Needling For Blackheads, Pimples, And Acne: Is It Necessary?

Does the continuous recurrence of acne relate to needling? Is needling an effective way to treat acne and blackheads? What are the risks and what should you be aware of? Today, let's dive into this topic!

1

The Principle and Function of Needling

Have you ever tried needling? Most people find it hard to resist the allure of needling, especially when they witness the moment when blackheads are squeezed out. The sense of satisfaction and relief is almost indescribable. However, the strange thing is, even after removing all the blackheads, acne still keeps recurring, which can be quite frustrating. So, does the continuous recurrence of acne have anything to do with needling? Is needling an effective method to get rid of acne and blackheads? What are the risks of needling, and what should you be cautious about? Today, let’s talk about needling!

The principle behind needling is simple. The process involves using specialized tools (commonly known as blackhead needles or acne needles) to squeeze or scrape out the oil, dirt, pus, and other substances clogged in the pores, thereby reducing the inflammation and accelerating the healing of acne. In other words, needling can be seen as an "evolved version" of manually squeezing acne. While it uses specialized tools, the principle is quite similar—aiming to "clear the channel" by unclogging the pores.

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Do You Need Needling If You Have Blackheads?

Many beauty salons offer needling services, which attract countless women who regularly visit these salons for needling. However, although needling can have immediate effects, not all types of blackheads, pimples, and acne are suitable for needling. Whether you plan to needle at home or go to a salon, it’s crucial to understand the situations where needling is appropriate. Otherwise, you might end up with unrealistically high expectations and face disappointing results, or worse, cause side effects!

Suitable Situations for Needling:

1. General Blackheads

Actually, there are only a few cases where needling is suitable, and it mainly applies to general blackheads, also known as open comedones. These blackheads have larger openings and typically appear as small or large black dots. The blockage is made of sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria clogging the pore’s opening. When exposed to air, oxidation causes them to turn black, forming blackheads.

2. Mature Pimples

Needling is suitable for mature pimples. To determine if a pimple is "ripe," check for a noticeable white pus head. If the pus has appeared for several days, it’s time to perform needling to expel the pus and other materials.

Unsuitable Situations for Needling:

1. Whitehead Pimples

Small whitehead pimples don’t need needling. Whiteheads, also known as closed comedones, are pimples that haven’t "popped out" yet. They typically form slightly raised bumps on the skin, especially around the forehead, chin, and lips. They are harder and more difficult to squeeze, and improperly handling them can injure the skin around the pores. It’s generally advised to let them fade naturally over time or use topical treatments to speed up their resolution.

2. Cystic Acne/Polymer Acne

Cystic acne, also known as polymorphic acne, cannot be treated with needling! This type of acne is painful and swollen but lacks a pus head, making it feel like a "stone." Don’t think that simply using a blackhead or acne needle will help. Forceful needling could rupture the skin's surface, and even if you remove some material inside, scarring and uneven pits might form as the acne heals.

3. Inflammatory Acne

Inflammatory acne, such as papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts, should not undergo needling! This is because when acne is inflamed, squeezing or pricking it with needles can worsen the inflammation and spread the bacteria to other pores, potentially leading to more severe acne outbreaks or the formation of scars. It’s best to seek advice from a professional or dermatologist to ensure proper treatment.

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What Are the Risks of Needling?

While needling produces visible effects, the process can be quite painful, yet many people are still drawn to it. However, the technique is highly specialized, and the situations suitable for needling are limited. If the technique is improper, the pressure too strong, or the needle tools aren’t disinfected properly, the results could be disastrous. What risks should you be aware of? Let’s take a closer look!

1. Damage to the Skin’s Barrier and Increased Sensitivity 

The skin’s surface has a protective barrier, composed of the stratum corneum and sebum membrane. Its role is to resist external stimuli and prevent moisture loss, maintaining skin stability. However, because needling is a purely physical process, the pressure involved can disrupt the skin’s structure, damaging the stratum corneum and potentially even affecting the dermis. Once the skin barrier is compromised, the skin becomes hypersensitive and more prone to redness, irritation, dryness, and stinging. Repairing the damaged barrier can take a long time and require careful attention.

2. Continuous Acne Recurrence and Cystic Acne Formation 

Needling might seem like it’s cleaning the pores, and removing pus and dirt may appear to stop acne in its tracks. However, simply popping a pimple doesn’t eliminate the bacteria inside. The bacteria can remain, and external bacteria can easily enter through the opening, causing further breakouts. If the technique or pressure is incorrect, damage to the follicle could impair its normal function, leading to excess oil production, worsening the acne, or causing it to develop into cystic acne, which is harder to treat.

3. Bacterial Infections

Before needling, it’s crucial to disinfect all tools and equipment thoroughly, including needles, acne needles, towels, and your hands, because bacterial infection can range from minor to serious! There have been reports of women in Taiwan suffering from bacterial infections after blackhead extraction at beauty salons, resulting in nasal cartilage erosion and severe deformities, requiring surgery to rebuild the nose shape. The facial area, especially the triangular zone, has a rich blood supply, and the blood vessels are connected to the nasal cavity, skull, and brain. Infections in the facial area can spread to the brain, leading to dangerous conditions like meningitis, which could be life-threatening. Though rare, the consequences are severe and should not be underestimated.

4. Enlarged and Coarse Pores

Under normal conditions, needling should not cause pores to enlarge. However, dermatologists note that if needling is performed too frequently, without allowing the pores enough time to heal, it can cause pores to become larger. Additionally, if the pressure applied during needling is too strong, the constant stretching of the pores could lead to permanent pore enlargement, making it harder to restore them later.

5. Acne Marks and Scars 

Whether you’re needling at home or at a beauty salon, many people squeeze acne without distinguishing the type. When a pimple is squeezed, it may expel pus upwards, but the pressure could also push pus deeper into the skin, causing bacteria to reach the dermis and leading to more severe infections. Furthermore, improper handling can destroy the dermal structure. Once the dermis is infected or damaged, the collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin can also be affected, leaving behind acne marks or scars, even after the acne heals. While not everyone will develop scars, once they appear, they are difficult to treat and can even become permanent. Therefore, people with sensitive skin or those prone to scarring should avoid needling to prevent further skin damage.

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Precautions for Needling

If you absolutely have to undergo needling, it’s essential to follow the proper steps and precautions.

Step 1: Cleanse your face thoroughly before needling. It’s best to steam your face or apply a warm towel for 2 to 3 minutes to open up the pores and soften the blackheads. Be careful not to use water that’s too hot, as it may burn the skin.

Step 2: To prevent bacterial infections, strictly disinfect everything, including your hands and tools. The needles should be sterilized by heating them in boiling water at 100°C for about 5 minutes, followed by wiping with alcohol for secondary disinfection.

Step 3: Use a clean tissue to dry the area. Hold the blackhead needle at a 45-degree angle, gently puncture the pore’s surface, then use the other end of the needle to gently squeeze out the blackhead. Alternatively, wrap your fingers in a tissue, place them on the affected area, and gently squeeze until the pus is expelled. If light pressure doesn’t work, do not force it, as it may damage the skin.

Step 4: After extracting the pus, immediately stop applying pressure, and use sterile gauze or a cotton swab to absorb any remaining fluid, preventing contamination of surrounding skin. Finally, apply an acne treatment or serum with disinfecting and antibacterial ingredients to the area.

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How to Care for Skin After a Needle Cleanse?

After a needle cleanse, redness is common, and it will gradually fade over time. The skin will also be more sensitive, so it requires careful aftercare. It’s best to use skincare products with simple, gentle ingredients. For the first three days, you can apply medical masks with soothing, calming, and redness-reducing properties. Avoid masks with stimulating ingredients like whitening, exfoliating, or deep cleansing. Daily sun protection is crucial, and you should avoid direct sun exposure and intense exercise to prevent sweat from coming into contact with the wounds, which could lead to infection. A well-known tip is to drink plenty of warm water, which helps maintain skin hydration and promotes faster metabolism.

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Should You Use Needle Cleansing for Blackheads, Pimples, and Acne?

Needle cleansing has always been controversial. Some believe it is necessary as it can clear the inflammatory secretions from the hair follicles, disrupt the anaerobic environment of the sebaceous glands, and promote the healing of acne and pimples. Others believe it’s unnecessary due to the numerous potential risks and complications, as mentioned earlier.

From an acne treatment perspective, needle cleansing can indeed clear clogged pores, providing immediate psychological comfort. However, after several treatments, one may notice that acne doesn’t stop forming just because the pus head was removed. In fact, more often than not, acne tends to return, and the inflammation might even become more severe with repeated outbreaks in the same area.

Although needle cleansing tools are widely available, it is important not to assume that this is a simple procedure. In fact, most dermatologists do not recommend doing it at home. The procedure must follow strict sterilization protocols, and it’s difficult for the average person to detect potential risks from insufficient sterilization or lack full sterilization knowledge. Additionally, the most challenging aspect of needle cleansing is the technique. If the technique, angle, or pressure isn’t controlled correctly, it can damage the pores, stratum corneum, and dermis, leading to scarring or uneven skin texture. Moreover, needle cleansing is site-specific. Not all types of acne are suitable for needle cleansing. Misjudging the situation can result in infection or inflammation, worsening the acne, leading to bigger problems.

Thus, needle cleansing is a temporary fix and doesn’t address the root cause of acne. It can potentially cause long-term damage to the dermis layer. It is simply a symptomatic treatment and should only be considered an auxiliary or emergency measure. If absolutely necessary, don’t attempt it on your own; ensure the tools are clean, or leave it to a professional and experienced beauty clinic.

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Other Recommended Methods for Treating Blackheads, Pimples, and Acne

Since squeezing blackheads and pimples is not advisable and can be uncomfortable, are there other viable solutions?

1. Fruit Acid Skincare Products

Acid-based skincare products are a common treatment for acne. The so-called fruit acids (AHA) are natural acids extracted from various fruits and vegetables. Common acids include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, azelaic acid, and topical retinoic acid. These products are popular due to their wide range of effects, such as purifying pores, improving acne, promoting keratin metabolism, removing dead skin cells, enhancing skin hydration, and improving rough or dull skin.

Since acne primarily forms due to dead skin buildup, excessive sebum production, and clogged pores leading to inflammation, fruit acids are particularly effective for treating acne and promoting quicker healing. However, fruit acid products can be irritating to the skin, and you might feel a stinging sensation when applied. Therefore, they should be used gradually, starting with a lower concentration to build tolerance before increasing the concentration. People with sensitive skin or open wounds should be cautious when using fruit acids to avoid allergic reactions.

2. Blackhead Strips

Blackhead strips were once extremely popular for removing blackheads. The method is simple: apply the strip to your nose and, following the instructions, wait for it to dry. Then, peel it off, and you’ll see the blackheads and pimples stuck to the strip. The result is very satisfying, as it provides a sense of accomplishment. However, blackhead strips have fallen out of favor in recent years. 

The strong adhesive can cause the pores to stretch, making it easier for oil and dirt to accumulate, leading to a cycle of repeated blackheads. Additionally, many studies have shown that the substance removed by the strips is not necessarily real blackheads, but rather sebum and fine hair inside the pores.

3. Acne Ointment

Acne ointments are common treatments for acne, and many people keep a tube at home for emergencies. The ingredients in these ointments vary, but common ones include benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, fruit acids, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil. Applying acne ointment to the affected area can help speed up acne healing and reduce redness and swelling. While acne ointments are effective in killing acne-causing bacteria, their efficacy can be questionable, especially for deep, inflamed acne like cystic acne. 

Even if you apply plenty of acne ointment, it might not penetrate deeply enough due to the thick layer of keratin covering the acne. Moreover, some ointments contain ingredients that suppress oil production, which can cause the skin to become excessively dry, leading to peeling and itching. Over-drying can disrupt the skin’s oil-water balance and worsen acne, so it’s important to keep the skin moisturized and choose products with appropriate ingredients.

4. Oral Retinoids

Most people have heard of oral retinoids and may even be tempted to try them. However, oral retinoids are not suitable for everyone and should only be used by individuals with severe acne problems, such as pustular acne, cystic acne, or nodular acne, after being diagnosed by a doctor. Oral retinoids work by controlling sebum production, alleviating follicular inflammation, inhibiting acne bacteria growth, and normalizing keratinization, thereby improving skin metabolism. While oral retinoids can effectively clear acne and show remarkable results, they can also cause dryness and itching. Furthermore, oral retinoids are controversial due to unclear side effects and potential long-term complications, such as liver dysfunction, high cholesterol, and even mild vision issues, along with possible birth defects for pregnant women. Due to these risks, doctors typically reserve oral retinoids for severe cases of acne that have not responded to other treatments.

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More Effective than Needling! Truly Prevents Acne Recurrence: Perfect Medical Acne Treatment

Looking back, it’s clear that needling is not advisable. It carries significant potential risks, with long-term complications that may arise, and it only addresses the symptoms, not the root cause. Unless absolutely unavoidable, it's best to hold back. The key to effectively managing acne and improving skin health lies in tackling acne at its source.

If your acne keeps recurring, and you’ve tried countless acne creams and patches with no lasting results, it’s time to seek direct treatment! Although medical treatments (like oral retinoids and antibiotics) are effective, they often come with side effects. If you want to quickly get rid of blackheads and acne, try Perfect Medical's signature acne treatment!

Perfect Medical's Acne Treatment is the ultimate solution to stop acne in its tracks. The treatment uses an innovative vacuum microdermabrasion technology, employing probes of varying coarseness to target areas with excessive dead skin buildup, especially common acne-prone zones like the chin, forehead, nose, and cheeks. The painless vacuum buffing gently removes oil, dirt, and dead skin cells, like giving your pores a "spring cleaning." This helps clear the pores, balance oil production, and prevent future blockages, addressing the source and preventing acne recurrence. It leaves your skin healthy and stable.

This treatment is complemented by a medical-grade purifying serum, which softens the skin’s outer layer while soothing, calming, and combating bacteria and inflammation. It also deeply hydrates and locks in moisture, restarting collagen self-repair, repairing damaged skin tissues, and promoting skin metabolism, which helps fade acne scars and tackle problems like enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemished skin.

Each session takes only 20-30 minutes, is completely painless and comfortable, non-invasive, and requires no recovery time. There’s no irritation or damage to the skin’s natural barrier. Even after the first session, you’ll see noticeable improvements in acne inflammation and reduced oil secretion. Completing the entire treatment will provide long-lasting results, suppressing acne recurrence, and giving you confidence and clearer skin with no worries!

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