Microneedling for Fine Lines + Wrinkles: What Science Really Says
- stelladestefanis
- Aug 1
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Backed by Research, Offered in Santa Monica at Acupunctury
At Acupunctury in Santa Monica, we specialize in Holistic Microneedling—a treatment that blends the time-tested wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with advanced skin rejuvenation techniques.
If you're exploring options for smoother skin, reduced fine lines, and a more youthful appearance, you might be wondering:
Does microneedling actually work for wrinkles? The answer is a confident yes—and the science backs it up.

What Is Holistic Microneedling?
Holistic Microneedling at Acupunctury is more than a cosmetic procedure. While the treatment stimulates collagen and elastin through precise micro-injuries, we simultaneously support your internal health with body acupuncture. This integrative approach enhances skin healing, reduces inflammation, and helps restore harmony from the inside out.
What the Clinical Studies Say About Microneedling & Wrinkles
We’ve compiled the most reputable clinical trials and peer-reviewed studies that prove how and why microneedling works for wrinkles and skin rejuvenation.
1. Aesthetic Surgery Journal (2021)
Microneedling improves dermal architecture and elasticity
🔗 PubMed Link below:
35 women, aged 44–65, underwent four microneedling sessions.
Results:
19% increase in epidermal density
28% boost in skin elasticity
Gene expression showed increased collagen III and elastin production
Biopsies revealed improved muscle tone in facial tissues
Conclusion: Microneedling doesn’t just resurface—it rejuvenates the skin on a cellular level.
2. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2022)
Four microneedling sessions significantly reduce facial wrinkles
🔗 PubMed Link below:
35 participants completed four monthly SkinPen® sessions.
Results:
94% reported improvement in fine lines and wrinkles
88% were satisfied with results
Minimal downtime and high tolerability
Conclusion: Clinician and patient assessments confirmed visible wrinkle reduction with consistent treatment.
3. Microneedling + Growth Factors (2022)
Boosted effects when paired with human recombinant growth factors
🔗 PubMed Link below:
Trial compared microneedling alone vs. microneedling + PolyGF serum.
Results:
Greater improvements in texture, hydration, and firmness with PolyGF
Microneedling alone also showed significant improvement
Conclusion: The procedure’s effects can be amplified when paired with regenerative topicals. At Acupunctury, we tailor post-treatment topicals based on your skin’s constitution.
4. Microneedling with Fractional RF (2022)
Increased collagen and elastin, even after one session
🔗 PubMed Link below:
Study of 15 patients using radio frequency-assisted microneedling.
Results:
Histological evidence of collagen + elastin increase
86.7% patient satisfaction
Minimal discomfort
Conclusion: Combining microneedling with RF yields powerful tissue remodeling.
5. Periorbital Wrinkle Study (2024)
Crow’s feet and under-eye lines significantly improved with MNRF
🔗 PMC Link below:
Two treatments were given to 18 participants with periorbital wrinkles.
Results:
Visible improvement documented through 3D imaging
High satisfaction scores
No serious side effects
Conclusion: Even delicate under-eye skin responds positively to microneedling.
6. Safety and Effectiveness of an Automated Microneedling Device in Improving the Signs of Aging Skin (2018)
🔗 JCAD Link below:
Design & Participants: Open-label, single-center study with 48 subjects aged 35–75 years, undergoing four microneedling sessions spaced 30 days apart. Assessments occurred at baseline, Day 90, and Day 150.
Measurements:
Wrinkles (Lemperle Grading Scale)
Skin laxity & texture (modified Alexiades‑Armenakas Grading Scale)
Skin topography (PRIMOS digital fringe projection)
Results (Day 150 vs. Baseline):
Global wrinkle score improved by 1.23 (99% CI: 1.11–1.34)
Skin laxity improved by 1.09 (99% CI: 0.93–1.26)
Skin texture improved by 1.54 (99% CI: 1.33–1.75)
All improvements were statistically significant and also observed at Day 90.
Safety & Tolerance: Minimal pain/discomfort, short downtime. Side effects were minor and easily managed, especially compared to more invasive approaches like lasers or radiation.
Conclusion: Four monthly microneedling sessions effectively improve facial lines, laxity, and texture, with excellent tolerability and minimal adverse effects.
7. Microneedling Therapy for Atrophic Acne Scars: An Objective Evaluation (2015)
🔗 PubMed Link below:
Design & Participants: Prospective clinical study involving 10 patients with atrophic acne scars undergoing six microneedling sessions over three months. Biopsies taken at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months.
Measurements: Epidermal thickness, total elastin, newly synthesized tropoelastin, collagen types I, III, VII, and newly synthesized collagen—all assessed histologically.
Results:
Significant increases (p < 0.05) in collagen types I, III, and VII
Marked increase in newly synthesized collagen
Total elastin decreased significantly (p < 0.05)
These histological changes correlated with noticeable clinical improvement in acne scarring.
Conclusion: Microneedling is effective for atrophic acne scars, promoting collagen deposition and dermal remodeling with minimal recovery time.
What This Means for You
These studies confirm what we've seen firsthand at Acupunctury in Santa Monica: Microneedling, especially when done holistically, is a proven way to reduce fine lines and rejuvenate the skin. By stimulating your body's natural wound healing, we support:
New collagen + elastin production
Improved skin texture and firmness
Fewer visible wrinkles
Brighter, smoother, healthier skin
Why Choose Acupunctury for Holistic Microneedling?
Our Holistic Microneedling treatment includes:
Complimentary consultation and screening.
Custom-tailored skin analysis and in-depth conversation of your goals.
Body acupuncture to support internal imbalances, such as liver, blood, and qi circulation.
Non-toxic topicals to soothe and nourish.
Personalized home care advice rooted in Chinese Medicine, as well as an after-care serum to take home with you to help with healing.
Whether you're concerned about crow’s feet, smile lines, or general skin laxity, we support your glow from the inside out.
Serving Santa Monica + Westside Los Angeles
Located in the heart of Santa Monica, Acupunctury offers a calm, healing space to receive science-backed, skin-loving care.
Book Your Series for Lasting Results
Every treatment and treatment series is tailored to your unique self. This includes an individual's health history and skin goals. Clinical studies show microneedling is most effective in a series of 4 to 8 consistent sessions, followed by seasonal maintenance. Let us customize your plan to meet your skin goals.
Start your microneedling series today with Acupunctury in Santa Monica!
Our Licensed Acupuncturist, Stella de Stefanis, holds Advanced Certification in Facial Rejuvenation and Cosmetic Acupuncture with training under Michelle Gellis, and she is also certified in AcuLift's Micropen System.
If you have any questions, a complimentary consultation is always welcomed.
Contact to book:
📞 Call/Text: (424) 252-1210
📧 Email: hello@acupuncturyla.com
🌐 Website: www.acupuncturyla.com
📱 Instagram: @acupunctury
📍 Address: 1150 Yale St, Suite 10, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Commenti