In recent years– and throughout 2020 especially– many beauty treatments that were previously reserved for a spa setting have become more accessible to DIY. One trend I’m seeing take over consumer skin care: microneedles. From patches to dermarollers, it’s easier than ever to reap the skin benefits of microneedling at home.

“Microneedling is a type of skin procedure that uses small needles to pierce tiny punctures into the skin,” explains Dr. Lucy Chen, Board Certified Miami Dermatologist of Riverchase Dermatology. “This creates a healing process on the skin which helps stimulate collagen production, yielding improvement in skin texture, firmness and fine lines/wrinkles.”

Basically, your skin recognizes small punctures on the face as something it needs to heal, and rushes extra resources there to repair and replenish the surface with new cells. Rolling or pushing needles into your skin at home may seem scary, but it’s a relatively painless procedure, only piercing through the surface-level of your skin with a prickly sensation. Most microneedling products also claim to enhance absorption of your favorite skin care products, as they create a channel for serums and mositurizers to sink deeper into.

One of the draws of microneedling is that it satisfies the need for instant gratification when many skin care regimens take time to see results. Just the act of microneedling will leave your skin looking more plump and glowy. Get even more noticeable, long lasting results by pairing serums and actives to target specific skin concerns and sticking with it for at least a month.

The most budget-friendly microneedling tool would be a simple dermaroller, which you can find as cheap as the $10 Equate Beauty Facial Microneedle Dermaroller at Walmart.

Other brands have enhanced the experience to offer even more benefits, such as BeautyBio’s GloPRO Microneedling Tool (pictured above), which combines microneedling with vibrations that stimulate deeper layers of the skin, plus LED red light therapy which helps with inflammation and collagen production. The GloPRO comes in a kit along with a handful of the brand’s skin care and tool maintenance products in travel sizes for $199. I always love the idea of stacking multiple benefits in one tool, so sometimes the splurge is worth it… especially if it’s something I can do at home multiple times versus the rare expensive facial appointment.

The best part about microneedling is that it’s not a lengthy step to add to your existing routine. A dermarolling routine only takes about a minute a day. After cleansing and toning, move the dermaroller over the face in vertical, horizontal, and diagonal directions for 60 seconds, then apply your serums and moisturizers. It’s imperative to sanitize your dermarollers using at least 70% isopropyl alcohol after each use, and it’s recommended to replace them every 3 months.

Exploring Microneedling: The Latest Skin Care Trend

When it comes to the GloPRO tool, users have the option to purchase new attachment heads instead of having to replace the entire tool, making it a more cost-effective choice.

For a more convenient approach to embracing the microneedling trend, consider using microneedle patches. Available at drugstores, the Miss Spa Banish Microneedle Spot Treatments ($7.99) are equipped with dissolving microneedles containing 0.5% salicylic acid to target acne effectively overnight. Simply apply before bedtime, leave it on overnight, and discard the patch in the morning. These patches are known to curb acne breakout and diminish their appearance quicker than traditional cream treatments. Another popular choice is the Skyn Iceland Dissolving Microneedle Eye Patches ($14), which deliver hyaluronic acid and peptides to reduce fine lines and rejuvenate the under-eye area. Wearing these patches overnight can help you wake up with a more refreshed look, free from dark circles and tired eyes.

Combining the microneedle method with active treatment and patches is a common practice in dermatology. Dr. Chen suggests applying medication under occlusion to enhance absorption, similar to how microneedle patches work. However, she advises caution with over-the-counter patches as the exact absorption of medication is not always clear. Leaving them on for longer than recommended could lead to potential allergies or skin irritation.

Incorporating Microneedling into Your Skincare Routine

Have you considered using microneedling as part of your skincare regimen? The option of microneedle patches offers a convenient and effective way to tackle skincare concerns and enhance your overall skin health.