Starting microneedling comes with questions. Here are honest answers to the 15 questions we hear most often—no fluff, just the information you need.
Pain and Sensation
At-home microneedling (0.25-0.5mm) feels like mild prickling or light scratching—noticeable but not painful. Most people don’t need numbing cream. Professional treatments with longer needles are more uncomfortable, which is partly why they’re done in clinical settings.
Usually not. The short needles used at home (0.25-0.5mm) cause minimal discomfort. If you’re very sensitive, you can apply a numbing cream 20-30 minutes before treatment, but most people find it unnecessary.
Safety and Risks
Yes, when done correctly. At-home devices use shorter needles (0.25-0.5mm) that don’t reach deep enough to cause serious damage. Key safety practices: sterile single-use or properly sanitized cartridges, clean skin, appropriate needle depth, and not treating active acne or infections.
Extremely rare with at-home devices. The short needle depths used at home don’t create wounds significant enough to scar. Risks increase with longer needles (professional depths), poor hygiene, or treating contraindicated skin conditions.
No—microneedling over active pimples can spread bacteria and worsen breakouts. Treat around active acne, not on it. Wait until breakouts have healed before treating those areas.
Frequency and Timing
Once per week is optimal for at-home treatment. Your skin needs time to complete the healing and collagen-building response between sessions. More frequent treatment doesn’t speed results and may irritate skin.
Improved radiance and texture within 2-4 weeks. Fine line reduction and firmness improvements at 6-12 weeks. Maximum collagen-related results at 3-6 months. Patience and consistency are essential.
Evening is ideal. Your skin repairs while you sleep, and you avoid immediate sun exposure. Plus, you can leave treatment serums on overnight without needing to apply makeup or SPF.
Products and Serums
Hydrating, non-irritating serums: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides. Avoid: vitamin C (too acidic), retinol (irritating), AHAs/BHAs, fragrance. See our complete serum guide.
Yes, but not on the same day. Skip retinol for 24-48 hours before and after microneedling. Use retinol on off-days to support ongoing collagen production between treatments.
You can use your own serums as long as they’re appropriate (hydrating, non-irritating). Kit serums are formulated specifically for microneedling, but quality HA or peptide serums you already own work fine.
Technique and Device
For at-home: 0.25mm for beginners and sensitive areas (around eyes). 0.5mm for most facial treatment. Never exceed 0.5mm at home without professional guidance. Full depth guide here.
Moderate pressure—enough to feel the needles engaging but not painful. Let the device do the work. Pressing harder doesn’t improve results and causes unnecessary trauma. If it hurts, you’re pressing too hard.
Before and after each use: spray or soak needle cartridge in 70% isopropyl alcohol for 60-90 seconds, let air dry completely. Full cleaning guide here. Replace cartridges regularly—ideally after each use, maximum 3-5 uses.
Aftercare and Results
Immediately: mild redness (like light sunburn), slight tightness. This fades within hours to a day. Following days: possible mild dryness or flaking as skin heals. Full aftercare guide here.
Have More Questions?
Check our complete microneedling guide for in-depth information on technique, building your routine, and getting started as a beginner.
Quick Reference Summary
| Question | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Does it hurt? | Mild prickling—not painful |
| How often? | Once per week |
| Results timeline? | 2-4 weeks texture; 3-6 months collagen |
| What serum? | HA; niacinamide; peptides during treatment |
| Retinol? | Yes but not same day—48hr gap |
| Needle depth? | 0.25-0.5mm at home |
| Clean how? | 70% alcohol before/after each use |
