Radiofrequency microneedling treatments such as Morpheus8 are highly sought after for their remarkable ability to enhance skin texture and tone. It’s no wonder that many are trying to replicate these results at home. While DIY microneedling can’t match the full benefits of professional treatments, it still offers advantages if done with proper knowledge and safety precautions. With expert guidance, we’ll cover all you need to know about microneedling, including how to use dermarollers or tools at home and the top devices available for purchase.

Vogue’s Top At-Home Microneedling Picks

– Best for Face & Eyes: BeautyBio Eye Want It All Face + Eye Microneedling Set – $249 at BEAUTYBIO
– Best for Experienced Users: Beauty Ora Electric Microneedle Derma Pen System – $90 at DERMSTORE
– Best Compact Dermaroller: StackedSkincare Microneedling Roller – $89 at AMAZON

In This Article:
– Benefits of microneedling
– Potential side effects
– Recovery process
– At-home vs. in-office treatments
– How to select a derma roller
– Using a microneedling device
– Expert insights

Best for Face & Eyes: BeautyBio Eye Want It All Face + Eye Microneedling Set
This innovative device combines red light therapy with gentle microneedling, using attachments for both the full face and sensitive eye area to improve radiance and elasticity. Dr. Babak Azizzadeh, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, notes, “The conservative needle length makes it ideal for those seeking a subtle glow rather than intense treatment.” The kit includes an eye balm enriched with squalane and jojoba oil to nourish skin post-treatment.
– Needle Length: 0.3 mm for face and eyes
– Needle Material: Stainless steel

Best for Experienced Users: Beauty Ora Electric Microneedle Derma Pen System
This derma pen requires careful handling due to its adjustable needle depth, ranging from 0.25 mm to 2.0 mm—the latter typically used in professional settings. Dr. Azizzadeh advises, “It’s suited for those experienced with at-home microneedling; beginners should opt for needles 0.5mm or shorter and avoid lengths over 0.75mm without medical supervision.” Stick to the lowest setting unless advised otherwise by a professional.
– Needle Length: 0.25 mm to 2.0 mm
– Needle Material: Stainless steel

Best Compact Dermaroller: StackedSkincare Microneedling Roller
Ideal for beginners and travelers, this simple dermaroller has a shallow 0.02 mm depth. Dr. Azizzadeh describes it as “gentle and consistent, perfect for improving skin texture and enhancing product absorption in a low-key routine.” The roller heads are replaceable to ensure sharpness.
– Needle Length: 0.02 mm
– Needle Material: Stainless steel

Best With Cooling Attachment: Geske SmartAppGuided MicroNeedle Face & Body Roller | 8 in 1
This versatile tool offers a complete at-home treatment for face and body. Dr. Azizzadeh highlights its features: “Alongside microneedling, it includes cooling, vibration, and red light therapy, plus a guiding app.” Begin by using the microneedling attachment on clean, dry skin; its 1,680 needles create microchannels to help serums penetrate better.The cooling head is a chilly attachment that helps push active ingredients deeper into the skin while smoothing and reducing puffiness for a more sculpted, taut appearance.

Vegamour GRO+ Advanced Dermaroller
Price: $48
Why we recommend it: This tool can benefit those with thinning hair by enhancing their hair-care routine. Dr. Azizzadeh explains that when paired with a serum or hair-growth treatment, it improves product absorption. For best results, use it on a clean scalp and hair, and replace the dermaroller head monthly.
Needle Length: 0.25 mm
Needle Type: Stainless steel

Everything You Need to Know About Microneedling

What are the benefits of microneedling?
According to board-certified physician associate Lisa Chevalier, PA-C, microneedling creates tiny injuries in the skin with fine needles, stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin. She notes that it’s an effective way to remodel and strengthen the skin without the downtime of more aggressive procedures, improving fine lines, scars, texture, pores, tone, and overall skin quality. Dr. Azizzadeh adds that when combined with topical treatments, microneedling enhances product absorption by creating micro-channels that allow deeper penetration into the skin.

What are the side effects of microneedling?
Microneedling is generally safe when performed by a skilled professional, but risks increase with at-home use. These include infection from poor hygiene, irritation from deep penetration of active ingredients, scarring, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Dr. Azizzadeh states that issues like raised scars or “train-track” marks often result from using needles that are too deep or an overly aggressive technique, especially in individuals with darker skin tones.

It’s important to note that just because a microneedling device is easily available from a reputable retailer doesn’t guarantee its safety. Chevalier explains that home-use pens with needle depths greater than 0.3mm pose significant risks due to their impact on the skin and how they reach consumers. Many of these deeper devices are manufactured overseas with questionable sterility and quality, increasing the risk. Because they penetrate the skin deeply, they are technically medical devices meant for trained professionals. Chevalier adds that unsafe devices often bypass regulations by avoiding explicit medical claims, so use them at your own risk.

To minimize the risk of infection and other side effects, either opt for professional treatments or use the gentlest, highest-quality tools at home while following proper hygiene and technique (detailed below).

Choose the right products after the procedure to reduce side effects. Chevalier advises that using the wrong products can cause inflammation or allergic reactions since the skin is more permeable. For at least two days post-treatment, avoid active ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, and retinol, and instead use mild, skin-barrier supporting products to aid recovery.

What’s the recovery process like?
Recovery from microneedling, particularly at-home treatments, is usually mild. Chevalier says most people experience pinkness, warmth, or tightness for the first few hours, similar to a sunburn. Over the next two days, the skin may feel tight, dry, or slightly sensitive, with possible flakiness due to accelerated cell turnover. She recommends avoiding sun exposure, makeup, and non-prescribed skin treatments during the first two days of recovery to prevent irritation.Dr. Azizzadeh advises avoiding sun exposure and delaying workouts during skin recovery, as sweating can clog pores and lead to infection. Mineral sunscreen is acceptable once redness fades, typically within 24 hours. By the week’s end, skin should appear smoother and more radiant.

In-office microneedling, especially with radiofrequency, involves a more intense recovery. Professional devices penetrate deeper, causing a stronger reaction. The sunburn-like effect may persist for several days, accompanied by inflammation, tenderness, or bruising. Makeup—preferably clean, mineral-based products—can cover temporary discoloration starting two days post-treatment.

Regardless of the method, let your skin guide your routine. While skin feels tender or sensitive, use gentle products and avoid saunas, steam rooms, and hot showers, as excess heat can worsen redness and slow healing.

At-Home vs. In-Office Microneedling

The distinction between at-home and professional treatments is significant. Dr. Azizzadeh notes that at-home devices suit those seeking minor maintenance and enhanced skin appearance. However, for dramatic improvements in acne scars, deep wrinkles, or skin laxity, professional treatment is necessary. Chevalier explains that in-office procedures use FDA-approved, medical-grade devices with sterile, single-use tips and motorized needles that penetrate cleanly, reaching depths up to 2.5 mm to address deeper concerns.

At-home microneedling is safe only up to 0.3 mm depth, aiding product absorption and texture, according to Dr. Azizzadeh. Deeper penetration risks entering the dermis. Chevalier classifies these as Class II medical devices intended for licensed professionals due to high risks of scarring, pigment issues, and infection. Skilled practitioners can safely handle various skin types, needle depths, and additional technologies like radiofrequency.

Choosing a Derma Roller

Invest in a reputable brand with a sealed, sterile package and medical-grade steel or titanium needles. Chevalier warns that cheap rollers often have uneven or dull needles that can tear skin and cause permanent scarring.

Consider your desired outcomes: longer needles offer more dramatic results and deeper product penetration but also increase risks of scarring, discoloration, or infection, says Azizzadeh. Start with the shortest needles available to test your skin’s tolerance, remembering that greater results come with higher risks.

Using a Microneedling Device

Prepare your skin by avoiding sun exposure and waxing the week before treatment. Discontinue retinoids, exfoliants, and actives like benzoyl peroxide three days prior. Ensure any breakouts, wounds, or rashes have healed. Microneedling punctures the skin, so starting with clean, intact skin minimizes complications.Dr. Azizzadeh explains that microneedling creates tiny openings in the skin, which can become vulnerable to infection and irritation. He advises against starting treatment if you have any wounds or active acne in the area.

Maintaining good hygiene is crucial for at-home microneedling. Always disinfect your tool before use by soaking it in 70% isopropyl alcohol for at least 10 minutes. For optimal sanitization, Lisa Chevalier recommends using Barbicide or boiling water to ensure the needles are both sterile and undamaged.

Your skin should be thoroughly cleansed with a gentle product, avoiding strong ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to reduce irritation. Although microneedling helps products penetrate deeper, apply it to bare skin only. Chevalier suggests wiping the skin with 70% isopropyl alcohol right before starting to reduce bacteria.

When using the tool, apply light pressure and move it in straight, controlled lines—vertically, horizontally, and diagonally—for even coverage, but avoid the eye area. Lift the device completely between passes to prevent scratching or tearing the skin. The process should be quick and gentle; if you notice any bleeding, the needles are too deep, and you should switch to a tool with shallower ones.

After microneedling, rinse your skin with water and clean the tool with alcohol. Use very gentle skincare products that support barrier repair and collagen production, such as those with snow mushroom, cica, peptides, or PDRN. For deeper treatments, choose products like Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar that are proven safe post-procedure. If redness and sensitivity fade, you can resume your regular skincare routine after 72 hours.

Meet the Experts:
– Dr. Babak Azizzadeh is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills.
– Lisa Chevalier, M.M.S., PA-C, is the founder of SoVous Medical Spa and Laser Center in New York City.

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a helpful and clear FAQ about athome microneedling written in a natural conversational tone

All You Need to Know About AtHome Microneedling FAQs

Beginner Definition Questions

1 What is microneedling in simple terms
Its a skincare technique that uses tiny sterile needles to create microscopic punctures in the top layer of your skin This triggers your bodys natural healing process which boosts collagen and elastin production

2 Whats the difference between a derma roller and a derma stamp
A derma roller has needles on a wheel that you roll across your skin A derma stamp has needles on a flat head that you press straight down onto the skin Stamps often provide more consistent pressure and are easier to keep sterile

3 How short are the needles for athome use
For safe athome use needles should be between 02 mm and 05 mm in length These lengths are designed to work on the very surface of the skin and should not draw blood

Benefits Results

4 What are the main benefits of athome microneedling
It can help improve the appearance of fine lines wrinkles acne scars large pores and overall skin texture It also helps your skincare products absorb better

5 How long does it take to see results
You might see a temporary glow right away from increased blood flow but real lasting results typically take 46 weeks of consistent treatments as your skin builds new collagen

6 Will it help with my deep acne scars
Athome devices can help with mild textural improvement but deep or pitted scars usually require longer needles used by a dermatologist or licensed esthetician for significant results

Process Practical Tips

7 How often should I do it
For needles 03 mm or shorter you can do it once a week For 05 mm needles its best to space treatments out to every 23 weeks to allow your skin ample time to recover

8 What should I put on my skin before and after