If you’re dealing with acne scars or wrinkles, you’ve probably heard of both microneedling and laser treatments. They’re two of the most popular non-surgical options for improving skin texture, tone, and firmness—but they work in very different ways. So which one is right for you?
Let’s break it down by concerns, treatment types, and what to expect so you can make an informed decision with help from the experts at Be You Medical.
Why Acne Scars and Wrinkles Are So Common—and So Different
Acne scars and wrinkles can both impact your confidence, but they have different causes and show up in different ways.
Acne scars are typically the result of inflammation that damages the skin’s collagen structure. This can create pitted, raised, or uneven areas, especially if the original acne was cystic or long-lasting.
Wrinkles, on the other hand, are mostly due to collagen breakdown, sun damage, and repeated facial movements over time. Fine lines around the eyes and deeper creases near the mouth or forehead are common.
Choosing the best treatment depends on factors like skin type, pigmentation, scar depth, and how much downtime you’re willing to tolerate.
What Is Microneedling—and How Can It Help?
Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin using tiny, medical-grade needles. These microchannels trigger the body’s healing response, leading to increased collagen and elastin production. Over time, the skin becomes firmer, smoother, and more even.
At Be You Medical, we offer Vivace RF Microneedling, which combines traditional microneedling with radiofrequency energy for a deeper, more effective treatment. This added heat stimulates collagen at a deeper level and offers mild skin tightening as well.
Microneedling is especially effective for:
- Rolling or shallow acne scars
- Early fine lines and wrinkles
- Patients with darker skin tones, where lasers may carry more risk
Learn more about our approach to Microneedling and how we customize it to your skin needs.
What Do Laser Treatments Do for Acne and Wrinkles?
Lasers use targeted light energy to stimulate collagen production, break up pigmentation, and resurface the skin. Depending on the type of laser used, the results can range from subtle smoothing to dramatic resurfacing.
Be You Medical offers a variety of advanced options for Skin Laser Treatments in Rocklin and Alamo, CA, including:
- Non-ablative lasers, such as Frax Pro Laser or Clear + Brilliant, which heat the skin’s deeper layers without removing the surface. These offer gentle collagen stimulation with little to no downtime.
- Ablative lasers, such as the CO2 Laser, remove damaged surface skin while stimulating renewal underneath. These are ideal for deep wrinkles and severe scarring, though they involve a longer recovery.
These laser treatments are highly effective for reducing textural acne scars, fine lines, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation.
Microneedling vs. Laser: What’s Better for Acne Scars?
One of the most common questions we hear is: Which treatment is better for acne scars, microneedling or laser?
The answer depends on the severity and type of scarring:
- Mild to moderate acne scars: Vivace RF Microneedling is often a great starting point. It encourages gradual improvement over a series of sessions and is safe for all skin tones.
- Severe or pitted scars: Fractional lasers like Frax 1550 or CO₂ provide more aggressive resurfacing and visible results with fewer sessions.
- For patients of color: Microneedling carries less risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and is generally a safer first option.
Combination therapy—where both microneedling and laser are used in a strategic plan—can offer the best of both worlds. At Be You Medical, we often tailor plans based on a full skin assessment.
Microneedling vs. Laser: What’s Better for Wrinkles?
What is better for wrinkles, microneedling or laser?
Both can help, but again, it depends on your skin’s condition:
- Early fine lines or prevention: Clear + Brilliant or RF Microneedling offer a gentle refresh and are great for younger skin or those starting early.
- Deep wrinkles or sagging: The CO2 Laser or Frax 1940 provides more dramatic resurfacing and tightening in fewer sessions.
- Minimal downtime preference: RF Microneedling gives collagen boost and lifting with only mild redness for 1–2 days.
We’ll walk you through all the options during your consultation to help you choose the best fit.
What to Expect from Each Treatment
When deciding between microneedling and laser, it’s also helpful to know what the experience is like after each:
- Microneedling: Most patients experience redness and light swelling for 24–48 hours. You can usually wear makeup the next day. A series of 3–6 sessions gives the best results.
- Laser: Depending on the type, you may have peeling, redness, and swelling for 3 to 7 days or more. Deeper lasers may require downtime at home, but often show more dramatic improvement after just 1–2 sessions.
Both options provide gradual improvement over time as new collagen develops.
Why Be You Medical Patients See Real Results
At Be You Medical, we’re not tied to one device or treatment. We offer a full spectrum of microneedling and laser options and match you with the one that best fits your needs.
Our patients trust us because:
- Our providers are medically trained, experienced, and always focused on safety
- We offer customized treatment plans, never one-size-fits-all
- We are experts in treating all skin tones safely and effectively
Dr. Selene Castrejon and our team will walk you through every option and guide you toward the one that delivers real, lasting results.
Conclusion: Smooth, Youthful Skin Starts with the Right Treatment Plan
Both microneedling and laser treatments can help reduce acne scars and wrinkles. What matters most is finding the right approach for your skin type, goals, and lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking for subtle refinement or dramatic change, Be You Medical is here to help you make the most informed and confident choice. Book a consultation today and let us help you take the next step toward smoother, healthier-looking skin. Learn more about our medical spas in Sacramento, Rocklin, Alamo, and Grass Valley.
Sources
Meghe, Soham et al. “Efficacy of Microneedling and CO2 Laser for Acne Scar Remodelling: A Comprehensive Review.” Cureus vol. 16,2 e55092. 27 Feb. 2024, https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.55092
Cleveland Clinic. Acne Scars. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21222-acne-scars
Mayo Clinic. Wrinkles – Symptoms and Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wrinkles/symptoms-causes/syc-20354927#:~:text=Repeated%20facial%20expressions.,become%20features%20of%20the%20face.
Healthline. Microneedling Aftercare: Tips and Healing Stages. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/microneedling-aftercare
Cleveland Clinic. Laser Skin Resurfacing.. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11015-laser-skin-resurfacing
