Microneedling at our Washington, D.C., practice can smooth out wrinkles and improve texture, creating glowing, rejuvenated skin. Like many other trending treatments, though, do-it-yourself versions have popped up on the market. And not all microneedling treatments are created equal.
DIY options promise amazing microneedling benefits, but consumers should know that these claims aren’t always accurate. In this blog post, I will discuss the truth about at-home microneedling and why our DC-area patients choose to trust this treatment to our professional expertise.
Better Results
Microneedling uses a group of very fine needles to produce microinjuries to your skin. Those tiny injuries stimulate your skin’s natural healing mechanism, increasing collagen production, and helping skin to look healthier and smoother.
There are multiple at-home microneedling devices on the market. While these usually cost less than a session with a board-certified dermatologist in DC, there’s really no comparison between the outcomes produced by professional versus DIY microneedling.
My practice offers Genius® RF microneedling, a technologically advanced version of microneedling. Genius RF microneedling delivers high intensity focused radiofrequency (RF) energy to the skin through gold-tipped microneedles. Radiofrequency is known for spurring collagen production and tightening skin, so it amplifies the collagen stimulation of the microneedling process itself. Genius’ specially coated needles also allow for smoother, more comfortable skin penetration that can be adjusted to treat more delicate areas of skin.
At-home devices typically have short, blunt needles. The needles used in a medical setting are longer and sharper. Because of this difference, DIY versions can’t penetrate the skin as effectively as professional-grade tools. While DIY devices might increase blood flow temporarily, they will not create long-lasting results.
Safer Treatment
Any minimally invasive procedure includes the risk of injury. This risk is especially high without a proper sterile environment.
Because at-home microneedling tools are challenging to clean, users run the risk of damaging their skin or exposing themselves to bacteria. This can result in infection, skin pigment changes, or irritated skin—issues that patients are often trying to correct in the first place.
One and Done
DIY microneedling is less intensive than professional microneedling. Because of this, multiple, weekly treatment sessions are needed before seeing even minimal results.
In a dermatology office, skin improvement can be seen after a single treatment. For those seeking more dramatic results, doctors typically recommend 3 microneedling sessions, each spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. This means patients spend less time in the office while seeing quicker, noticeable improvement.
Enhanced Experience
Microneedling at home is very straightforward: the user rolls the device across their face and hopes to stimulate blood flow. Professional microneedling, on the other hand, can include added benefits that DIY versions can’t offer.
In my office, we often combine microneedling with topical applications to simultaneously promote collagen production and improve the healing process. Combinations like these help enhance results and give patients higher-quality treatment.
We also work collaboratively with patients to help them create daily skincare regimens to maintain their professional results and help keep their skin healthy at any age. Professional microneedling can be an excellent part of a reliable skincare plan.
My knowledgeable staff can help you decide if this treatment is right for you. If you’re interested in learning more about microneedling or other skincare treatments from a board-certified dermatologist, request a consultation at my DC practice online or call (202) 393-7546.
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