J Cosmet Dermatol. 2026 May;25(5):e70908. doi: 10.1111/jocd.70908.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Device-based aesthetic procedures such as microneedling, microdermabrasion and microvibration have gained widespread clinical and institutional use for skin rejuvenation, yet the underlying biological mechanisms and the robustness of clinical evidence remain incompletely established.

OBJECTIVE: This review synthesizes current clinical, histological and molecular data to evaluate the efficacy, safety and mechanistic pathways engaged by these instrument-assisted dermatologic interventions.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of clinical trials, in vivo and ex vivo analyses, and mechanistic studies was conducted to examine outcomes related to clinical skin appearance, inflammatory signaling and protein expression.

RESULTS: This review summarizes clinical, histological, and molecular evidence on these interventions. All modalities influence skin texture, scarring, and epidermal renewal, primarily through transient activation of inflammatory pathways, followed by fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix remodeling. Understanding these pathways can guide treatment selection and optimization, while standardized studies and deeper proteomic analyses are needed to refine personalized approaches.

PMID:42152593 | DOI:10.1111/jocd.70908