How Microneedling Works

While there’s a growing number of at-home microneedling tools on the market promising radiant skin from the comfort of your bathroom, I strongly advise against DIY sessions. First, the needles on home devices are typically shorter and less precise, which means you’re unlikely to see real results - just redness and frustration. Second, improper technique or poor sanitation can lead to infections or scarring, and trust me, your skin deserves better than a dermaroller from the internet.

Leave it to the pros - we know how deep to go and which device to use. As a certified esthetician working with the SkinPen - the only FDA-cleared, medical-grade microneedling device - I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of professional microneedling.

1. How Microneedling with SkinPen Works

Microneedling with the SkinPen is a highly precise, minimally invasive treatment that works by creating thousands of controlled micro-injuries on the surface of the skin using ultra-fine, medical-grade needles. These micro-channels stimulate your body’s natural wound healing process, which includes inflammation, proliferation of new cells, and tissue remodeling. As a result, the skin begins to produce more collagen and elastin, the proteins that give skin its firmness, structure, and elasticity. Unlike manual microneedling rollers, the SkinPen is FDA-cleared and uses a sterile, single-use cartridge that ensures complete hygiene, consistency, and safety with each session.

2. Why Microneedling Is So Effective

Microneedling is a powerful yet natural method to rejuvenate the skin from within—without chemicals, fillers, or lasers. It’s a deeply regenerative treatment that works with your own biology. It improves skin texture, tone, and tightness while visibly reducing fine lines, enlarged pores, acne scars, surgical scars, and hyperpigmentation. The SkinPen, in particular, ensures deeper precision and minimal trauma to the surrounding tissue, which means faster healing and better results. Because the process activates the skin’s own healing response, the outcome looks natural and radiant, not overdone.

3. How Many Treatments Are Needed and for Which Conditions

The number of sessions depends on your skin goals. For general skin rejuvenation, glow, and fine lines, most people benefit from a series of 3 sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart. For acne scarring, deeper wrinkles, or pigmentation, a series of 4–6 treatments may be recommended. Each session builds upon the last as collagen remodeling takes time and consistency. As a holistic aesthetician, I also support the skin before and between treatments with lymphatic drainage, enzyme peels, and aftercare that supports the deeper healing process.

4. When You Will See Results

Most clients begin to notice an improvement in skin texture and glow within 1–2 weeks after their first treatment. However, the real transformation unfolds over the next 4–6 weeks, as new collagen and elastin fibers begin to form and the skin renews itself from the inside out. Results are progressive, meaning the full effect becomes visible after the full treatment series and can continue improving for up to 12 months post- each (!) treatment, especially when paired with proper skincare and holistic support, as collagen builds up further - this is why this treatment is also called ‘collagen banking’. ‘Refresher’ treatments are also good 1-2 times per year after the series to continue supporting the skin and ‘waking it up’.