If you’ve ever dealt with acne, you’ll know that even once the breakouts are gone, the marks left behind can linger long after. Acne scarring is one of the most common concerns I see in clinic and I completely understand how it can impact your confidence.

The good news? You don’t have to live with those scars forever. Skin needling (also known as microneedling) is one of my favourite treatments to help reduce the appearance of acne scars and give your skin a smoother, more even finish.

Let’s break it down 👇

What causes acne scarring?

Acne scars form when breakouts cause damage to the skin tissue. Depending on how deep that inflammation goes (think cystic or hormonal acne), your skin may struggle to fully repair itself. This can result in indentations (like ice pick or boxcar scars) or post-inflammatory pigmentation that leaves behind darker marks.

Over time, our skin naturally tries to heal, but sometimes it needs a little help to rebuild properly.

Why I love skin needling for acne scarring

Skin needling creates tiny controlled micro-wounds to the skin, which kickstarts your body’s natural healing response. This boosts collagen and elastin production, the building blocks that help strengthen and smooth the skin. As new cells regenerate, the texture and depth of scars soften over time.

In clinic, I often recommend a course of 6–8 sessions depending on your skin type and the severity of scarring. While this isn’t a quick fix (results build gradually over time), the long-term improvements are so worth it.

💬 3 Common Questions I Get About Acne Scarring & Skin Needling

1. How long will it take to see results?

Skin needling is a journey, not a one-time miracle. Most clients start seeing softer, smoother skin after about 2–3 sessions, but true scar reduction happens gradually. Collagen takes time to build, about 6–8 weeks after each session, with peak results continuing to develop over 6–12 months. Trust the process!

2. Does skin needling hurt?

It’s not as scary as it sounds, I promise! Most clients describe it as a scratchy and warm feeling. After the treatment, your skin might feel a little warm or tight, similar to a mild sunburn, but this settles quickly.

3. Is there any downtime after treatment?

You might notice a bit of redness and dryness or flaking for a couple of days post-needling. I always recommend keeping your skincare routine super gentle during this time, think cleanser, hyaluronic acid, basic moisturiser and sunscreen. Avoid makeup, heat, or intense exercise for 24 hours after your session to allow your skin to heal optimally.

If acne scars are something you’re ready to work on, let’s chat! Book in for a skin consultation where we can assess your scarring and create a tailored skin needling plan just for you. There’s no pressure here, just support, clarity, and a clear path forward. 💛