The Risks And Benefits Of Microneedling At Home

Microneedling is a minimally invasive facial treatment. This skincare procedure has a short downturn and can treat many skin conditions. The treatment forces the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin. As such, it can treat conditions like acne scars, wrinkles or pigmentation issues. Like most facial treatments, it is done in a spa or by a board-certified dermatologist. However, growing popularity lead to another trend: microneedling at home. Then, microneedling devices such as home derma rollers increased the demand for home treatments. Indeed, more people try this skin care technique in place of a collagen induction therapy to boost skin rejuvenation. With a quick healing process, this facial is ideal to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. However, one should argue whether microneedling at home is safe. Isn't it safer for patients to go to a specialized spa when it comes to such treatments?

Is microneedling at home safe?

What is a microneedling facial?

Microneedling is a skincare procedure that is minimally invasive. It boosts collagen production and stimulates elastin in the skin. It is a facial treatment that uses a lot of small needles to puncture the first layer of the skin. Skincare technicians use a derma-roller during microneedling sessions. This tool is covered in steel small needles that pierce the skin and cause physical trauma. This facial treats skin conditions such as acne scars, scarring, alopecia, skin pigmentations issues, stretch marks, rosacea, fine lines and wrinkles. The purpose of the procedure is to generate new collagen and skin tissues. It will lead to smoother and firmer skin. It is safe and works on all skin types and complexions. However, it should not be used on active acne. Patients with sensitive skin should book a consultation first. Rejuvenating the skin by boosting collagen production will reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Indeed, it elevates the overall texture of the skin. Microneedling can also be used to treat scars and stretch marks. Some skin specialists and doctors will also use the treatment to deposit medication deeper into the skin. Microneedling is a popular facial treatment as it is less costly than laser treatments. Indeed, a fractional CO2 laser treatment will cost up to $850 per session. On the other hand, a microneedling facial is more affordable. It also works on all skin types although it is safer for darker skin. Indeed, the procedure does not involve heat, which can affect skin pigmentation. More people choose microneedling at home thinking it offers the same benefits as a spa facial.

How does the facial work?

As mentioned above, microneedling is a collagen induction therapy. Indeed, it boosts collagen and elastin production by causing trauma to the skin. Collagen is an essential protein that makes the skin look youthful and firm. Age causes the decline of collagen in the skin, contributing to wrinkles and other signs of aging. Skin can also lose collagen due to injuries, such as acne scarring, stretch marks and other scars. Microneedling is not a fast treatment. Indeed, it involves the growth of new skin. One microneedling session usually takes ten to twenty minutes. This will depend on the size of the area. Most people will need four to six treatments before they can see a difference. A microneedling treatment is very straightforward. First, the technician will apply a numbing cream onto your face. This will make the treatment painless. The cream acts as a topical anesthetic. The technician will then move the derma roller around your face. The needles will make small cuts in your skin. This may cause a bit of bleeding. The esthetician may spread a cream or serum on the face afterwards. Most people undergo microneedling on the face. However, it can be done on other parts of the body. For example, microneedling on the thighs can help treat stretch marks.

Are microneedling facial safe?

A review from 2018 found that microneedling is a safe and effective way to rejuvenate the skin, treat acne scars and wrinkles. However, the researchers acknowledged that microneeding might not be the best treatment to all skin conditions. The only FDA-approved microneedling device is for professional use. Therefore, the treatment is safer when it is done by a skincare professional. Another study found that using an anti-aging treatment along with microneedling did not address wrinkles. However, it did improve the skin's radiance, texture, tone and brightness. One last study concluded that after four weeks, the skin appears younger and smoother than without the treatment. Although microneedling is considered a safe procedure, it still has risks, even when done by a professional: swelling, discomfort at the site, redness, bruising, dryness, flaking of the skin. Bleeding may also be more of a risk for people who have bleeding disorders or who are taking blood-thinning medications. If the right precautions are taken, risks and side-effects will be minimized.

The benefits of microneedling at home

Microneedling is a very popular treatment. Thus, home devices became available and more people tried the treatment at home. Indeed, home derma rollers are affordable and make microneedling at home possible. They are indeed less costly than a microneedling session at a spa. Home derma rollers have shorter needles than devices used in spas and clinics. Thus, home treatments are usually weaker than spa treatments. Indeed, home microneedling devices do not penetrate the skin. Thus, home treatments are usually more comfortable. This also means that home treatments have a limited response and results. Yet, home devices will still increase blood flow which will temporarily brighten the skin. The benefits of microneedling at home mostly is in the lower cost.

The risks of microneedling at home

Microneedling at home seems like a convenient cheap skincare option. However, just like any procedure, it has negative side-effects and risks. Indeed, experts agree that the treatment can cause significant damage to the skin if not performed well. Furthermore, experts worry that the boom in affordable home derma rollers is convincing more people to try microneedling on themselves. Most of the time, they do so without taking the proper precautions. Thus, a cheap derma roller is more likely to damage the skin rather than improve it. Home devices are also difficult to clean. Lack of thorough disinfection can increase the risks of infection and injury. Without the supervision of a skincare expert, microneedling can lead to scarring and complications. As a matter of fact, people microneedling at home are more like to ignore or miss the contraindications. For example, people with cold sores, rosacea, acne, thing skin should avoid the treatment. Not doing so can end up in infections and scarring. In conclusion, microneedling must be done by a trained professional. To summarize, the facial wounds the skin in order to stimulate healing within the skin. It is a long-term treatment that inserts small needles into the skin. The needles must be sterile, the device clean. Failure to administer the treatment effectively can lead serious skin and health issues.

Advice From Our Skincare Expert

Microneedling at home is an affordable treatment. The low price point is the main selling point. However, at-home treatments are not safe. The treatment will show results after months. Indeed, it requires multiple sessions. The treatment actively wounds the skin to stimulate healing capabilities. Thus, it has some side effects patients must be aware of. The best way to minimize those side effects and potential complications is to go to a trained facialist or board certified dermatologist. Indeed, they will be able to take precautions to ensure the safest experience. We offer a microneedling treatment at Infinity Laser Spa as well as a free consultation with our skincare specialist to answer all the questions you may have and adjust the treatment to your skin.