Backed by Science: Why Microneedling and Lasers Outperform Skin Boosters
Microneedling: Effects on Skin Texture and Quality
Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin, triggering the wound healing cascade which increases:
Collagen (Types I and III) and elastin production
Growth factors (TGF-β, PDGF, VEGF)
Angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels)
Documented Benefits:
Improved skin texture and tone
In 480 patients, microneedling led to significant improvements in skin texture and firmness after 1–4 sessions, with increased collagen and elastin noted microscopically (Study: Aust et al. (2008), Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Percutaneous collagen induction therapy: An alternative treatment for scars, wrinkles, and skin laxity).
Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles
After 3 sessions spaced one month apart, patients had statistically significant reduction in wrinkle depth and better skin texture microscopically (Study: El-Domyati et al. (2018), Dermatologic Surgery; Microneedling therapy for atrophic acne scars: A randomized clinical trial).
Improved scar and pore appearance
Microneedling increases dermal thickness and smooths irregular skin surface from acne scarring or enlarged pores (Study: Aust et al. (2008), Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Percutaneous collagen induction therapy: An alternative treatment for scars, wrinkles, and skin laxity).
Fractional Lasers (e.g., CO₂, Er:YAG, Non-ablative 1550 nm): Effects on Skin Texture and Quality
Fractional lasers deliver columns of energy that:
Fractional lasers work by precisely removing (ablating) or heating (coagulating) tiny columns of skin. This controlled damage triggers collagen production, skin regeneration, and renewal of the outer layers, leading to smoother texture and improved tone.
Documented Benefits:
Fine lines, texture, and elasticity improvement
Fractional ablative laser treatment led to uniform collagen remodeling and improved elasticity, skin smoothness, and texture within weeks post-treatment (Study: Hantash et al. (2007), In vivo histological evaluation of a novel ablative fractional resurfacing device; Lasers in Surgery and Medicine).
Skin tightening and tone correction
Non-ablative fractional lasers significantly improved skin texture and tone in all skin types, with minimal downtime (Study: Tierney et al. (2012), Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology; Treatment of acne scarring with a 1,550-nm erbium-doped fiber laser: A randomized controlled trial).
Acne scars and enlarged pores
Fractional CO₂ laser showed a mean improvement of 66.8% in acne scarring after 3 sessions; also reduced pore visibility and roughness (Study: Cho et al. (2009), Dermatologic Surgery; Clinical and histological effects of fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing on photoaged skin).
What the evidence says about skin boosters.
1. Hydration and Skin Elasticity
HA boosters improve hydration and elasticity, peaking at 1 month post-injection, but effects drop significantly by 3–6 months, and improvement in glow and texture was mostly patient-perceived, rather than objectively measured. (Study: Micheels et al. (2017), Journal of Drugs in Dermatology; Biorevitalization Using Non-Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid: A 6-Month Clinical Outcome Study)
2. Collagen Stimulation
Certain brands claims bioremodeling that stimulate types I and III collagen. These are in-vitro studies that show increased fibroblast activity, but human histological (microscopically proven) evidence is sparse or not peer-reviewed.
3. Subjective Glow vs Objective Change
Improvements in "glow" and smoothness are often subjective and based on patient self-assessments. Imaging and histology show modest or no change in dermal thickness, pore size, or scar depth.
Clinical Takeaway
Microneedling is ideal for gradual, safe collagen stimulation, especially in darker skin types or those avoiding downtime.
Lasers—especially fractional CO₂—offer faster and more dramatic textural changes, but require careful patient selection due to risks like post-inflammatory pigmentation (common in our population) and downtime. Lasers should be done under the supervision of a specialist dermatologist.
HA skin boosters offer temporary improvements in hydration and elasticity, with effects peaking around 1 month post-treatment and fading by 3–6 months. They do not stimulate collagen significantly or remodel dermal structure, though they may improve skin "glow" and superficial smoothness in dehydrated skin.
