At-Home Microneedling Tools Are Trending, But Should They Be?

Are at-home microneedling tools safe?

While at-home microneedling is a rapidly growing topic on TikTok, experts note that attempting the treatment at home isn’t ideal. “True microneedling belongs in a clinic, with a properly qualified practitioner, because it uses professional devices that penetrate deeper into the skin, usually .5 mm or deeper,” says New York-based aesthetician Samantha Susca. Danuta Mieloch, an aesthetician and founder of Danucera and Rescue Spa, agrees, noting that while the idea may sound appealing, the risk of improper use, irritation or even infection is very real. Still, interest in home treatments continues to soar across social media, with microneedling pens and micro-infusion kits at the forefront.

Under hashtags like #athomemicroneedling, you’ll find a mix of tutorials from dermatologists and skin-care enthusiasts detailing the process and their results. According to Spate, before-and-after videos, specifically those focused on the results after one treatment, are just as popular. Interest in transformation videos on TikTok is nothing new. Some offer real-time results while others romanticize the effects, making it hard to determine if the risk is worth the reward. “The truth is, most at-home devices don’t deliver the same benefits as professional microneedling. Instead of trying to pierce the skin with unregulated tools, you’ll see far greater results by mastering your daily skin-care ritual with the right products, applied in the right way,” says Mieloch.

The tools to use instead

When it comes to at-home microneedling pens, Susca says they can be unsafe. “They claim to deliver results on par with professional devices, but there are other options for at-home treatments to mimic results or keep up with the results of professional microneedling,” she adds. Dermarolling, a mild form of microneedling, comes recommended for improving common skin and hair issues. “Dermarolling penetrates the skin in a similar way, but at a depth that is shallow enough to avoid trauma (usually 0.1-0.2mm), yet still be effective enough to gently stimulate collagen and enhance product penetration. It does this by creating micro channels in the skin’s upper epidermal layers to improve the penetration of active ingredients while still respecting the skin’s barrier,” says Susca. That said, high-quality rollers don’t pose the same threat of unnecessary injury as microneedling devices, making them better suited for at-home use. “When used correctly, dermarolling offers visible lasting improvements that mimic less intense professional microneedling treatments,” adds Susca. Think: enhanced product absorption, collagen stimulation and improved texture and tone.

How to use a dermaroller at home

If you’re thinking of adding a micro-needling device, such as a dermaroller, to your routine, you should follow best practices. “Cleansing properly, applying toner, active serums and creams along with using techniques that maximize absorption and results, should be the focus,” says Mieloch. Hygiene is the number one priority before you begin. “On clean skin, follow the pattern of dermarolling that the manufacturer of the device recommends and be sure to never go over any type of skin conditions such as moles, skin cancer, active acne, eczema or psoriasis,” says Susca. You should also be aware of the frequency to minimize irritation and damage. Susca adds that starting with a treatment once a week and gradually increasing based on tolerance is best, as is supporting your skin with the proper pre- post post-care products.

At-home tools to try

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This high-quality roller features 260 ultra-fine .2 mm needles that penetrate the skin. “The device is manufactured in such a way that maintains the skin structure and integrity and does not allow for microtears to occur while using it,” says Susca. It also has a 14 ct gold finish and a specialized cleaning solution to naturally suppress bacterial growth.

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Crystalised microneedles set FaceGym’s roller apart from traditional dermarollers. They give the device a distinct look but have more to offer than looks alone. Each of the microneedles is infused with hyaluronic acid and peptides that help keep the skin hydrated and boost the effects of microneedling as you roll.

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The points on this tool gently penetrate the surface layer to aid in skin-care absorption and tighten the skin. It also has a built-in red light to amplify the results and is ergonomically designed to handle small spaces, like the perimeter of the mouth and nose.