Microchanneling vs Microneedling: Which is Better?

Published November 8, 2023

Nothing beats seeing yourself in a mirror and liking what you see. Having beautiful, flawless skin is what most of us want. In case of it, skin rejuvenation treatments can help. The two of the most popular are microchanneling and microneedling. Both can create drastic skin improvements. These procedures can correct various imperfections. They work by stimulating collagen production. Also,  blood vessels. You can watch your imperfections vanish as time passes. Dry skin, visible pores, scarring, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation? You can already say goodbye to them. 

Microchanneling and microneedling can sound very similar. Yet, they are completely different techniques. Still, they render identical results, that is, better skin. Both are non-invasive. They are famous for those who do not want to go for plastic surgery, laser treatment, and peels. 

To help you distinguish the two, keep on reading. We’ve prepared a comprehensive guide about microchanneling vs. microneedling. We’ll go in-depth on what they are, how they work, and their benefits. We’ll discuss their differences, which is better, and how to choose for yourself. Let’s get started.

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a skin rejuvenation treat that uses very thin needles to puncture the skin. It is done with a medical device that creates micro-injuries. It helps promote regeneration. It induce collagen production and rendering beneficial serum to the skin. 

After the treatment, clients are then set to have better skin texture and overall appearance. It can address acne scars, visible aging, and more.

How Microneedling Works?

As mentioned above, the procedure involves puncturing the skin. It elicits tiny wounds. The roller device is dragged across the skin. As a response, the body rushes to heal our complexion. It facilitates the production of collagen along with other healing substances, like elastin, in the body. 

Collagen is a protein responsible for sustaining our complexion’s younger-looking state. It also gives it a firm and stretchy texture. 

As we age, collagen production decreases. It then leads to signs of aging and wrinkles. We can also lose it due to injuries. These can show in the form of stretch marks and acne scarring, among others

What Is Microchanneling?

During microchanneling, tiny wire-based filaments are used with microscopic channels to exfoliate the epidermis. It is a less abrasive experience than microneedling. It is minimally invasive. It is also described as painless for most patients. 

The microchannels kickstart our body’s natural healing response, leaving our complexion less red and inflamed already. A topical serum or platelet-rich plasma is applied during the procedure. It is done to help accelerate healing. Also, it encourages new skin to regenerate quickly. It is especially great for those struggling with acne scarring. Your session will then end with a sun protection-infused moisturizer that is massaged to help protect your skin during recovery. 

How Microchanneling Works?

Microchanneling is an effective skin rejuvenation procedure for many skin concerns. It will cover your stretch marks, acne scars, and injury wounds. The working principle is the same with microneedling. This, too, increases the production of collagen, elastin, and other healing substances. The result? A fresh, plum, healed, and rejuvenated complexion. 

Elastin is a critical skin protein. It is highly elastic and present in connective tissues. It assists the skin in regaining its shape after stretching and recoiling. 

Benefits of Microneedling and Microchanneling 

1. Visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles. 

Microneedling and microchanneling improve the production of collagen and elastin. The two contribute to cell regeneration. It is one that keeps the skin looking young and nourished. 

Both treatments can successfully cure dry and chapped skin. It also works wonders in treating crow’s feet, fine lines, and deep wrinkles. Suppose you’re fed up with gimmicky anti-aging creams. Microneedling or microchanneling is something you can consider.

2. Reduces hyperpigmentation 

One of the significant culprits of hyperpigmentation is sun exposure. Collagen not only helps in managing wrinkles but also in lessening pigmentation. Microneedling and microchanneling nourish burnt skin, eventually cutting pigmentation and spots. 

3. Removes scars 

The pimples or acne in your face will likely leave you with ugly scars. Microneedling and microchanneling, with their collagen-inducing effect, can support these scars forever. Yet, the procedure works best for depressed scars. 

The two procedures cannot cure raised scars. This type of scar already has an excess of collagen. 

4. Close large pores 

The collagen can hydrate the skin cells. As a result, they are plump and full. The case calls for naturally shrinking the size of your pores. It will make your skin look flawless and beautiful. 

5. Make your skin absorb the products better. 

Microneedling and microchanneling create numerous microholes in our complexion. They aid in enabling the creams and serums to cling onto our skin to work better. The creams we use on our skin get only partly absorbed, yet we get partial results. 

The invisible holes that are set into our faces allow most of the skincare to penetrate. They enable us to achieve 100% benefit from them. 

6. Microneedling and microchanneling can cure your skin condition anywhere in the body. 

One of the best advantages of these procedures is that it is not just your face that can enjoy its results. If you’re facing a skin dilemma anywhere in your body, you can go for this treatment. 

7. Visibly reduces stretch marks. 

Microneedling and microchanneling are ideal for stretch marks because they are a process that is based on a collagen-inducing method. Stretch marks occur because of the lack of collagen. Continued treatment is said to heal it for the better. 

8. Tightens sagging skin 

Collagen tightens sagging skin and nourishes it from within. Your skin will indeed look plump and hydrated. 

9. Reduces cellulite 

Cellulite is dimply skin that generally happens due to the fat cells sticking into the connective tissues. It makes our skin look lumpy and uneven. Microneedling and microchanneling can reduce cellulite by increasing blood flow into these areas, eventually evening out the skin. 

Do the Treatments Hurt?

Microneedling and microchanneling are non-invasive procedures. Most patients have no complaints about these treatments. There’s also no extreme pain or discomfort. 

At most, you may feel that your skin is too tight a few days after the procedure. Yet, it will soon be gone once the healing process is complete. 

Microchanneling vs Microneedling: What’s the Difference?

In microneedling, a handheld microneedle roller glides across the skin. It creates a tiny puncture. The dragging motion can cause microtears on the skin if not used properly.

 In contrast, microchanneling involves using a stamp-like device to create consistent microchannels across the complexion. How is it beneficial? It lessens discomfort, inflammation, and actual damage. Microchanneling has less downtime. The typical downtime after a microchanneling procedure is only 60 to 90 minutes. The recommended downtime for microneedling is 24 hours. 

Microchanneling vs Microneedling: Which Is Better?

Microchanneling is an advanced form of microneedling. It is generally more comfortable due to the shallow penetration of metal needles. Microchanneling has less discomfort and has minimal actual damage to the skin. Additionally, derma rollers are less effective when used in microneedling. It also has a limited response, yet it can still be beneficial.