When it comes to hyperpigmentation treatments, microneedling isn’t the first thing we think to try.
In fact, we’ll likely try a bunch of creams, chemical peels, and even laser treatments before we ever consider any cosmetic procedure that involves needles.
However, this is a mistake on our end!
The process of allowing your face to be poked with small, sterilized needles only sounds like a bad idea. In actuality, it’s one of the best paths to fading dark spots and acne scars.
For darker complexions in particular, radiofrequency microneedling gets the job done safely and effectively.
Still not sure what it is or why you need it? No worries—let’s take a deep dive into how it works, the benefits, and if you should consider trying it for yourself.
What is Radiofrequency Microneedling?
Radiofrequency microneedling, or RFM, is a cosmetic procedure that uses tiny needles and radiofrequency waves to stimulate the growth of healthy, new skin.
If this process sounds like it can hurt you, that’s because it does so on purpose—well, kinda.
The whole point of RFM is to create small injuries in your skin via medical-grade needle pricks so that it can trigger your skin’s natural healing response, which reveals a new layer of better skin underneath your current layer of skin.
While it sounds scary and invasive, it’s actually not.
The entire procedure takes anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes and there’s little discomfort involved in the whole thing. Plus, there is virtually no downtime required for recovery.
In fact, you can get back to your regular skincare routine in just 1-2 days.
What are the benefits of this procedure?
RF Microneedling is best known as a powerful anti-aging and hyperpigmentation procedure.
That means those of you with sagging skin, wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and other tough-to-manage skin issues are in for an incredibly sweet surprise with this treatment.
Not to mention that it’s one of the few procedures that improves skin texture without the use of a peel or injection.
That’s right—RFM promises visibly reduce enlarged pores, smoother skin, and improved acne scarring in just a week after the procedure.
And for darker complexions especially, RF microneedling will maximize collagen production and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation without compromising the rest of the melanin on your face and neck.
Is this right for me?
When figuring out what beauty procedure is right for you, you must always consider cost, how long the treatment will take, and if the benefits can be achieved elsewhere.
For RFM, the procedure itself takes only 15-30 minutes but you may have to come back for an additional 4 sessions every 6 weeks until you get your desired outcome.
And since each RF microneedling session can cost $250 and go up to $2,100, this can be an expensive procedure in the long run.
Aside from price, you must also consider personal pain tolerance.
While most people say that it’s uncomfortable and not necessarily painful, we are talking about a bunch of tiny, warm needles poking into your face all at once.
If that’s something you absolutely cannot stomach, I’d avoid this treatment altogether.
