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Microneedling vs Laser: Which Skin Treatment Is Right for You?

Discover the key differences between microneedling and laser treatments to find out which is best for acne scars, wrinkles, dark spots and skin rejuvenation.

Microneedling and laser facial treatments are two of the most effective ways to address common skin concerns, but they work in very different ways.

Both treatments improve skin texture, tone and clarity, but the technology behind each is unique: microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries to stimulate collagen, while lasers use heat or light energy to resurface the skin more precisely. Depending on your skin goals (acne scars, wrinkles, dark spots or just overall rejuvenation) one treatment may be a better fit than the other.

Read on to learn how to choose the treatment that will best support your skin goals.

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that uses fine, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the body’s natural healing process and boosting collagen and elastin production. As your skin repairs itself, texture becomes smoother, pores appear smaller and scarring and fine lines begin to fade.

Typically performed using a pen-like device such as a SkinPen or Dermapen, microneedling treatments are precise and typically require little downtime. A numbing cream is applied beforehand and most patients describe the sensation as mild, similar to a light scratching or sandpapering feeling.

Microneedling is commonly used to address:

• Acne scars and post-acne marks

• Fine lines and early signs of aging

• Enlarged pores and uneven skin texture

• Dullness or lack of radiance

Our Resurfacing Facial includes a form of microneedling, a non-heat treatment that’s generally safe for all skin tones, including deeper Fitzpatrick types that are more susceptible to hyperpigmentation. This treatment uses a nanofractional RF resurfacing device that delivers the same benefits as CO₂ lasers, microneedling and chemical peels with less downtime while also being safe and effective for all skin types, including deeper Fitzpatrick types that are more susceptible to hyperpigmentation.

Nanofractional RF technology delivers heat through the skin's surface to the deeper layers using tiny pins. The body’s natural healing mechanism then works to repair these minuscule wounds by increasing the production of fibroblasts. In turn, this increases collagen and elastin production and improves signs of damage visible on the skin’s surface.

This technology targets everything from hyperpigmentation to fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin texture, pore size and acne scars while our powered-up protocol, the Power Resurfacing Facial, delivers almost three times the energy of our Resurfacing Facial in one 15-minute treatment.

Both treatments come with minimal social downtime, typically presenting as mild redness that subsides within 24 hours.

If you're curious about microneedling but want a no-downtime, energy-based alternative, our Signature Laser Facial may offer similar benefits by stimulating collagen production without needles or significant recovery time.

woman receiving a signature laser facial

What Is a Laser Facial?

A laser facial uses targeted light energy to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, triggering collagen production and improving skin tone and texture, all while leaving the surface layer of the skin unharmed.

There are two main types of laser facials:

• Ablative lasers remove the top layers of the skin, offering dramatic results but with more downtime.

• Non-ablative lasers, like the ones we use at Skin Laundry, work below the surface without disrupting the skin barrier, making them gentler but still highly effective.

At Skin Laundry, our Signature Laser Facial uses non-ablative laser technology to deeply cleanse, stimulate collagen and improve skin clarity with zero downtime. It’s safe for all skin types, including melanin-rich skin and can be used to treat a wide range of concerns over time:

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Enlarged pores

• Uneven skin tone and texture

• Acne and post-acne pigmentation

• Dull or congested skin

Unlike many traditional other lasers that can come with redness, peeling or sensitivity, our Laser Facials are designed for regular, progressive treatments that build results over time without disrupting your daily routine.

Microneedling vs Laser Facials: Key Differences

While both microneedling and laser treatments stimulate collagen and improve skin texture, they use very different technologies to get there. Those differences matter when choosing the right option for your skin.

Here’s a breakdown of how the two compare:

Technology and Mechanism

• Microneedling relies on tiny needles puncturing the skin to trigger healing.

• Laser treatments, like our Signature Laser Facial, use energy-based light to heat deeper layers of skin without breaking the surface.

This makes the laser more precise, with added benefits like targeting pigment, clearing congestion and reducing redness.

Treatment Depth

• Microneedling stimulates collagen closer to the surface.

• Lasers can penetrate deeper, depending on the type and settings used, offering more targeted treatment for stubborn concerns like hyperpigmentation or fine lines.

Comfort and Sensation

• Microneedling may require numbing cream and can cause pinpoint bleeding or temporary redness.

• Our Signature Laser Facial is designed to be comfortable without the need for numbing. Even better, there’s no downtime required.

Skin Type Compatibility

• Microneedling is generally safe for all skin tones.

• At Skin Laundry, our laser technology is also safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types, including melanin-rich skin, as our dermatologist-designed protocols are tailored to safely treat every skin type.

Downtime and Recovery

• Microneedling may leave skin red and sensitive for 24–72 hours.

• Our Laser Facials are no-downtime treatments, so you can go back to your day immediately.

Which Treatment Is Better for Common Skin Concerns?

Choosing between microneedling and laser often comes down to your primary skin concern. While both treatments stimulate collagen and support overall skin health, one may be better suited than the other depending on what you’re hoping to treat.

Here’s how they compare across several common concerns:

Acne Scars

• Microneedling physically breaks down scar tissue to stimulate collagen and smooth texture.

• Laser facials are excellent for targeting hyperpigmentation and redness, but when it comes to scarring, we recommend our Resurfacing Facial, which includes a form of microneedling designed to rebuild skin from within.

Best Fit: Our Resurfacing Facial is highly effective for acne scarring. Pairing it with Fixer, our medical-grade peptide serum, can further firm and smooth skin for refined results.

Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots

• Microneedling may offer gradual fading over several sessions.

• Laser facials directly target excess melanin, fading discoloration from sun damage or past breakouts with more precision.

Best Fit: Laser is typically more effective, especially when combined with our Illuminator Enhancement, which brightens dark spots and supports a more even skin tone.

woman receiving a revitalizer facial peel

Texture and Enlarged Pores

• Microneedling helps improve skin texture by resurfacing the upper layers of the skin.

• Laser facials provide a more refined, pore-blurring effect by vaporizing dirt, bacteria and excess sebum within the pores and stimulating collagen production for firmer skin.

Best Fit: Our Resurfacing Facial includes a form of microneedling, making it a great option for smoothing uneven texture and minimizing the look of enlarged pores. Pairing it with Fixer can further refine pores and boost firmness.

Melasma

• Microneedling avoids heat, making it a safer option for melasma-prone skin.

• Laser facials are a safe and effective way to treat melasma. By targeting pigmentation beneath the surface, they help reduce discoloration and restore a more even tone. The Signature Laser Facial targets and breaks up pigmentation in the dermal layers of the skin without causing excessive inflammation.

Best Fit: Our Laser Facials (enhanced with our Illuminator Enhancement) are ideal for melasma management. A consultation ensures the safest, most personalized plan for your skin.

Cost Comparison: Microneedling vs Laser

When considering microneedling or laser treatments, cost is a key factor, but it’s not just about the price tag. It’s also about how many sessions you’ll need, how long results last, and how much downtime affects your lifestyle.

Microneedling Costs

Microneedling typically ranges from $200 to $700 per session, depending on the provider and whether the treatment includes add-ons like PRP (platelet-rich plasma). Most people need a series of three to six treatments, spaced four to six weeks apart, for visible improvement. While some maintenance is recommended, results can be long-lasting, especially for texture and acne scars.

Laser Treatment Costs

At Skin Laundry, we believe in making medical-grade skincare accessible. That’s why all of our memberships include access to the Signature Laser Facial—a treatment that targets acne scars, uneven texture, dullness, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, fine lines, wrinkles and rosacea—making consistent care simple and affordable.

Laser or Microneedling? Here’s Your Clear Takeaway

At Skin Laundry, we specialize in energy-based Laser and Resurfacing Facials that are safe for all skin types and designed to fit your lifestyle. No downtime, no guesswork, just healthier, more radiant skin over time. 

Join the Laundry Club and enjoy exclusive discounts, product savings and VIP perks. Members also receive special pricing on all Enhancements, including Fixer, Illuminator and our Revitalizer and Rejuvenator chemical peels, making it easier to maintain your glow year-round.

We have more than 50 U.S. locations, and you can find a clinic near you here.  