The Glow-Off: Laser Resurfacing vs. Microneedling for Radiant Skin
Feeling like your skin is a little lifeless or lackluster? No worries! You need some much-needed skin rejuvenated. But which treatment should you choose? When it comes to achieving radiant, clear, and healthy skin, microneedling and laser skin resurfacing are two of the most popular treatments. Each delivers impressive results, but they both rely on entirely different methods for targeting common skin concerns like lines, wrinkles, sun damage, etc. Understanding how both techniques work will help make this decision a little easier for you.
So, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about microneedling and laser resurfacing to discover which powerful rejuvenation service is best suited for your unique skin and needs.
How Does Microneedling Work for Rejuvenating the Skin?
Traditionally, microneedling is known as a mechanical treatment that uses fine needles to create thousands of tiny micro-injuries in the skin. Each controlled micro-injury or microchannel activates the body’s natural healing responses, boosting collagen production and encouraging skin renewal. While it doesn’t necessarily zero in on specific concerns like a laser can, microneedling promotes cellular renewal and improves a range of issues like uneven skin texture or tone, fine lines, acne scars, etc.
What Does Microneedling Treat?
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Uneven skin texture
- Large pores
- Stretch marks
- Mild skin laxity (loose skin)
- Hyperpigmentation and discoloration
- Dull or lackluster skin
Who is a Good Candidate for Microneedling?
Microneedling is a great option for anyone looking to improve their skin’s texture, tone, and overall appearance. You might be a good candidate if you:
- Want smoother, more even skin.
- Have acne scars or other minor scars.
- Want to reduce fine lines or wrinkles.
- Struggle with large pores or mild pigmentation.
- Are looking for a quick, low-downtime treatment.
It’s not recommended if you:
- Have active acne, wounds, or infections in the area.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Pros and Cons of Microneedling
Pros:
- Minimal downtime (1–2 days of mild redness, similar to a light sunburn).
- Fewer potential side effects.
- Safe for all skin types.
- Gradual improvement in skin texture and tone.
Cons:
- Results are subtle and may require multiple sessions.
- Not ideal for targeting specific concerns like pigmentation or deep wrinkles.
Microneedling at Santé Medical Aesthetics
Santé Medical Aesthetics is proud to offer one of the best microneedling services on the market. We use the patented SkinPen microneedling device to rejuvenate the skin of your face, neck, and decolletage. The innovative SkinPen is the first FDA-cleared microneedling device, making it the most trusted handheld machine by top dermatologists, aestheticians, and skincare experts.
Sessions with the SkinPen are usually only 30 minutes. It targets facial acne scars and neck wrinkles in just three simple steps, leaving your skin smoother, more radiant, and visibly younger-looking—all in as little as half an hour. Unlike treatments that rely on heat or chemicals, SkinPen delivers natural, safe results for all skin tones and types. In fact, 90% of patients in a clinical study said they would recommend it.
See our impressive microneedling before and afters below:
*As always individual results will vary.
How Does Laser Resurfacing Work When Rejuvenating the Skin?
In stark contrast to microneedling, laser treatments use powerful laser energy, harnessing the power of light energy to precisely address specific skin concerns, such as broken capillaries, pigmentation, and sun damage, while sparing the surrounding tissue. By delivering controlled heat, lasers provide a highly targeted and focused approach, making them an excellent choice for treating distinct problem areas.
What Does Laser Resurfacing Treat?
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Sun damage and age spots
- Uneven skin tone and texture
- Acne scars and other scars
- Pigmentation issues like melasma
- Enlarged pores
- Broken capillaries
- Loose or sagging skin (mild tightening)
Who is a Good Candidate of Laser Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing is ideal for those who want to target specific skin concerns or achieve noticeable rejuvenation. You might be a good candidate if you:
- Have fine lines, wrinkles, or sun damage.
- Want to reduce pigmentation, age spots, or uneven skin tone.
- Struggle with acne scars or other scars.
- Have enlarged pores or mild skin laxity.
- Are looking for more dramatic and targeted results.
It’s not recommended if you:
- Have very dark skin (depending on the laser type, as it may cause pigmentation changes).
- Have active acne, infections, or open wounds.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Use certain medications or have medical conditions affecting healing.
Pros and Cons of Laser Resurfacing
Pros:
- Faster, more dramatic, and longer-lasting results compared to microneedling.
- Highly effective for specific concerns like sunspots, pigmentation, and vascular lesions.
Cons:
- Longer downtime due to swelling and redness.
- Potential side effects such as temporary darkening or bruising.
- Not suitable for all skin types and may flare certain medical conditions.
Laser Skin Resurfacing at Santé Medical Aesthetics
At Santé Medical Aesthetics, we love our lasers! So much so that we have multiple lasers to choose from when it comes to treating your skin concerns and helping you achieve the most radiant, renewed, and healthy skin possible.
Our laser options include:
- BBL Hero Laser
- MOXI Laser
Skin Resurfacing with the BBL Hero Laser
The BBL HERO device offers an exceptional solution for laser skin rejuvenation. It harnesses advanced BroadBand Light (BBL) technology to address a wide range of common skin concerns, including sun damage and fine lines. Designed to be faster, more comfortable, and more effective than traditional BBL treatments, this innovative approach delivers clearer, smoother, and more radiant skin. With minimal downtime and no need for invasive procedures, BBL HERO simplifies achieving your skincare goals.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Using the MOXI Laser
The MOXI Laser by Sciton is a breakthrough in non-ablative skin resurfacing, offering a gentle yet effective way to rejuvenate your skin. Using fractionated laser energy, MOXI stimulates new cell growth and minimizes unwanted pigmentation, improving skin tone and texture. Unlike more aggressive treatments, MOXI delivers results without extensive downtime or recovery.
Suitable for all skin types and perfect for year-round use, MOXI is an excellent choice for younger individuals beginning their skincare journey or anyone seeking a refresh. Its gentle approach makes it ideal for regular maintenance, helping you achieve and maintain radiant, flawless skin with minimal effort.
See our impressive laser treatment before and afters below:
*As always, individual experiences will vary.
Answering Your Biggest Laser Resurfacing vs Microneedling Questions
Should You Try One Before the Other?
Now that you know more about each treatment and what we have to offer, let’s answer some of the biggest questions surrounding the treatments. First, should you commit to one before the other? Is there a rule in aesthetics that says you should try microneedling first versus lasers? Or vice versa? The truth is that it depends on what you want!
If you’re seeking a low-risk, minimally invasive way to boost your skin’s overall health and appearance, microneedling is a fantastic option. It’s quick, effective, and suitable for nearly everyone.
For more targeted concerns like sun damage, pigmentation, or deeper scars, laser resurfacing might be the better choice, offering faster and more dramatic results.
Can Microneedling and Laser Resurfacing Be Used Together?
Absolutely! Combining microneedling and laser treatments can provide a well-rounded approach to skin rejuvenation. For instance, a laser like the Sciton Laser can target specific concerns, while microneedling promotes overall skin renewal. These treatments can also be alternated monthly to align with your skin goals and needs, maximizing their benefits.
Laser Resurfacing vs Microneedling: Make Your Decision Today
Have you made up your mind? Or maybe you’re still struggling to decide which skin rejuvenation treatment is the best for you. Either way, we’ve got you covered! Contact Santé Medical Aesthetics today to schedule a consultation for a skin evaluation to determine which treatment is the best for you.
Santé is proud to be the leading provider of SkinPen Microneedling and a variety of laser treatments in Naperville, IL, and the surrounding suburbs of Chicago. Call us today at (630) 586-6244 to schedule your consultation and begin your journey towards renewed, refreshed skin you will love showing off.
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*Results may vary. We are reputable for complete customer satisfaction for completed treatments. Before and after images reflect real results from real patients, although individual results may vary. No treatment is promised to provide permanent results. A guarantee is neither provided nor implied. Statements estimating treatment duration and the number of treatments required are based on the typical experience or our patients, however individual experiences may vary.