Microneedling At Home Vs Professional

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that involves pricking the skin with tiny needles so that the skin heals itself. This natural healing process results in plumper, smoother, younger-looking skin. Microneedling also helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles, acne, age spots, and dark circles.

What Does At-Home Microneedling Do?

At-home microneedling slightly penetrates the skin to create “microchannels,” allowing your skin to absorb active ingredients with up to 90% more efficiency. Pair microneedling with your favorite skincare products for maximum absorption.

At-home microneedling is often done with a derma roller. But innovations like Depology's Deepcare+ Serum-Infused Micro-Dart Patches are changing the game — these patches use active-ingredient microneedles that dissolve directly into the skin.

Benefits of Microneedling for Your Skin

Microneedling has become popular due to its wide range of benefits. It helps renew and plump the skin with minimal downtime and can be tailored to individual needs.

Some benefits include:

• Scar reduction, including acne scars
• Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
• Minimizing enlarged pores
• Reducing hyperpigmentation
• Evening out uneven skin tone
• Improving skin elasticity
• Reducing stretch marks
• Minimizing general scar visibility
• Encouraging hair growth in alopecia patients

Microneedling is often less expensive than laser therapy and may be more effective for some skin concerns. Laser treatments use heat, which can affect pigmentation.

Professional Microneedling vs. At-Home

Professional microneedling is more effective but can be expensive — from $100–$700 per session, with 4–6 sessions recommended. In total, this can cost $400–$4,200.

At-home tools like derma rollers cost $15–$140 or dissolving microneedle patches cost less than $10 per use.

Professionals use longer needles for deeper results. At-home devices are gentler but still effective, especially when paired with good skincare products.

Does Microneedling Hurt?

When done correctly, at-home microneedling is safe and minimally uncomfortable. Choose needle lengths no larger than 0.25mm. These needles don’t draw blood and reduce injury risk.

Avoid microneedling over active acne or rosacea (except cystic acne), as it may worsen inflammation.

If using a derma roller, clean it thoroughly using proper sterilization methods. Microneedle patches are single-use, so no cleaning is needed.

Is There Any Danger or Side Effect?

Most people experience slight discomfort or redness for a few days. More serious side effects include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Bruising
• Peeling

Avoid microneedling if you have eczema, psoriasis, open wounds, active acne, recent radiation therapy, or a history of scarring. Pregnant individuals should consult a doctor first.

What Products Should I Use?

Serums contain the highest concentration of active ingredients and penetrate deeper into the skin, making them the most effective during microneedling. Avoid vitamin C and retinol immediately before or after microneedling.

For anti-aging, use serums or microneedle patches with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides.

Deepcare+™ patches contain 1000 dissolvable micro darts infused with 30mg of serum, delivering ingredients deep into the skin — painless and with no downtime.

Our Pick:

At-Home Microneedling Steps

Step 1: Cleanse

Cleanse thoroughly to remove bacteria and impurities.

Step 2: Prep The Skin

Apply toner and serums with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or peptides. Avoid oils or creams before microneedling.

Step 3: Apply Microneedles

For Derma Rollers: Roll 2–3 times vertically, then horizontally on each area.

For Microneedle Patches: Apply to target areas, press for 3 seconds, and leave on for at least 2 hours (overnight for best results).

Step 4: Apply More Serums

Finish with serums and moisturizer.

When Will I See Results?

With a derma roller, results appear in a few weeks depending on skin type. Microneedle patches show results in 1–2 weeks.

A 2008 study found a 400% increase in collagen and elastin six months after four professional microneedling sessions.

Conclusion: At-Home vs. Professional Microneedling

At-home microneedling is affordable and convenient for glow and brightness. Professional microneedling delivers deeper, more dramatic results for scars, stretch marks, and major skin rejuvenation. Choose based on your goals and comfort level.