The Low Down on At-Home Microneedling!

by BR Amelia

Once upon a time microneedling was the domain of dermatologists and estheticians. You'd hand over a fistful of cash, lie back, and let the skin doctors roll miniscule needles over your face in order to improve the look of your skin. Luckily for us - and our wallets - at-home options are now available (such as the Manicare Microneedle Derma Roller, which YOU have the chance to review!) 

So what does microneedling involve? What is the difference between the at-home and dermatologist/esthetician experience? And what results might you see? Read on...

What is at-home microneedling?

In a nutshell, at-home microneedling, also known as dermarolling, creates itty bitty wounds on your skin's surface. Your body responds to these wounds by stimulating the skin's repair response and increasing collagen and elastin production, which in time will enhance the appearance of your skin.

What does microneedling do?

The question should be what doesn't it do? Okay, to be fair, it won't do your dishes, make you dinner and pour you a glass of wine, BUT when used on a regular basis at-home microneedling works to improve the appearance of scarring, to reduce the look of pores and wrinkles, while firming, plumping and brightening skin. It can also be used in conjunction with skincare products to help them penetrate more deeply, therefore further improving the look of your skin.

What products can I use in conjunction with my derma roller?

The key is to think soothing thoughts when it comes to the days your dermaroll. Basic ingredients and hydrating products are ideal. While it's nowhere near as full on as professional microneedling, at-home microneedling is still an intense experience for your skin, so remember to be kind, because overstimulation of the skin can cause more damage, which is the opposite of what you're trying to achieve. However if you do want to use products with more active ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, patch test first, as microneedling helps product go deeper into your skin and therefore can cause more sensitivity that what you might usually experience.

What's the difference between at-home and professional microneedling?

At-home microneedling uses shorter needles than in a clinical setting, they're also less sharp, and there's no need for topical anaesthetic. Due to the severity of professional microneedling people can see the difference in their skin in a shorter period of time, than that of at-home microneedling.

Is a microneedling derma roller easy to use?

Ridiculously so! The trick is to not push too hard - there's no need to hurt yourself! Let the weight of the roller be your guide, then all you have to do is roll the derma roller over your skin vertically, diagonally and horizontally - rolling twice over your cheeks, forehead and chin. You can even bring it down to your neck and décolletage. Best of all, it's not a time suck. You should only use your derma roller up to three times a week in order to give your skin time to repair in between sessions, and the session itself should only take a couple of minutes.

Can I experience miracles overnight?

As with any skin care regime - no. It can take anywhere between two to four weeks to see results.

Is at-home microneedling safe?

Like anything, you need to follow the instructions that come with microneedling derma roller. The most important thing is to patch test an area of your skin first. Find yourself reaction-free? Then remember to always keep your microneedling derma roller clean. Sterilise with rubbing alcohol (such as isopropyl alcohol) and air dry it properly after each use, then keep it in its case when not in use. Never, ever share it with another person. You also do not want to use it on skin that is inflamed or broken, for example skin that's experiencing acne breakouts or rosacea. If you have skin that is susceptible to eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, warts, cystic acne, then you need to have a chat with a medical professional prior to using.

Anything else?

If you decide to try at-home microneedling, do remember that it may result in skin redness and increased sun sensitivity... so break out the sunscreen and use it daily (which you should already be doing, but we're all human and nobody is perfect). At-home derma rollers should also be replaced every three months due to the needles becoming too dull to be effective. And if you've got some injectables going on (botox/fillers) wait two to four weeks after your injection session before trying at-home microneedling as it can cause overstimulation and interfere with the efficacy of the injectables.

So there you have it - everything you need to know about at-home microneedling! So, my lovelies, have you tried it before? Are you keen to?

(And if you're keen don't forget to put your hand up for our trial here.)

Chat below! We'd love to know your thoughts!