Is At-Home Microneedling Safe? The Answer Might Surprise You

Laser hair removal, dermaplaning, waxing – these are just a few popular in-salon treatments that many of us have resorted to doing on our own at home due to massive salon and spa closures around the country. Though plenty of dermatologists and skin experts are offering up advice on how best to perform these treatments at home, there’s one in particular that some pros would advise you to steer clear of: microneedling.

“Microneedling is a skin rejuvenation treatment that uses a dermaroller to cause precise microchannel injuries to the skin,” said dermatologist Michele Green, MD. “Through these micro-injuries, the skin is able to stimulate collagen production as it heals.” Even though you can find tons of dermarollers made for at-home use, it’s not advised that you actually try microneedling in your home, since there’s a possibility for you to tear your skin.

“In-office microneedling treatment goes deeper than tools used at home,” Green said. “The depth of the needle can be controlled depending on what you are treating. For example, if you’re treating acne scars, the depth can be controlled to go deeper, unlike an at-home dermaroller, which is very superficial.”

Performing this at home could put you at risk of not only tearing your skin, but also leaving your skin scarred, discoloured, or infected if done incorrectly. If you’re looking for ways to maintain your skin’s health in the meantime, Green recommends cleansing, hydrating, and moisturizing as you normally would, as well as regularly applying sunscreen. In-office needling, like everything else, will be an option again in due time.