Cosmetic vs Medical Skin Needling: Know the Difference

Emma Gould
Aug 19
3 min read

Skin needling, commonly known as microneedling, has become a popular treatment in the beauty and skincare industry. However, confusion often arises from the terms "cosmetic" and "medical" needling. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for anyone contemplating skin needling. This guide clarifies the key differences between cosmetic and medical skin needling, helping you make informed choices for your skincare journey.

What is Skin Needling?

Skin needling utilises fine needles to create micro-injuries on the surface of the skin. This technique activates the body's natural healing process, stimulating collagen and elastin production. As a result, the treatment can enhance skin texture, diminish scars, and improve the absorption of skincare products.

While both cosmetic and medical needling share the same fundamental concept, they differ substantially in terms of application, depth of penetration, and intended outcomes.

Cosmetic Skin Needling

Cosmetic skin needling is commonly performed in spas or salons by licensed estheticians. The primary aim of this treatment is to enhance the absorption of skincare products and improve the overall appearance of the skin.

Depth of Penetration

Cosmetic needling typically involves shallower needle depths, ranging from 0.5mm to 1.0mm. This depth creates micro-channels in the skin, promoting better penetration of serums and other topical treatments.

Benefits of Cosmetic Needling

Minimal Downtime
Improved Skin Texture for mild conditions

Ideal Candidates for Cosmetic Needling

Cosmetic skin needling is suitable for individuals seeking to boost their skincare routine without significant recovery time. It is especially ideal for those with mild skin concerns such as uneven texture, fine lines, or minor acne scars.

Medical Skin Needling

Medical skin needling is conducted by licensed medical professionals like dermatologists or plastic surgeons. This treatment is more intensive and aims to tackle specific skin issues.

Depth of Penetration

Medical needling penetrates more deeply, typically 1.5mm to 3.0mm. This depth provides greater stimulation of the skin's healing processes and is effective for more severe skin concerns.

Benefits of Medical Needling

Collagen Induction Therapy: Often called collagen induction therapy, medical needling significantly stimulates collagen and elastin production, leading to noticeable improvements in skin texture and firmness.
Scar Treatment: Medical needling is particularly effective for addressing acne scars, surgical scars, and other forms of scarring. Research shows that patients experience a 50% improvement in scar appearance after multiple sessions.
Reduction of Fine Lines and Wrinkles: The collagen stimulation from medical needling can lead to a 70% reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, yielding a more youthful appearance.

Ideal Candidates for Medical Needling

Individuals with more serious skin concerns, such as deep wrinkles, substantial scarring, or significant stretch marks, will find medical skin needling more suitable. This option is also recommended for those desiring results that surpass what cosmetic needling can provide.

Key Differences Between Cosmetic and Medical Skin Needling

1. Practitioner Qualifications

Cosmetic Needling: Conducted by licensed estheticians or skincare specialists.
Medical Needling: Performed by licensed medical professionals, including dermatologists, nurses or plastic surgeons.

2. Depth of Treatment

Cosmetic Needling: Shallow penetration (0.5mm to 1.0mm) for boosting product absorption and overall skin appearance.
Medical Needling: Deeper penetration (1.5mm to 3.0mm) suited for serious skin issues and collagen stimulation.

3. Treatment Goals

Cosmetic Needling: Focuses on enhancing skincare absorption and improving general skin appearance.
Medical Needling: Targets specific skin issues, including scarring, deep wrinkles, and significant skin laxity.

4. Downtime

Cosmetic Needling: Minimal downtime, with most clients returning to their routine shortly after treatment.
Medical Needling: May necessitate more downtime due to deeper penetration and possible skin reactions.

Safety Considerations

Both cosmetic and medical skin needling are generally safe when executed by qualified professionals. However, keep the following safety factors in mind:

1. Sterilisation and Equipment

Ensure practitioners use sterile tools and adhere to hygiene standards to minimise infection risks.

2. Skin Assessment

A thorough skin evaluation should be conducted before any needling procedure. This helps determine the most appropriate technique for your skin type and concerns.

3. Post-Treatment Care

Following your treatment, adhere to post-care instructions from your practitioner. This may include avoiding sun exposure and using gentle skincare products to maintain skin hydration.

Making an Informed Choice

Recognising the differences between cosmetic and medical skin needling is vital for anyone considering these treatments. Each approach offers distinct advantages tailored to various skin challenges, requiring different levels of expertise.

If you're looking to enhance your skincare routine and improve your skin's appearance, cosmetic needling may be what you need. On the other hand, for serious skin issues requiring targeted solutions, medical needling might be the better option.

Before pursuing any skin needling treatment, consult with a qualified professional to explore your goals and identify the best method for your unique skin needs.

By making informed decisions about your skincare treatments, you set the stage for healthier, more radiant skin.