What effects does microneedling have in skin of color (SOC)? In a presentation at the American Academy of Dermatology Virtual Meeting Experience 2021, Jaishree Sharad, DDV, MBBS, MD, provided pearls for safe and effective microneedling in skin of color (SOC).
Microneedling, or percutaneous collagen induction therapy, has several available techniques: dermaroller, dermapen, dermafrac, dermarollers with LED, insulated and noninsulated needles, gold-tipped needles, and radiofrequency (RF) microneedling. Generally, dermapens are preferred over dermarollers due to the more user control over a smaller area. Microneedling is indicated for the treatment of scars, hyperpigmentation and melasma, skin laxity, periorbital/perioral rhytides, and striae distensae.
Pretreatment protocol, including priming, is incredibly important in dark-skinned individuals, said Dr Sharad, to avoid postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Dr Sharad recommended giving patients topical primers such as hydroquinone, vitamin C, Kojic acid, and sometimes even glycolic acid and retinol for at least 2 to 3 weeks before the procedure. If a retinol or alpha hydroxy acid is provided, dermatologists should instruct the SOC individual to stop treatment 5 days before the procedure. In addition, sunscreen use should be strictly followed, and dermatologists should set realistic expectations with their patients to make sure the treatment outcome is successful.
Dr Sharad shared a number of other pearls when it comes to microneedling in SOC:
- Advise patients to avoid microdermabrasion, depilatory creams, waxing, bleaching, and hair removal for 1 week before and 1 week after the microneedling procedure.
- Just like with other dermatologic treatments, photoprotective measures are critical to outcomes.
- Patients should be counseled to avoid using loofahs, saunas, swimming, and exfoliators for at least a week to allow the skin to heal.
—Lauren Mateja
Reference
Sharad J. Microneedling in skin of color. Presented at: American Academy of Dermatology Virtual Meeting Experience 2021; April 23-25, 2021; virtual.
