At-home microneedling tools have much smaller needles than professional tools, with the recommended needle size being no larger than 0.25mm. Smaller needles don't draw blood and minimize the risk of injuring yourself. You should also make sure that microneedling is right for your skin.
If you're looking for mild improvements or want to test the waters, at-home microneedling might be a suitable option for you. However, if you're dealing with more serious skin concerns or want the best possible results, professional microneedling is the better investment.
Ask any dermatologist and they'll tell you that no at-home skin treatment compares to the professionalism, advancement, and efficacy of an in-office treatment, including microneedling. From dermarollers to at-home microneedling pens, poking hundreds of tiny holes into your skin at home might not be the smartest idea.
When selecting the best microneedling pen, you should consider the device's ability to adjust needle depth, which allows for customized treatments tailored to individual skin needs. It's also crucial that the pen features an ergonomic design for ease of use and precise control during procedures.
“While at-home microneedling is effective, especially with consistent use over time, the technique only works for mild superficial scars and lines—it doesn't work miracles,” she says.
Like all cosmetic treatments, microneedling is a medical procedure. To protect your health and safety, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends seeing a medical doctor who has expertise in treating the skin and performing cosmetic treatments, such as a board-certified dermatologist. This session is essential.
Some pens operate on one speed only. Others may have up to six various adjustable speeds. Depending on where you plan on using the pen, there's an optimal speed to use. Pens that have different speeds are more useful to apply in different areas, although some speeds may be too intense for sensitive areas.
Microneedling at home
The main risk associated with microneedling is infection. The tiny wounds created by the microneedles can provide a pathway for bacteria to enter the skin and cause an infection. Another potential complication is scarring. If too much tissue is damaged, it could lead to scarring.
Microneedling with Dp4™
A clinical treatment consists of a creating very fine micro-channels in the skin with a DP4 Microneedling Pen , paired with potent, clinical-grade skincare that will enhance and improve the treatment results.
We recommend our Hyaluronic Acid Serum or Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar, available for purchase. It is important to apply every 3 hours for the first 24 hours after the microneedling. These can also be continued twice a day for the first week.
The average cost of microneedling in the US is about $640 per session, according to over 300 patient experiences on RealSelf. This can vary between $300 to $700, however, depending on: Your location: Prices may be higher in major cities or upscale clinics.
The main difference between microneedling at home and at a clinic has to do with the length of the needles. The ones used at a clinic measure between 0.5 and 2.5 mm, while the ones used in home devices are only 0.3 mm long. Consequently, they don't produce quite the same action.
Both microneedling and chemical peels can help to rejuvenate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, however, for deeper wrinkles, Dr. Green may recommend adding Botox or dermal fillers to your treatment plan.
For treating acne and other scars as a routine, a needle length of 1.5–2 mm is usually used. When microneedling is used as a procedure to treat ageing skin and wrinkles, the needle length of 0.5 mm or 1.0 mm is usually recommended.
When it comes to choosing between SkinPen and Dermapen, SkinPen is the clear winner. Not only does it offer superior precision and safety, but shorter treatment times make it more convenient for busy patients. In addition, SkinPen's technology provides a more even distribution of needles across the skin.
Professional microneedling is more expensive than its at-home counterpart, yet it also offers greater results in terms of safety, efficacy and longevity. At-home microneedling can still provide excellent results if done correctly; however, it may need to be repeated more often than a professional treatment would.
The Average Cost of SkinPen Microneedling
Generally, a single session of SkinPen microneedling ranges between $300 to $500 per session in the U.S. However, here's a closer look at what goes into this price: Single Treatment Costs: As mentioned, one treatment can be $300-$500 depending on the factors above.
The primary difference is in the depth of the needles of each device. Professional microneedling devices have longer needles, which penetrate deeper into the epidermis than dermarollers. Because of this, they provide more substantial collagen and elastin induction and more measurable results than at-home alternatives.
Top Picks: Banisher 3.0
I recommend the Banisher 3.0 for at home microneedling for a few reasons: Optimal Needle Length: At 0.5mm needles, it is the optimal length for at home use being long enough to boost collagen and skincare absorption, and minimzing risks of scarring.
Microneedling is a simple and straightforward process that you can do at home. But you must follow all standard safety and hygiene protocols to ensure your safety and avoid the risk of infection or damage. Not all at-home microneedling devices are created equal.
Overall, the m8s Dr. Pen is considered an upgraded version of the m8, offering improved performance and user experience.
Basically, RF microneedling is the gold-standard version of microneedling. It comes with all the same benefits as traditional microneedling, but with even better results.
Rejuvapen is similar to the SkinPen®. But the collagen induction therapy treatment can be more expensive, because only licensed medical professionals can use it. This means you would have to go to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to receive the treatment.