Does Microneedling at Home Really Work?

What Does Microneedling Do?

     The cost of microneedling may be less than laser treatment, which can cost about four times as much. Microneedling works better for people with darker skin tones, because it doesn't involve heat like laser treatments do, which can affect your skin tone. Consult your dermatologist what is the best for your skin. (which fits your budget of course)

What is Microneedling?

The micro-needling device looks like a paint roller covered in nails. Tiny needles pierce the skin as you apply it to your face. Piercing the skin with a small hole stimulates the production of collagen and basically starts the skin's natural healing process. This makes micro-needling a practical method to minimize wrinkles, fine lines, and acne scars.

Using a derma roller may also help your skin care products work better. These tiny punctures allow skin care ingredients to penetrate faster than they would on their own, thus making changes to your skin faster.

How To Do Micro-Needling at Home

Cleanse and prepare your skin.

The first thing is to plug in your micro-needling roller, which has a built-in red LED light to further combat wrinkles and scars, and leave it on for an hour. It is recommended to use it after cleansing and wiping your skin with a cleansing wipe. Make it a part of your nightly routine: Clean, prepare, roll, maintain and finish.

Make sure all of your face and eye makeup is removed, then prep by swiping the Prep Pad across the targeted treatment area. These pads, some of which come with a microneedling roller, are alcohol-free and contain an antibacterial complex to kill any germs that cling to your skin.

Divide your face into four quadrants and roll each side for 15 seconds.

Unlike devices that work with a timer, the micro needle roller turns on and off the old-fashioned way—with a button. So you might not know how long you have rolled it around a certain part of your face. You are supposed to roll each area for 15 seconds. Start with your chin, move up one cheek, and end with your forehead. You are supposed to roll each area in a pattern. Up and down, side to side, the top left diagonal to the right, and the top right diagonal to the left.

Apply The Serum to Your Face.

The micro-needling itself was actually fine. You can feel the prickling, but it's not painful. Experts recommend avoiding any kind of chemical peels such as glycolic and lactic acids, and lightening ingredients like vitamin C, due to the fact that they can increase your chances of irritation. Retinol can be harsh on your skin too.

Don't worry, the tingling subsides quickly, and you can follow it up with your usual antioxidant serum and light moisturizer.

Other ingredients that dermatologists say are good for post-derma rolling include EGF (epidermal growth factor, which helps regenerate cells), peptides (helps build collagen and elastin), and hyaluronic acid (may increase hydration).

Clean Up Your Derma roller.

Micro-needling devices have several risks. Microneedling kits at home are difficult to clean, and they wear out quickly. There's a higher risk of infection, discoloration, and injury to your skin. Piercing your skin in any way creates an open channel, thereby increasing your chances of getting an infection. As with all procedures, be sure to use sterile equipment if you are doing it at home.

The Benefits of Microneedling at Home

Placing needles in your skin sounds like a daunting thing that only a professional should handle, so when it comes to microneedling, why opt for the at-home version? Of course, the cost.

It's safe to assume each session will cost anywhere from $200 to $700 — an unaffordable price for most people, especially when you need follow-up care. Online rollers are available for a median price of $20.

Home treatments are rarely deep enough to provide dramatic results [for more affected skin] but can promote exfoliation and product absorption. Patients who are consistent with home care over a period of four to six months can certainly see improvement.

Warning from The Dermatologist

Dermatologists can do micro-needling. A beautician can do this too. If you're trying it somewhere other than the doctor's office, first check the person's experience and credentials, and make sure all equipment is sterilized. There are do-it-yourself versions of micro-needling devices. But dermatologists warn against using them because you might accidentally injure your skin, and you might not have a good way to sterilize needles. (webmd.com) But if you feel you can clean it properly, you can try at home with your own risk.

The Final Word

Don't worry if your face turns red afterward; it is completely normal. Most recommend starting with just once a week — and avoid applying retinol the same night, as using both could be too much for your skin to handle.

The most important thing is that you need to take your disinfection and cleaning of your tools very seriously. Spray isopropyl alcohol on it before and after use, and rinse it off with warm water. This is done so you avoid the risk of infection on your entire face, with whatever dirt is there.