Best Professional Grade Microneedle Devices for at Home Use

What is microneedling?

By now, you’ve likely heard of microneedling and possibly even had a professional microneedling treatment.

Microneedling therapy is also known as collagen induction therapy, derma rolling or skin needling, and is generally safe for most people and all skin types.

Collagen induction therapy is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses a hand held microneedle pen that is used to create micro-wounds in the skin to stimulate the body’s natural healing process through increased collagen and elastin production.

For more information on the research and science behind microneedling and it’s effectiveness, click here: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/the-science-behind-microneedling/

Types of microneedling devices

There are a few microneedling device types available for you to choose from. Microneedle roller or derma roller, microneedling stamp, and microneedling pen or sometimes called a derma pen. This article will focus on the microneedling pens, as they are the professional grade option.

For more information on the differences between these device options and the pros and cons of each option click here: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/types-of-micrneedling/

How it works

Microneedling devices come in a range of brands, prices, and features. However, this article will focus on the microneedling pen devices, and every pen has a few core similarities:

Disposable cartridges for different needle counts
Speed and depth settings
Rechargeable power source

The disposable cartridges hold tiny needles, and the quantity of needles per cartridge is usually 12, 24, or 36 count. While the needle cartridge may vary per device, these three are the standard count.

Typically, the smaller needle count cartridges are used for the face and targeted areas to provide a sufficient amount of stimulation without causing too much damage to the skin in the process.

The higher needle count is used for atrophic acne scars. These are acne scars that leave an indent or uneven skin texture, even after the inflammation heals. The larger needle count also works well for stretch marks.

Some microneedling pens are also compatible with a “nano” cartridge. These do not include needles, but rather a very superficial “punch” that offers milder exfoliation. Nanos are best for more sensitive skin or those that need very little maintenance, as a nano punch can penetrate through the skin barrier and help with product absorption in the skin surface.

Benefits of microneedling tools

Generally, microneedling treatments fall into the categories below:

Anti-aging
Texture or scarring
Pigmentation

The skin benefits of this minimally invasive procedure address several skin concerns, with very little downtime. Below are a few of the many benefits of microneedling therapy:

increase collagen and elastin production
improve skin texture and skin tone
reduce fine lines and wrinkles
reverse some signs of aging skin
treat acne scarring
reduce surgical or raised scars
improve the appearance of stretch marks
reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, or dark spots
reduce enlarged pores
improve skin elasticity
reduce hair loss

This list is not exhaustive, and more benefits are being discovered all the time. For more information on the benefits of a microneedling treatment, click here: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/benefits-of-microneedling/

Microneedling vs. botox vs. fillers?

Getting botox and/or fillers is a personal choice, but please consider this; while they may seem like a quick fix, they are both temporary and when they wear off, your skin will revert back to it’s original appearance or worse as your skin loses elasticity. These are both expensive with regular recurring upkeep, risk of infection (horrific personal experience on this one, left scars from a professional treatment that I’m still trying to remove).

On the other hand, every time you have a microneedling treatment, your skin actually improves over time as your own natural growth factors increases to strengthen, smooth, improve uneven skin tone and add volume to your skin. The benefits of microneedling address more than just lines and wrinkles while being less invasive with fewer side effects.

Professional vs. at home use

While I am a huge fan of microneedling treatments, I am not a fan of how expensive the professional microneedling treatments are. The average cost per professional treatment is $300 and could be as expensive as $500 depending on where you live and the salon you go to.

I do suggest you have a few professional microneedling treatments before you try it yourself at home, so you’re familiar with the protocol, pain tolerance, etc.

Contraindications of microneedling

Microneedling treatments are safe for almost everyone. Here are some common contraindications to be aware of before trying microneedling therapy:

Accutane, even 6 months to a year off
Skin cancer
Suspicious blemishes
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Recent exfoliation (chemical peel, laser, etc.)
Immune system issues such as lupus
Acne
Infection
Open wounds or wound healing issues

A typical session can result in the following side effects:

Skin redness and swelling
Sensitivity to products and sunlight
Some discomfort, feels like a sunburn
Some pinpoint bleeding
Light shedding of dead skin cells

Note: while it’s not necessarily a contraindication, microneedling does not work on keloid scars.

FAQs

Is microneedling safe?

Microneedling is considered safe for almost everyone and all skin types. However, it is imperative to sterilize everything to avoid infection.

Is microneedling painful?

Depending on the depth of the needling, it can be painful if performed without a topical numbing cream. With numbing cream it is mildly uncomfortable in some areas where the skin is thinner (forehead).

Will deeper microneedling give me a better treatment?

Not necessarily. You could cause irreversible damage to the deeper layers of skin with aggressive treatments. A depth of 1.0mm should be the maximum depth performed by a non-professional. If you have deep scarring or other such concerns that aren’t improving after several treatments, it’s best to have a professional provide the microneedling treatment.

How often can I have a microneedling treatment?

Every week for a cosmetic microneedling treatment and 4-6 weeks for a medical microneedling treatment, to allow your body’s natural healing process to complete it’s cycle. Using a microneedling pen more often would disrupt your skin’s growth cycle, increase inflammation and damage the epidermal layers of skin.

Can I do microneedling session when pregnant or breastfeeding?

It’s best to avoid microneedling while pregnant or breastfeeding unless you are able to tolerate the discomfort without a numbing cream. Since the numbing cream can penetrate the skin, it’s possible for it to get into your blood stream.

When will I see results from microneedling?

You may see some results a few days after treatment, but depending on your skin concerns and goals, it usually takes multiple treatments to achieve your desired results.

Can I wear makeup after a microneedling treatment?

It’s recommended to wait at least 24 hours after treatment before wearing makeup to allow the open micro wounds, or channels the opportunity to heal.

Hair loss

In much the same way as microneedling your skin, using a microneedling pen slows down hair loss by stimulating collagen production on the scalp. You can increase the efficacy of microneedling treatments on the scalp by using a hair growth serum. Just be sure it has safe ingredients, as it is penetrating deep into the skin and can be absorbed into the surrounding tissue and blood stream.

Hair loss can be triggered by systemic issues, so if you are unsure of the root cause, consider consulting with a functional medicine professional.

Best microneedling pens for at home use

The best professional microneedling pens currently on the market are Dr Pen professional microneedling devices and replacement cartridges. The quality of the Dr. Pen at home microneedling pen options are unbeatable. The Dr. Pen site has a comparison chart of the pens currently offered, as well as a quiz where your personal needs will help determine which is the best microneedling device for you.

Visit Dr. Pen site for more information: Dr Pen Official Site

Key take aways

Determine what skin care concern you are wanting to resolve, and does microneedling address it?
What would be the best microneedling pen to meet your needs?
To get the best results from a microneedling pen, follow a protocol in terms of ways to perform the treatment as well as time between treatments to ensure you are maximizing the benefits of each treatment.

Ready to get started with your microneedling journey? If you need a boost of confidence, a step by step protocol for at home microneedling can be found here: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/microneedling-101-a-step-by-step-protocol/

Conclusion

You will likely need more than one microneedling session to see your desired results but I think you’ll agree, the results are undeniable. I’ve personally had scarring from a professional IPL laser treatment disappear from microneedling treatments. If you are wanting to reverse several signs of aging, reduce acne scars and improve skin tone, the collagen induction therapy from a microneedling pen is your best bet.

Was this article helpful? Do you have additional questions on microcurrent therapy? Please leave us a comment!

*Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided is for information purposes only Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or skin related diagnosis or treatment options. The statements made about specific products throughout this blog are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. It is important that you check labels to determine if a product is right for you. Before starting any treatment at home consult a health care or skin care professional to determine if it’s right for you.

*Disclosure: some links may be affiliate links where I may get a small commission at no additional cost to you.