Background: Microneedle treatment is currently being used in the cosmetic industry to treat several skin conditions. Despite the extensive use of microneedles, there is a lack of sufficient data on the safety of microneedles.
Objective: To investigate the degree of acute skin damage and time required for facial skin barrier function to recover using different lengths of microneedles and times of application.
Materials and methods: Each side of the volunteer`s face was randomly treated with one of the following treatments: (1) five-times application of the 0.15 mm microneedles, (2) five-times application of the 0.25 mm microneedles, (3) ten-times application of the 0.15 mm microneedles, and (4) ten-times application of 0.25 mm microneedles. Following that TEWL, stratum corneum hydration and skin erythema were measured at baseline, immediately, 4 hours, and 8 hours after the procedure, as well as at 24 hour intervals for 3 days.
Results: Prompt recovery of barrier function (within 72 hours) was observed after microneedle treatments.
Conclusion: Since microneedle treatment is simple, inexpensive and can overcome the skin barrier disruption, it can be a good physical method to enhance transdermal delivery for many cosmetic and dermatological conditions.
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