What the Scientific Literature Says About Microneedling, Acne and Granulomas

In this episode of The Skin Science Podcast, Thomas M. Hitchcock, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer, speaks with special guests, Angela Wilson McDonald, Global VP, Education and Customer Success, and Brian Jones, Ph.D., Global VP, R&D Pharma and Biomedical Innovation, about what the scientific literature says about microneedling, acne and granulomas. 

The Skin Science Podcast is intended to provide listeners with information regarding various topics in the field of skin science. None of the content in this podcast should be interpreted or construed as professional or medical advice. Further, the views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not represent those of Crown Laboratories, Inc., and the appearance of any guest on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of the guest or any particular entity they represent.

0:00 Introduction and disclaimers
1:04 Special guest, Dr. Brian Jones 
3:13 Define episode topic: the science behind microneedling and acne
6:00 Social media video detailing a skin reaction months after a microneedling treatment 
9:12 What is acne-prone skin? 
13:11 Can acne be spread?
14:49 Clip from S1 Ep2 "Acne" with Dr. James Leydon
17:27 What causes acne?
21:20 Inflammation and acne
23:44 Microneedling studies in individuals with acne-prone skin
28:16 Lack of scientific evidence that microneedling worsens acne 
35:15 Granulomas and risks of microneedling topicals into skin
40:33 Allergic reactions to metals 
43:48 Acne is a multifactorial condition 
45:09 Return to discussion about social media video 
49:00 Microneedling practices associated with granulomas
51:20 Closing remarks

REFERENCES

24:00 Mehran, G., Sepasgozar, S., Rohaninasab, M., Goodarzi, A., Ghassemi, M., Fotooei, M., & Behrangi, E. (2019). Comparison between the therapeutic effect of microneedling versus tretinoin in patients with comedonal acne: a randomized clinical trial. Iran J Dermatol, 22, 87–91. https://www.iranjd.ir/article_100199_17b3901512f6a7d987df9c24299a856d.pdf

25:49 Alqam, M. L., Jones, B. C., & Hitchcock, T. M. (2023). Topical application of skin biome care regimen containing live cultures and ferments of Cutibacterium acnes defendens strain XYCM42 and the impact on clinical outcomes following microneedle-induced skin remodeling. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 16(12), 18–30. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10729805/pdf/jcad_16_12_18.pdf

31:24 Alqam, M. L., Jones, B. C., & Hitchcock, T. M. (2023). Study to determine the safety and efficacy of microneedling as an effective treatment for acne vulgaris. Skin Health and Disease, 3(5), e264. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10549865/pdf/SKI2-3-e264.pdf

35:21 Heck, E., & Traboulsi, D. (2022). A case of a delayed granulomatous reaction on the face following microneedling: A case report. SAGE Open Medical Case Reports, 10, 2050313X221102489. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9178993/pdf/10.1177_2050313X221102489.pdf

35:47 Yadav, S., & Dogra, S. (2016). A cutaneous reaction to microneedling for postacne scarring caused by nickel hypersensitivity. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 36(4), NP168–NP170. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjv229

38:40 Handal, M., Kyriakides, K., Cohen, J., & Hoffman, C. (2023). Sarcoidal granulomatous reaction