"Never Microneedle At Home" Debunking Microneedling Myths!

 

By Daisy Jing 

Microneedling has grown in popularity over the years thanks to its skin-rejuvenating benefits. Everything from smoothing out acne scars to boosting collagen production. But starting in 2021, I was hearing a lot of misinformation about microneedling.  (Bailey et al., 2022)

 

So I read some comments and saw some people saying to never microneeding at home because it's dangerous, or to never use vitamin c after microneedling.  In my search to see where there claims come from, I dug deep to see if these claims and more are justified. 

In this article we're busting the most common microneedling myths that have been circulating.  This guide is for anyone who is interested in microneedling!  

Myth #1: Microneedling is Dangerous

This myth seemed to gain traction around 2021—post-pandemic, when people were still doing at-home treatments. Suddenly, warnings popped up saying microneedling at home was dangerous. But where did this come from?

The truth:  Many estheticians and dermatologists were frustrated that clients were no longer spending hundreds on in-office treatments. While any skincare treatment carries some level of risk, microneedling is incredibly safe when done properly. 

How to Do It Safely:

• Use a reputable device: Do your research. Avoid cheap knockoffs from questionable online marketplaces. For example, Banish uses the same manufacturer that supplies medical-grade tools to plastic surgeons.
• Follow the instructions: Now is not the time to get creative. Stick to the protocol for proper usage and hygiene.
• Don’t share your device: Sharing may be caring, but not when it comes to microneedling. This is your personal tool.
• Replace the heads regularly: Aim for every 4 full-face uses or 8 spot treatments. When in doubt, replace it!
• Use serums you don't react to: Only apply products you’ve patch-tested before. Avoid new or fragrant formulas post-treatment.
• Avoid microneedling if you have active acne, sunburn, or open wounds.💪 your

When used responsibly, microneedling can deliver incredible results with minimal downtime.

Myth #2: Longer Needles Give Better Results

More isn’t always better—especially when it comes to microneedling. There's a common misconception that deeper needles mean more collagen production or better results. Not true.

Here's What Science Says:

Research, including studies cited in The Concise Guide to Dermal Needling by Dr. Lance Setterfield, shows that collagen production peaks between 0.5mm to 0.6mm needle depth. Even when tested at 1.5mm, the new collagen still only formed in the 0.5mm depth range.

Why? Because:

• Facial skin is thin. On average, it’s less than 1mm thick. Anything deeper risks hitting fat or subcutaneous tissue, which can lead to more harm.
• We’re aiming for the dermis, not beyond it. That’s where the magic happens—specifically the release of TGF-beta 3, a protein responsible for scarless collagen production.

Going deeper doesn’t mean better. It just means more trauma and longer recovery, without added benefit.

Myth #3: All Microneedling Devices Are the Same

Nope. Not even close.

Let’s break it down:

• Dr. Pen devices have thick needles and can cause pinpoint scarring, especially for people prone to hyperpigmentation or keloids.
• Derma rollers create a "tram track" effect, dragging across the skin and potentially causing "tram track" scars. 
• Stampers like the Banisher 3.0 press very fine thin needles vertically into the skin.  This means no dragging, less trauma, and finer needles that reduce the risk of irritation or scarring.

In fact, clinical studies recommend non-traumatic needles with a tip radius of 2–3 micrometers to stimulate collagen without causing traditional wounds or bleeding. That’s what makes stamp-style tools the superior and safest choice for at-home use.

Myth #4: Don't Use Vitamin C After Microneedling

This one is wild especially because Vitamin C (specifically L-ascorbic acid) is one of the most powerful ingredients you can pair with microneedling for collagen production.

Let’s be clear: not all Vitamin C is created equal. L-ascorbic acid is the most bioavailable form, meaning your skin cells actually recognize and use it. Other forms? Not so much.

L-ascorbic acid:

• Stimulates collagen synthesis.
• Aids in the stabilization of collagen fibers.
• Helps with photodamage, fine lines, and pigmentation.

The confusion likely came from a med spa study regarding microneedling on a couple patients that all used the now discontinued vitamin c product that caused an allergic reaction in one user. (Martin & Huang, 2021).

That person also had a nickel allergy and used a microneedling device containing nickel so it's impossible to say it's from vitamin c alone.  

The study also concluded that it was a most likely a undisclosed preservative or fragrance within the vitamin c formula that caused the reaction, but they couldn't' follow up with the patient.  

Bottom line: If you're not allergic and the serum is formulated for post-microneedling use (like Banish’s Vitamin C, E, and Ferulic Acid Serum), you're good.  

 

Why Vitamin C is so important for skin

Vitamin C is one of the most effective ingredients for boosting collagen and repairing skin, but it comes with some limitations.

First, it oxidizes fast. Second, it only works well when it’s in a low pH environment. That’s why Banish does things differently—our Vitamin C Serum is made fresh, and it’s clear when you get it. If a Vitamin C serum is orange when it arrives? That’s oxidation and it's not as effective.

Yes, it might sting a bit when you apply it.  That's because for Vitamin C to actually work, it has to penetrate your skin and it only penetrates at a low acidic pH.  

Myth #5: Microneedling Results Are Immediate

Wouldn’t that be nice?

While your skin might look glowier and a little plumper right after treatment, real results happen over time. Collagen remodeling is a process that keeps giving! One that continues for 3 to 6 months after a single session.

Here’s how your skin heals post-microneedling:

1. Hemostasis: Blood platelets release growth factors, including the TGF-beta 3.
2. Inflammation: Redness and swelling as your immune system gets to work.
3. Proliferation (days to weeks): Fibroblasts activate and begin collagen and elastin production.
4. Remodeling (weeks to months): Skin strengthens and thickens over time, improving texture, tone, and scars.

In other words, microneedling sets off a cascade of skin-rebuilding activity that’s still going long after the needles are put away.

Myth #6: Thicker Needles are better

False

Thicker is not always better! It's best to look for a needle that is thinner when microneedling. As stated earlier, if you create a thin wound under 2 micrometers, it doesn't cause scarring which is what we want when we are microneedling. (Liebl, & Kloth,2012)

In terms of metals like titanium vs stainless steel, we think titanium comes ahead because: 

• It resists corrosion better compared to stainless steel
• It’s hypoallergenic so it's great for sensitive skin or people with metal allergies

Some lower-quality stainless steel tools can contain nickel, which can cause allergic reactions if you have a nickel allergy, while titanium needles won't do that.  

Myth 7: Microneedling Is Better with Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency microneedling such as Morpheus8 may seem cutting edge and hi-tech, but it can actually create volume loss in the skin if you hit the subcutaneous fat layer.  Using heat at deep skin levels over 2 or 3mm can melt facial fat. That’s not ideal for most people because it is what gives us a youthful and plump skin look. 

If you do want to do RF, don't go deeper than 0.5mm. Your skin is not much deeper than 1mm so you don't want to melt the fat tissue right beneath your facial skin. 

Myth 8: Only People With Light Skin Can Microneedle

False. Microneedling is for all skin tones, period. It’s one of the few skin treatments that work well for deeper skin tones that may be scar from chemical peels or laser treatments.  (Cohen & Elbuluk, 2016)

Studies have shown that microneedling led to a 50–75% improvement in scarring for individuals of Asian descent.

Based on what I've seen from our customers who try microneedling, we’ve seen great results on skin with Indian, African, and Latinx heritage too. Dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and textured skin? Microneedling has helped so many people who had limited options elsewhere.

The Bottom Line

Microneedling can be done at home safely and don't believe all the headlines you see online.

 It’s a scientifically backed treatment with long lasting results that's been around since the 90's.  Like any tool, it’s only as effective (and safe) as the person using it. 

If you’re new to microneedling or interested in starting, make sure you’re using well-researched products and ingredients. 

Recommended Products: 

Banish Kit 3.0 home microneedling kit