11 Feb Microneedling: What It Is, How It Works, and Why Quality Matters

Posted at 12:04h in Uncategorized by Helen 0 Comments

Microneedling: What It Is, How It Works, and Why Quality Matters

Microneedling is a powerful skin treatment when done correctly, but there’s a lot of misinformation about how deep it should go, how often it should be done, and what kind of results to expect.

As someone who has spent years in the beauty industry, I’ve seen incredible results from well-performed microneedling, but I’ve also seen the long-term damage caused by poor technique, bad equipment, and underqualified practitioners.

If you’re considering microneedling, understanding the science behind it is key—and knowing why cheap microneedling isn’t worth the risk is just as important.

What is Microneedling and How Does It Work?

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that creates micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen and elastin production.

The goal isn’t to puncture the skin aggressively or cause bleeding, in fact, this approach can do more harm than good. Instead, microneedling should create just enough trauma to trigger the skin’s natural healing response, leading to firmer, smoother, and healthier skin over time.

Why Microneedling Should Never Be Done Cheaply

With the rise in popularity of microneedling, many cheap treatments have started appearing, but you should never book microneedling based on price alone.

Here’s why:

1. Poor-Quality Needles Can Damage the Skin

Not all microneedling cartridges are the same. High-quality, FDA-approved microneedling cartridges cost around £20 each because they are sterile, medical-grade, and designed for safe use on the skin.

Cheap cartridges are often low-quality, dull, or non-sterile, which can:

Tear the skin instead of creating clean microchannels
Cause long-term sensitivity, inflammation, and scarring
Increase the risk of infection and cross-contamination

2. Cheap Serums Are Not Safe for Broken Skin

Microneedling involves working on broken skin, which means anything applied during or after the treatment must be completely sterile and medical-grade.

The correct serums for microneedling cost around £20 per vial because they are:
✔ Designed for professional use
✔ Free from harmful preservatives and fragrances
✔ Sterile and safe for deep skin penetration

If a clinic is offering cheap microneedling, ask yourself—what products are they using on your skin? Many cheap treatments use non-sterile, cosmetic-grade products, which can lead to severe irritation, infections, and long-term skin damage.

3. Microneedling is an Advanced Treatment—Not a Basic Facial

Microneedling isn’t just another facial, it’s an advanced skin treatment that requires:
✔ In-depth knowledge of skin structure
✔ An understanding of how collagen production works
✔ Proper training to ensure safe and effective results

If a practitioner is offering cheap microneedling, they may not be fully qualified or using proper protocols.

Would you trust a cheap tattoo artist to use high-quality ink? The same logic applies here, your skin deserves the best, not the cheapest.

What Microneedling Should Never Do

There is a big misconception that microneedling needs to be aggressive to be effective. This is not true.

🔹 It should not cause excessive bleeding – If you are bleeding heavily, the needles are too deep, which can cause unnecessary trauma.
🔹 It should not be painful – Many clinics use numbing cream, but this actually restricts blood flow to the skin, reducing the treatment’s effectiveness. When done correctly, microneedling should not require numbing.
🔹 It should not cause inflammation or scarring – Overworking the skin weakens the barrier, leading to long-term sensitivity and damage.

The Right Depth for Microneedling

The depth of microneedling depends on what you are treating.

✔ For general skin rejuvenation, fine lines, and product absorption → 0.25mm to 0.5mm is enough to stimulate fibroblasts without unnecessary trauma.
✔ For acne scars and deeper skin concerns → 1mm to 1.5mm can be used, but this requires careful technique and should not be done frequently.

Going too deep won’t give better results, it only increases the risk of irritation, broken capillaries, and long-term sensitivity.

Microneedling Benefits (When Done Correctly!)

✔ Boosts Collagen & Elastin Production – Firms the skin and improves elasticity
✔ Reduces Fine Lines & Wrinkles – Stimulates fibroblasts for smoother, plumper skin
✔ Evens Out Skin Tone & Texture – Helps fade hyperpigmentation and acne scars
✔ Minimizes Pores – Improves skin texture and refines pores over time
✔ Enhances Product Absorption – Allows serums like hyaluronic acid and peptides to work deeper

Microneedling Aftercare: What You Should & Shouldn’t Do

What to Do After Microneedling

✔ Keep the skin clean and hydrated – Use a gentle, hydrating serum like hyaluronic acid
✔ Use SPF daily – Your skin will be more sensitive to UV exposure
✔ Stick to gentle, soothing skincare – Look for ingredients like aloe vera, ceramides, and peptides

What to Avoid After Microneedling

🚫 No makeup for at least 24 hours – Let the skin breathe
🚫 No exfoliation for a few days – Avoid retinol, acids, or scrubs that can cause irritation
🚫 No excessive heat – Avoid saunas, hot showers, or intense workouts that cause sweating
🚫 No harsh skincare – Stay away from active ingredients like Vitamin C, retinol, and glycolic acid for at least 48 hours

Final Thoughts: Why Microneedling Should Be Done by a Professional

Microneedling is not a treatment to go cheap on. The equipment used, the products applied, and the expertise of the person performing the treatment all matter.

Choosing a qualified skin professional ensures:
✔ Proper technique for the best results
✔ Safe, sterile, high-quality products
✔ A treatment that improves your skin rather than damages it

If a microneedling treatment is suspiciously cheap, ask yourself why. Are they using non-FDA-approved needles? Cheap serums? Are they even qualified? Your skin is worth investing in.

Looking for Safe, High-Quality Microneedling in Durham?

If you want professional microneedling treatments that prioritize safety, long-term skin health, and visible results, book a consultation today.