Skin needling has become a cornerstone treatment for acne scarring across Australian clinics, including in Hobart, where environmental conditions often contribute to prolonged skin barrier stress. As new research expands the way this technique is applied, interest in combining microneedling with active topicals has grown. A recent 2024 clinical study published in Dermatology Practical & Conceptual offers valuable insights for Australians seeking evidence-based treatment for atrophic acne scars. It compared the use of topical insulin and non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid when applied post-microneedling in a split-face design.
The study, conducted in Cairo, was designed to explore whether these agents, both known for their skin-repair properties and might enhance the effects of microneedling and offer a measurable improvement in acne scarring. The results are especially relevant for those researching skin needling in Hobart and other parts of Australia, where climate, phototype distribution, and scar severity often influence treatment outcomes.
Fast Answers about Skin Needling for Acne Scars in Hobart
What is better for acne scars: microneedling with insulin or hyaluronic acid?
A 2024 study found that both options are equally effective for post-acne scarring. Microneedling with topical insulin showed a 49.18% improvement, while hyaluronic acid achieved 47.72%. Results were similar across all scar types, with no significant difference between them.Does skin needling work for deep acne scars?
Yes. Skin needling improves rolling and boxcar scars the most. In the 2024 study, rolling scars improved by over 60% with insulin and 50% with hyaluronic acid. Ice pick scars were more resistant but still showed mild improvement.How many sessions of microneedling are needed for acne scars?
Most clients benefit from six sessions spaced three weeks apart. The 2024 study followed this protocol and recorded strong outcomes by three months after the final treatment.Skin Needling in Australia: Context and Relevance
Microneedling, also known as skin needling, involves controlled mechanical injury to stimulate dermal remodelling. This approach remains one of the most accessible and adaptable treatments for post-acne scarring, with good safety profiles and minimal downtime. For Hobart locals and others living in cooler, drier regions of Australia, the addition of active topicals during treatment may be a way to maximise benefits without resorting to more invasive methods.
The concept of using microneedling as a delivery method is well-established. The controlled injury created by the device temporarily increases skin permeability, allowing topical agents to penetrate deeper layers and support collagen synthesis and epidermal regeneration.
Understanding the 2024 Study Design
Published in July 2024, the study enrolled 30 adults aged 18 to 45 with atrophic acne scars on both sides of the face. All participants underwent six sessions of skin needling, spaced three weeks apart, with either topical insulin or non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid applied immediately after treatment to one side of the face.
A dermapen device with 36 needles was used at a depth of 1.5 mm, ensuring consistency in application. The insulin used was Human Actrapid (100 IU/ml), and the hyaluronic acid solution was a non-cross-linked product formulated at 3.5%. Both agents were applied in equal volume, with side allocation randomised.
All participants were monitored for clinical change using the Goodman and Baron grading system, and patients reported satisfaction levels at three months post-treatment. The focus was on measuring scar depth, skin texture, and overall appearance.
Key Results: How Insulin and Hyaluronic Acid Performed
Both microneedling with insulin and microneedling with non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid resulted in statistically significant improvements in acne scar severity. According to the study's quantitative findings, the average improvement was 49.18% on the insulin-treated side and 47.72% on the hyaluronic acid-treated side. This difference was not statistically significant.
This means that for people in Hobart considering skin needling, both options appear to offer similar outcomes. Whether topical insulin or non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid is used, the degree of scar improvement is clinically relevant and statistically valid.
The qualitative analysis also confirmed that scar severity decreased from moderate or severe to mild or macular in many cases. This change was seen in both treatment groups, suggesting that microneedling itself is the driving factor, with topicals offering supportive benefits.
Scar Types and Their Response to Treatment
Not all acne scars are equal in how they respond to microneedling. In this study, rolling scars and boxcar scars showed the most improvement across both treatment sides. Rolling scars had an average improvement of 60.63% with insulin and 50.26% with hyaluronic acid. Boxcar scars followed closely with improvements above 54% on both sides.
Ice pick scars, which are typically deeper and more resistant to treatment, showed more modest results, around 37% for the insulin side and 34% for the HA side. This reinforces clinical experience in Australia that ice pick scars often require more intensive or combination therapies, including deeper needling, subcision, or laser-based options.
This breakdown is helpful for Hobart clients wondering what kind of skin needling outcomes are realistic. The data suggest that while some scar types respond rapidly, others may require a layered approach or longer treatment plans.
Patient Satisfaction and Pain Tolerance
At three months post-treatment, patient satisfaction scores echoed the clinical improvements. Fourteen participants rated the insulin side of their face as achieving marked improvement, compared to twelve for the HA side. Moderate improvement was reported in eight cases for insulin and nine for HA, with minimal improvement reported in a smaller number of participants.
Pain scores ranged from 2 to 6, with no significant adverse events reported. All patients experienced mild erythema on the first day. One case of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was noted, though it resolved without intervention. There were no reports of hypoglycaemia, despite the topical insulin use.
This safety data is relevant for Australians concerned about topical insulin. Despite theoretical risks, this study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that insulin can be applied safely when used in small volumes on intact skin after microneedling.
Why Topical Insulin May Be a Cost-Effective Option
Topical insulin is not traditionally associated with cosmetic therapy, but its biological effects make it a compelling candidate for skin repair. In this 2024 study, insulin demonstrated comparable results to hyaluronic acid but comes with the potential advantage of broader accessibility and lower cost. In Hobart and other parts of Australia where skincare services can vary in cost, this could open the door to more inclusive treatment options.
Insulin's mechanism includes stimulating fibroblast activity, improving granulation tissue formation, and increasing epithelial turnover. It has already been shown to accelerate healing in diabetic wounds, and its action on growth factor pathways in the skin adds to its appeal for scar modulation.
While more studies are needed, insulin may eventually become a go-to agent for post-acne scarring in the skin needling setting, particularly where cost or availability of other actives is limited.
How This Study Relates to Hobart’s Climate and Skin Trends
Tasmania’s dry winters and high UV index, even during cooler months, mean that skin healing and scar formation are affected by seasonal changes. For those seeking microneedling in Hobart, the choice of topical agents becomes more important in maintaining skin hydration and barrier function post-treatment.
Both insulin and hyaluronic acid offer support in this regard. Hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture, a critical feature in Hobart’s often low-humidity environment. Meanwhile, insulin supports tissue repair from a cellular level, which may be helpful when environmental factors slow recovery.
For clients concerned about scarring in conjunction with dryness or pigmentation issues, these findings suggest that skin needling in Hobart should be supported by aftercare that reflects both scar type and local climate conditions.
Clinical Decision-Making: Choosing Between Insulin and HA
From a clinical perspective, the decision to use insulin or HA may come down to patient history, scar type, and product access. Both have now been shown to improve acne scars when combined with microneedling. The study did not find a statistically significant advantage of one over the other, though insulin showed slightly better outcomes in severe scar types and in subjective patient ratings.
This supports the idea that microneedling itself is doing most of the therapeutic work, with topicals acting as enhancers. For Hobart clinics or consumers comparing treatment options, this gives some flexibility in planning sessions based on preference, budget, and individual response.
Broader Implications for Skin Needling Across Australia
Skin needling continues to grow in popularity across Australia not only for acne scars, but for fine lines, pigmentation, and general rejuvenation. This study adds weight to the use of accessible agents like insulin as part of the protocol, particularly in regions where affordability and simplicity are valued.
In a climate like Hobart’s, where skin resilience can fluctuate with season and wind exposure, combining microneedling with hydrating or regenerative agents may improve not only treatment outcomes but also patient adherence and satisfaction.
The use of both insulin and hyaluronic acid in this study aligns with broader Australian trends towards evidence-backed, minimally invasive treatments that offer measurable benefits without requiring downtime or major intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions: Microneedling in Australia
Is skin needling a popular treatment for acne scars in Hobart?
Yes. Skin needling is commonly used in Hobart to treat scarring caused by past breakouts. It’s suitable for local skin types and works well in Tasmania’s dry, UV-exposed climate when paired with proper aftercare.Can topical insulin be used safely during microneedling?
Topical insulin was used safely in the 2024 study, with no reports of hypoglycaemia or serious reactions. All patients were monitored, and only mild redness and discomfort were reported.What is non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid used for in skin treatments?
Non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid hydrates and supports collagen production during skin healing. It was shown to be effective when applied after microneedling in the treatment of acne scars.Does microneedling with insulin work better than PRP in Australia?
Some smaller studies suggest insulin performs similarly or slightly better than PRP for acne scars. More Australian-based research is needed, but results to date support insulin as a low-cost, accessible option.How does Hobart’s climate affect acne scar recovery?
Tasmania’s dry air and high UV levels can slow skin repair. Microneedling with hydrating agents like HA or regenerative ones like insulin may help offset environmental stress and support smoother healing.Is skin needling safe for skin phototype III and IV in Australia?
Yes. The 2024 study focused on phototypes III and IV and reported significant scar improvement without pigment complications. This supports safe use in many Australian patients with medium to olive skin tones.Final Observations for the Australian Market
This 2024 research contributes valuable clinical data to support the use of active topicals during microneedling for post-acne scars. For Australians considering skin needling, and particularly those in Hobart dealing with persistent scarring and environmental skin stress, these findings offer clear options grounded in safety and results.
Whether using topical insulin or hyaluronic acid, both treatments yielded close to 50% improvement in quantitative scar grading after six sessions. While more research is needed to confirm long-term outcomes, the immediate post-treatment window suggests good safety, strong patient satisfaction, and meaningful cosmetic benefits.
As skin needling continues to evolve in Australia, evidence-based options like these provide a strong foundation for clinical protocols that are both effective and accessible, something that’s particularly valuable in localised markets like Hobart, where climate and skin type play a distinct role in treatment planning.
