What needle depth should be used for acne scars?

The right needle depth is crucial when treating acne scars with microneedling. To improve the structure of scars, you need to stimulate collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin. The choice of depth depends on the type of scar, skin tolerance, and how experienced you are with the treatment.

Quick Summary

Shallower acne scars are often treated with 0.75–1.0 mm, while deeper rolling or boxcar scars may require 1.5 mm. 0.25–0.5 mm is usually not sufficient to significantly affect the structure of scars.

Needle Depth for Different Types of Acne Scars

0.25 mm

• Does not affect the structure of scars
• Mainly used for product absorption
• Not effective for treating acne scars

0.5 mm

• Can improve the overall texture of the skin
• Suitable for milder unevenness
• Limited effect on deeper scars

0.75–1.0 mm

• Common level for shallower acne scars
• Stimulates collagen in the dermis
• Recovery often 2–5 days

1.5 mm

• Often used for rolling scars and boxcar scars
• Deeper collagen stimulation
• Recovery approximately 3–7 days

2.0 mm

• More advanced level
• Used for deeper scars
• Requires experience and longer intervals

Why is Deeper Needle Depth Needed for Acne Scars?

Acne scars occur when the skin's structure is damaged during inflammation. To improve appearance, you need to stimulate collagen production in the dermis – the deeper skin layer. Therefore, greater needle depth is often required compared to treatments for, for example, glow or fine lines.

Want to understand the basics first? Read our guide on what microneedling is and how it works.

How Long Does It Take to See Improvement?

Acne scars improve gradually because collagen rebuilding is a slow biological process. For many, 3–6 treatments with the correct interval are required to see a noticeable change.

Read more about the time aspect here: When do you see the effect of microneedling?

Important to Avoid

• Treating active, inflamed acne
• Choosing too deep a needle depth immediately
• Too frequent treatments
• Lack of hygiene

If you have active acne or irritation, you should first read: When should you not do microneedling?

Summary

Shallower acne scars are often treated with 0.75–1.0 mm, while deeper scars may require 1.5 mm or more. The right depth depends on the type of scar, skin tolerance, and experience. For best results, the correct interval, good hygiene, and patience are required.

Want to understand how different needle depths generally affect the skin? Read our complete guide on microneedling needle depth.