My Microneedling Journey for Acne Scars
An honest guide to my at-home derma roller experience
By Joanna Vidal
Hey guys! It’s Joanna again
In today’s blog, I’m diving into my experience with microneedling at home—also known as derma rolling—as a treatment for acne scars. This journey is personal, a little painful, but honestly, so worth it.
After clearing my hormonal acne using Oratane medication (which I shared in my post: [My Acne Story – How I Got Rid of It]), I was left with deep scars that made me feel like my skin journey wasn’t fully over. Every time I looked in the mirror, those scars reminded me of the struggle I’d been through.
So, I started researching microneedling—and here’s everything I learned, experienced, and would recommend to anyone curious about trying it too!
Why I Chose Microneedling
Microneedling is a skincare treatment that uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. Sounds scary? A little—but it helps stimulate collagen production and improves the texture and tone of your skin over time.
(These are the sizes available for derma roller)
My Concerns:
• I was afraid it would cause more damage than improvement.
• I didn’t want to harm my already clear (but scarred) skin.
• I wasn’t sure if it would be painful or worth it.
But after watching YouTube vloggers who’d gone through worse breakouts than mine—and saw amazing results—I was inspired. They used derma rollers while also being on Oratane, just like me, and their skin looked incredible.
Important Reminder
Do NOT use needles larger than 1.0mm at home!
They are too deep and should only be used by professionals.
For home use, stick to 0.25mm to 0.5mm for safety.
My Skin Goal
My main goal: fade acne scars
Other benefits I noticed later: smoother skin texture, brighter tone, and reduced pores!
The Tools I Use
1. Derma Roller (0.5mm)
• Safe and effective for acne scars
• Comes with a protective case and head cover
• Replace after a few uses (don’t use long-term!)
2. 70% Isopropyl Alcohol
• Must kill 99.9% of germs
• Used for disinfecting the roller before and after treatment
3. Spray Bottle or Small Covered Container
• Spray bottle: easier to disinfect roller
• Container: used to dip roller (make sure it has a cover)
The Tools I Use
1. Derma Roller (0.5mm)
• Safe and effective for acne scars
• Comes with a protective case and head cover
• Replace after a few uses (don’t use long-term!)
2. 70% Isopropyl Alcohol
• Must kill 99.9% of germs
• Used for disinfecting the roller before and after treatment
3. Spray Bottle or Small Covered Container
• Spray bottle: easier to disinfect roller
• Container: used to dip roller (make sure it has a cover)
4. Serum that help your skin to improve
for me I used Vitamin C Serum
• Natural and cold-processed
• No alcohol, parabens, or sulfates
• Packed with Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid
• 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and made in an FDA-certified facility in the USA
4. Serum that help your skin to improve
for me I used Vitamin C Serum
• Natural and cold-processed
• No alcohol, parabens, or sulfates
• Packed with Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid
• 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and made in an FDA-certified facility in the USA
How I Do My Microneedling Routine (Step-by-Step)
1. Disinfect Your Derma Roller
• Spray with 70% alcohol or dip in alcohol-filled container
• Let it air dry for about an hour
2. Clean Your Face
• Remove all makeup
• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser
• Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry
• Do NOT apply any product yet
• Disinfect your hands with alcohol before touching your face
Rolling Technique: Divide Your Face into 4 Areas
A. The surface of the Chin - I start on a surface as my warm-up, so I
wouldn't feel much the needles when I proceed to roll to another surface of my
skin.
B. The surface of the Right
Face - The second
a surface which I work on after my chin.
C. The surface of the Left
Face- After the right
a surface of my face continues in this area to balance the warmth of the treatment.
D. Surface of the
Forehead - This is the
last part I work on because is not easy to handle the pain and makes my eyes in
tears.
1. Disinfect Your Derma Roller
• Spray with 70% alcohol or dip in alcohol-filled container
• Let it air dry for about an hour
2. Clean Your Face
• Remove all makeup
• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser
• Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry
• Do NOT apply any product yet
• Disinfect your hands with alcohol before touching your face
Rolling Technique: Divide Your Face into 4 Areas
4 Rolling Directions (Do each 4x in/out before moving)
1. Vertical: Up and down
2. Horizontal: Side to side
3. Diagonal 1: Lower right to upper left
4. Diagonal 2: Lower left to upper right
Tip: If you’re new, apply light pressure. If it hurts, ease up.
Note: Surface D (forehead) is the most painful—made me tear up! Be gentle.
Aftercare: Apply Serum
Right after microneedling, I apply my Vitamin C serum.
Why? Because the micro-channels in your skin help absorb products more effectively—and using a good serum supports healing and rejuvenation.
Aftercare: Apply Serum
Right after microneedling, I apply my Vitamin C serum.
Why? Because the micro-channels in your skin help absorb products more effectively—and using a good serum supports healing and rejuvenation.
My Weekly Microneedling Schedule
• 1st Month: 1–2x per week
• 2nd Month Onward: 1–2x per month
• Be patient! Results are gradual.
After 1 Month:
• Scars lightening
• Skin texture smoother
• Scars lightening
• Skin texture smoother
• Reduced oiliness
After 1–2 Months:
• Bumps are gone
• Dark spots faded
• Skin looks fresh and glowy
• Still doing light pressure 2x a month
Camera may show more detail, but in person? My skin looks amazing unless you stare really close in a mirror.
Microneedling at home changed my skin. Not overnight—but consistently and naturally. It wasn’t just about beauty—it helped me feel more confident and in control of my skin story.
“A good personality and attitude will mold you into a beautiful person.”
Stay kind, beautiful people.
Love,
Joanna
Want to try microneedling?
Do your research first, choose the right tools, and go slow. Feel free to drop your questions in the comments or share your own experience—I’d love to hear from you!
Follow me on:
Insta: @unjoannable_m3
Microneedling at home changed my skin. Not overnight—but consistently and naturally. It wasn’t just about beauty—it helped me feel more confident and in control of my skin story.
“A good personality and attitude will mold you into a beautiful person.”
Stay kind, beautiful people.
Love,
Joanna
Want to try microneedling?
Do your research first, choose the right tools, and go slow. Feel free to drop your questions in the comments or share your own experience—I’d love to hear from you!
Follow me on:
Insta: @unjoannable_m3
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