The Best Treatments to Pair With Microneedling

Microneedling is powerful on its own but when combined with other cosmetic treatments in the right way its results can be maximized, and who doesn’t want that? “The purpose of microneedling is to open up channels to allow penetration of something deeper into the skin,” says Delray Beach, FL dermatologist Dr. Janet Allenby. She explains that since a healthy skin barrier is so fantastic at its job it can be difficult to get products through, but microneedling helps that process. We asked the experts who have been doing microneedling for years what treatments they think pair best with it offering superior results.

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Microneedling + Laser Skin Resurfacing

Washington, DC dermatologist Tina Alster, MD routinely combines mechanical microneedling with laser skin resurfacing treatments like Fraxel or UltraClear. “I first microneedle targeted problem areas (e.g., perioral rhytides, enlarged pores, atrophic acne scars) followed immediately by full face laser skin resurfacing in the same treatment session,” she explains. “The treatments work synergistically to enhance neocollagenesis and improve clinical results.”

Microneedling + Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

New York dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD likes pairing microneedling with PRP, which features concentrated plasma from your own blood containing growth factors. “It pairs well because microneedling creates tiny microchannels and PRP penetrates deeply accelerating collagen and elastin production, boosts healing and reduces downtime,” says Dr. Peredo. “As a result you get brighter skin tone, tighter skin, improved texture and faster recovery.”

Microneedling + Exosomes

Dr. Allenby says it’s great to take advantage of the open channels that are a result of microneedling by inserting specific messages to the skin cells—aka exosomes. Dr. Peredo also recommends applying exosomes topically following a microneedling treatment to “amplify cellular communication and enhance fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis.” The results can include reduced redness, improved elasticity and more even pigmentation, she adds. “Exosomes are just information packets to tell the cells to act a certain way where we’re trying to encourage the cell to act younger,” explains Dr. Allenby. “When the skin is acting younger, the tissue is more radiant, more even colored and less wrinkled.”

“We lean into regenerative medicine and in particular use the different variations of exosomes. The exosomes can either come from a person’s own plasma, such as PRP or from a manufacturer’s sources; everyone has heard of the salmon sperm source (PDRN) of exosomes,” says Dr. Allenby. Dr. Peredo says PDRN is great for tissue regeneration and hydration benefits. It stimulates fibroblast repair, hydration and wound healing, she explains. “As a result you see a smoother texture, luminous skin and a stronger dermal barrier. I like it for younger patients or patients with drier skin that need hydration.”

Radio-Frequency Microneedling

Although Dr. Allenby offers standard microneedling in her office, she prefers microneedling attached to a radio-frequency device. New York dermatologist Elaine Kung, MD is also a bigger proponent of radio-frequency (RF) microneedling.

“I’ve seen firsthand how RF microneedling has revolutionized skin tightening and texture improvement. RF microneedling combines the physical benefits of microneedling (creating microchannels to stimulate collagen) with the thermal energy of radio-frequency (which delivers bulk heat deep into the dermis), to create firmer, smoother and healthier skin,” says Dr. Kung. She notes that in advanced aesthetics they look to combine RF microneedling with other treatments to further boost results, accelerate healing and target every layer of skin health. “The best pairings are procedures that infuse the skin with healthy ingredients and speed up healing.”

RF Microneedling + Growth Factors

“To maximize absorption and support new cell formation, we can apply serums with biologic growth gactors immediately post-treatment,” says Dr. Kung. “Ingredients like peptides, PDO or PLLA can absorb better to help the skin form a new collagen matrix,” she explains.

RF Microneedling + Sculptra

“For layered, comprehensive tightening, we often pair RF microneedling with Sculptra (injectable PLLA). While RF Microneedling tightens the dermis from the outside-in, Sculptra is injected to restore deep volume and stimulate the body’s own collagen from the inside-out,” explains Dr. Kung. “The two treatments, when appropriately spaced, provide a powerful lifting and volumetric rejuvenation effect.”

RF Microneedling + Energy or Laser Devices

Dr. Kung says energy based devices or lasers can be a great addition to RF microneedling when the goal is total surface refinement. The combo can “help target unwanted pigment or redness and can offer an overall polish or glow.”