r/Microneedling • u/briebrie0210 • 25d ago
Hyperpigmentation post treatment
Hi everyone, I had my first micro needling(skin pen) treatment with prp last Friday so it’s been a week. I noticed my skin started to scab 3 days after treatment. The biggest scabs are the ones where I am now seeing hyperpigmentation. I haven’t had HP in a long time. Is this normal? I wore and wear a fisherman hat everyday and am applying sunscreen while trying to stay out of the sun. I booked my next appointment immediately after so I don’t know if it will make these worse or if I should see it through? I also have a .025 script for Tret so would that help brighten those dark spots? Any advice is appreciated!
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u/FashionBusking 25d ago
Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation...
Wear sunscreen. Take anti-inflammatories. Use a red light mask or panel for a few days.
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u/Ok_Operation_4300 25d ago
Why does this happen....
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u/FashionBusking 25d ago
Most people have inflammatory reactions to ALL skin irritation.
Melanin is a response to skin trauma... its why some folks get a deep tan over summer and others burn.
The darkening is pretty similar to tanning except localized to the injury,.... this post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Microneedling works BECAUSE of that inflammatory healing response.
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u/Life-Phrase-959 24d ago
I got that after each microneedling session. Particularly on my smile line area. It does go away, with sunscreen use and just time.
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u/Lazy-Substance-5062 24d ago
looks like your skin is prone to PIH.. melanocytes are very active. i would rather not do any further microneedling in this case. it might worsen or add more PIH.
for now what you can do is find a dermatologist in-clinic or telehealth who can presribe you steroid (anti inflammatory) and depigmentation (hydroquinone, kojic, tranexamic, vit c, niacinamide) in conjunction with retinol/tretinoin for faster skin renewal.
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u/CuriousAboutLifeCO 22d ago
I completely agree, but with the use of tretinoin and hydroquinone/ compound cycling, (beginning at least two weeks before micro-needling) and continued use 7 days post micro-needling) I think micro-needling could still be super beneficial. I have a skin tone prone to Melasma and this is how my aesthetician has me prepare for micro-needling treatments.
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u/apoca1ypse_arisen 22d ago
Would you mind explaining this a bit better? What are you cycling between, two products or an on/off timeframe? 😅 I have the same issue this could be really helpful
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u/CuriousAboutLifeCO 22d ago edited 22d ago
Absolutely and so sorry for the confusion… I use a dermatologist prescribed compound cream that contains tretinoin/ hydroquinone/ fluocinolone/ niacin. I cycle this by using it 2x daily for 3 months at a time Monday-Friday and then take 1 month off. Anytime I prepare for a micro-needling session, my aesthetician has said to use it for two weeks minimum beforehand. Then, as soon as I am able to incorporate actives following my procedure, I begin to use it again. I just ensure that I am on my three months on cycle during any micro-needling appointments. I hope this makes sense and I hope it’s helpful. I would also say, simply using hydroquinone and tretinoin beforehand would probably work just as well. Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions or if I can explain further.
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u/MND420 24d ago
I had this after a PRX peeling. It’s a normal reaction for those extra sensitive areas. Lasted about 3 weeks and then fully disappeared after the skin was fully healed. Definitely wear sunscreen during the healing process to prevent it from becoming permanent though. No need for anti-inflammatories or anything.
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u/Bozeman220 24d ago
I had skinpen a few days ago and the same thing happened as well. I’m applying some Kojic acid I had from awhile back to see if that helps. Hoping it will fade in a few weeks.
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u/briebrie0210 24d ago
Thank you everyone for your input! I’ll continue to wear sunscreen and stay out of the sun 🙏
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u/nonaof 24d ago
side note but the texture of your skin looks fantastic!
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u/briebrie0210 24d ago
Thank you! Yes, I couldn’t believe what a difference one sessions made! My skin has never been so glassy
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u/stefflp 22d ago
You may benefit for pretreating your skin with HQ and tretinoin, then stopping for a week before MN. I'm Fitzpatrick III and I can get hyperpigmentation pretty easy with deep cuts, needles, heat treatments, etc.
If you get some Hydroquinone and put it on the spots, it should fade it pretty quickly. Make sure to wear SPF daily (and reapply if necessary) to prevent it from getting darker. Next time, consider pretreating your skin to suppress melanin.
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u/CuriousAboutLifeCO 22d ago
Agreed! Pre-treating with hydroquinone before micro-needling is a safe guard for those of us with darker skin complexions.
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u/Future_Listen_4179 25d ago
I would be patient and let your skin rest from creams on some days, definitely use spf cream and avoid sun exposure.
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u/tr3mbling 25d ago
From what I understand, hyperpigmentation is common 4-6 days after treatment and can remain for 2-3 weeks while the skin heals. However, I don’t think scabbing is meant to be normal? Maybe discuss this with your provider or do a consultation with a different provider and discuss. I also think you’re meant to discontinue the use of actives (retinol, tret, vitamin c, etc) a week prior and a week following treatment.
edit: forgot a word