The Complete Guide To Microneedling At Home

You may have heard about microneedling -  a procedure that involves tiny micro needles that prick into the skin to promote healing and collagen production.  Microneedling is a great way to reduce acne scars. 

While it may seem intimidating to some, it's actually pretty simple to follow the steps for microneedling depending on the tool you have. 

Before considering doing it yourself at home, here are some guidelines when to NOT to microneedle.

Do NOT microneedle at home if you have other skin conditions like rosacea or eczema, or if are taking isotretinoin. Also, don't go over active acne with it. 

Here we'll explain in detail what microneedling does and go through each step on how to microneedle at home. 

What Microneedling Is

Microneedling is known as collagen induction therapy. It is a non-invasive  procedure that involves several tiny micro needles pressing into skin to trigger the skin healing process. 

Microneedling alsoallows for better absorption of skin care products, allowing active and hydrating ingredients to better penetrate the skin.

Microneedling can improve the appearance of acne scars by increasing collagen in skin to help fill in atrophic or depressed scars. Additionally microneedling can also help with

• Fine Lines
• Hyperpigmentation

Microneedling can be done in office too, but we're focusing on how you can microneedling at home.  

Choosing the Best Microneedling Tool For Home Use

When picking or choosing a microneedle too for at home use, there are a few important factors to consider:

Types Of Microneedle Tools 

Options usually include stainless steel or titanium material for the needles.  

We prefer titanium needles as they are extremely durable and and aren't likely to cause a metal allergy reaction.  Stainless steel can blunt faster compared to titanium. 

When choosing the best microneedle tool, consider also the needle size. For home use, don't use a tool that has needles longer than 0.5mm because it increases the risk of skin trauma if not handled by a professional.  

Dermaroller, Versus Stamps, Versus Powered Tools 

Dermarollers are devices where the needles are rolled onto skin and may have a higher chance of making small tears on the skin especially if not applying the right technique and pressure.

We recommend a tool that is stamped or pressed onto skin since there is less room for error.

Powered devices should be left to the professionals because they can also cause issues if dragged on the skin or used with the improper technique.  

Recommendation: 

The Banisher 2.0  has 24k gold plated titanium needles.  Gold has been found to be antibacterial. 

Step by Step Guide To Microneedling At Home

Here's a guide for microneedling at home.  If you follow all steps, you'll surely see great results. 

How To Microneedle At Home?

Before microneedling,  we recommend patch testing your tool in a small area and waiting 24 hours to see how skin reacts.  This also applies if you are trying a new skincare product in general. 

Doing this routine in the evening is recommended since it's best to stay out of the sun after microneedling.  Makeup shouldn't be worn until at least 8 hours have passed after using home microneedling tools. 

Never share your microneedle tool with anyone. When microneedling at home, your tool is for your personal use only. 

Remember to avoid microneedling over active acne such as papules, cysts, whiteheads and blackheads and don't use if there is a rash or other skin condition like eczema or rosacea. 

Steps to microneedle with the Banisher 2.0 specific tool. 

1. Twist the cap off or remove tool's protecting casing. 
2. Pour rubbing alcohol of at least 70% up to the fill line then twist back on. Let bristles touch the rubbing alcohol for at least 5 minutes.  
3. Let tool air dry for 2-3 minutes, don't let bristles touch other surface. 
4. Make sure skin and hands are thoroughly cleansed. For extra precaution you may wipe the skin with an alcohol wipe before microneedling. 
5. Press the microneedle tool 4 to 5 times in each area you want to improve, do not drag the Banisher across skin. 
6. Each time you press the Banisher, lift fully up off the skin and press down straight onto the skin.  Don't twist the Banisher while it's pressed onto the skin.  
7. Apply a few drops of Banish serum after the treatment and leave on.  You may wash your face with a gentle cleanser the next morning and wear sunscreen for the following days.
8. Repeat up to once a week or once every 2 weeks. 

How Often Can I Microneedle?- For home use tools that are 0.5mm or under,  microneedling can be done once a week, or once every 2 weeks.  

How Long Do Results Take?– Results may vary from person to person and require several sessions. On average most people start to see some long lasting results within 4-6 weeks, with many by the 3rd month.  Being consistent with the routine is also important too.   

You may experience an immediate plumping effect the next day but it is more of a temporary effect. 

Recommended Needle Size- The recommended needle size or bristles' length for a home microneedling treatment is 0.5 mm which is the minimal size needed to stimulate collagen.  Anything higher than that should be done by a professional who specializes in microneedling in office or at their spa. 

Does Microneedling Hurt? – Most people would say that microneedling at home or using the Banisher 2.0 doesn’t hurt but rather feels like velcro being pressed into their skin.   

At home microneedle tools are not deep enough to reach the dermis layer of skin which contain nerves and blood vessels so they don't require numbing cream. 

Microneedling Aftercare Tips

There are things that you can use and should avoid after a microneedling treatment.

What to use

• Gentle cleanser and lukewarm water
• Serum with antioxidants
• Sunscreen (physical sunscreens are better as they tend to be less irritating than chemical sunscreens)
• Hydrating ingredients

What to avoid

• Wearing or applying makeup immediately after
• Sun exposure and tanning beds
• Swimming in pools or ocean right after
• AHA, BHA , retinol, and scrubs
• Highly fragranced skin care products

What to expect after microneedling

Right after microneedling, your skin may be red or flushed looking. This is a normal reaction and the redness should go away by the next morning.

For some you may experience mild flaking of skin due to the exfoliation process. You can expect skin to appear plumper and after 4-6 sessions mild improvement in skin texture and tone appearance.  Always stay out of sun and wear SPF on the days of and after microneedling for best results. 

Side Effects Of Microneedling

Using at home microneedling tools like the Banisher 2.0 with shallower needles will have fewer side effects compared to in office treatments.  

Common Side Effects: 

• Temporary Redness ( usually goes away after 2-4 hours )
• Mild irritation ( usually goes away within the next day ) 

Conclusion

Microneedling can be done at home with the right tool and technique. If you are still not feeling confident, It's best to consult with a dermatologist first for recommendations.

Also, results may vary from person to person as it may take some people just a few weeks and others several months, to get positive results depending on your skin’s tolerance and your own natural healing ability to the treatment. 

References/Sources

 “Microneedling: Advances and Widening Horizons” by Aasham Singh and Savita Yadav from NCBI ; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4976400/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/needling-your-way-to-healthier-skin