose the best serum to use based on what your skin needs right now.
Face serums offer a few key benefits such as:
- Increased hydration and plumping effects on the skin
- Anti-aging benefits like reducing fine lines and wrinkles
- Treatment for acne or other skin conditions
In your skincare routine, serums won’t replace other products. Instead, you should use them as part of your regular routine for that extra boost your skin might need.
Therefore, when using serums, make sure you layer your skincare products correctly for optimal results.
If you are new to face serums, you may want to start with a milder formula to see how your skin reacts before moving on to more powerful serums.
You can also try using a serum that is made specifically for your skin type, such as oily or dry.
Read next: Face Oil vs. Serum: What’s the Difference (And How to Use Them)
What serum to use with microneedling?
Using a face serum is an important step in any skincare routine but especially so when using microneedling devices.
When it comes to choosing the right serum for microneedling, ask yourself these questions:
- What is my skin type?
- What skincare concern do I want to address?
- What active ingredients should I avoid?
For example, if you have sensitive skin, remember to avoid harsh and intense active ingredients. Sensitive skin is prone to irritation and redness, and pairing a strong serum with microneedling might make your skin worse.
If you have dry skin, look for a hydrating serum that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin or sodium PCA. These ingredients will help plump up the outer layer of your skin and lock in moisture for long-lasting hydration.
All in all, always plan your skincare routine by tailoring each step to your specific needs.
Best serums to use with microneedling (by skincare concern)
To help you find the best serum to use with microneedling, let’s go over our team’s favorite serums for different skincare concerns you may want to address.
1: Dryness
Are you looking for the best serums to use with microneedling for dry skin? Below are three of the best products to treat dryness. Each one contains powerful ingredients that will hydrate and nourish the skin, leaving it looking and feeling its best.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum
This serum is our go-to favorite for any skin type! It’s a great option for those with dry skin looking for a boost of hydration.
Hyaluronic acid is known for its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent ingredient for moisturizing the skin.
The addition of vitamin B5 helps to soothe and repair damaged skin, making it the perfect choice for use after microneedling.
The best part? As usual, The Ordinary offers this hydrating serum at a very affordable price point.
PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum
PCA Skin’s Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum is another excellent choice for those with dry skin.
This serum contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides, all of which work together to improve skin hydration and promote a healthy skin barrier.
Niacinamide also helps to brighten the skin, making it a great choice for those looking to even out their skin tone.
SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel
SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel is a lightweight serum that delivers intense hydration to the skin. It contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, which work together to improve skin moisture levels and promote healing.
This serum is perfect for those with dry skin looking for a non-greasy, easily absorbed option.
2: Redness and sensitive skin
If you have red and sensitive skin, you know how difficult it can be to find the right products for your skincare routine.
Microneedling can be especially tricky, as it can exacerbate redness and irritation. But don’t worry – here are three of the best face serums to use with microneedling for red and sensitive skin:
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum is another excellent choice for those with red and sensitive skin.
This serum contains hyaluronic acid, colloidal oatmeal, and aloe vera, all of which work together to soothe and hydrate the skin. It’s also fragrance- and oil-free, so it will not cause further irritation or clog pores.
SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex
SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex is a higher-end option, but it’s definitely worth the investment for those with red and sensitive skin.
This serum contains a blend of growth factors, antioxidants, and proteins that work together to reduce inflammation and promote healing. This serum is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, making it a safe option for those with sensitive skin.
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
This serum contains a blend of hydrating and soothing ingredients like vitamin B5 and pineapple ceramide. It can help soothe red, irritated skin while providing essential hydration.
3: Oiliness and blemishes
If you have oily and blemish-prone skin, you know how important it is to find the right products for your skincare routine. Microneedling can be especially beneficial for those with blemishes, but it’s important to use the right serums to get the best results.
Here are three of the best face serums to use with microneedling for oily and blemish-prone skin:
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum is a great option for those with oily and blemish-prone skin. We love this product!
Niacinamide helps to regulate oil production and reduce the appearance of blemishes, while zinc helps to soothe and heal the skin. This serum is also affordable and easily accessible, making it a great choice for those on a budget.
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster is another excellent choice for those with oily and blemish-prone skin.
This serum contains a high concentration of niacinamide, which helps to regulate oil production and reduce the appearance of blemishes.
It also contains other beneficial ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, which help to brighten and hydrate the skin.
SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum
SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum is a higher-end option, but it’s definitely worth the investment for those with oily and blemish-prone skin.
This serum contains a blend of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and dioic acid, which work together to unclog pores, exfoliate the skin, and reduce the appearance of blemishes. It also contains niacinamide, which helps to regulate oil production and soothe the skin.
4: Ageing skin, fine lines
If you have ageing skin with fine lines and wrinkles, you know how important it is to find the right products for your skincare routine.
Microneedling can be especially beneficial for those looking to reduce the signs of ageing, but it’s important to use the right serums to get the best results.
Here are three of the best face serums to use with microneedling for ageing skin:
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum is a powerhouse serum that has somewhat of a cult following. The formulation is patented, and it’s the perfect serum for those with ageing skin.
It contains a high concentration of vitamin C, which helps to brighten and even out the skin tone. It also contains vitamin E and ferulic acid, which work together to protect the skin from free radical damage and promote collagen production.
This serum is a bit pricey, but it’s definitely worth the investment for those looking to achieve a more youthful appearance.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
The Ordinary Buffet Serum is a great option for those with ageing skin who are looking for an affordable anti-ageing serum.
This serum contains a blend of peptides, which help to promote collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which helps to hydrate and plump the skin.
PCA Skin Total Strength Serum
PCA Skin Total Strength Serum is another excellent choice for those with ageing skin.
This serum contains a blend of peptides, epidermal growth factors, and stem cells, which work together to promote collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which helps to hydrate and plump the skin.
5: Hyperpigmentation and dullness
If you’re struggling with hyperpigmentation and dullness, you know how difficult it can be to find the right products to treat these issues.
Microneedling can be a game-changer for those looking to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, but it’s important to use the right serums to get the best results.
Here are three of the best face serums to use with microneedling for hyperpigmentation and dullness:
Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum
Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum is a great option for those with hyperpigmentation and dullness.
This serum contains resorcinol, glycolic acid, and tranexamic adic which help minimize the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone.
PCA SKIN Pigment Gel HQ Free
PCA SKIN Pigment Gel HQ Free contains a blend of kojic acid and azelaic acid which work together to reduce the appearance of dark spots and improve skin texture.
It also contains lactic acid, which helps to exfoliate the skin and promote cell turnover. Glutathione and tyrosinase inhibit melanin production to prevent new dark spots from forming.
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Serum
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Serum is an affordable option for those with hyperpigmentation and dullness.
This serum contains alpha arbutin, which helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots and even out the skin tone. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which helps to hydrate and plump the skin.
How to use a face serum with microneedling?
If you are new to microneedling and serums, here are our quick tips for best results:
- First and foremost, make sure that your skin is in good shape. If you have breakouts or blemishes, microneedling could make it worse.
- When doing microneedling treatment at home, cleanse your skin well beforehand.
- Make sure that the area being treated is completely dry before applying any product or device to it.
- Use your face serum after microneedling, not before or during the session. This way, the active ingredients can penetrate deeper into the skin.
- And lastly: don’t forget sunscreen. It’s important not only because we all know how much sun exposure can damage our precious skin but also because you may experience redness after microneedling.
Remember: it is always best to consult with a medical professional or skincare expert for personalized advice. The type of serum you should use with microneedling vary depending on your skin type and individual needs.
FAQ: Microneedling and face serums
Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that involves using a device with tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. This process stimulates collagen production and improves the overall texture and appearance of the skin.
Yes, using a serum with microneedling can enhance the benefits. A serum can help to hydrate and nourish the skin, and improve the overall results of the microneedling treatment.
It’s recommended to use a serum that contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or peptides. These ingredients can help to boost collagen production, reduce inflammation, and improve the overall health of the skin.
It’s recommended to apply a face serum immediately after your microneedling session. Choose the serum based on your skin type and skincare concern. Avoid serums containing alcohol or harsh ingredients to reduce the risk of irritation and redness.
There is no specific brand of serum that is recommended for use with microneedling. However, it’s important to choose a high-quality serum that is free from harsh chemicals and contains beneficial ingredients.
Yes, but it’s important to choose a serum that is specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Look for products that are fragrance-free and contain gentle, soothing ingredients.
It’s recommended to use a serum with microneedling once a day, preferably at night before going to bed. This allows the serum to fully absorb into the skin and provide maximum benefits.
Yes, but it’s important to choose a serum that is specifically designed for acne-prone skin. Look for products that contain niacinamide, zinc, or salicylic acid, which can help to reduce inflammation and clear up breakouts.
Results can vary depending on the individual and the specific serum being used. However, most people start to see improvements in their skin within a few weeks of starting a regular microneedling and serum routine.
Using a serum with microneedling is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, some people may experience temporary redness, swelling, or mild irritation. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider.
Summing it up
Choosing the right serum to use with microneedling can help you achieve better results and improve the overall health of your skin.
We hope our list of the top 15 serums for microneedling in 2023 has been helpful in guiding you towards the best product for your needs.
Remember to always consult with a medical professional or skincare expert before trying any new products, and follow safe and hygienic practices when performing microneedling at home.
If you’re considering microneedling, be sure to do your research and find a reputable provider who uses high-quality equipment and follows proper hygiene protocols.
It’s also important to follow post-treatment instructions closely to ensure optimal results and avoid any potential complications.
With the right serum and a consistent microneedling routine, you can achieve glowing, healthy-looking skin in no time.
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