If you have skin care issues, you want to find a way to treat it that works. There are tons of options on the market today, making it difficult to determine which ones are worth trying and which ones are just a waste of your time. With so many other options, why would you choose microneedling? There are plenty of reasons why you might find it to be the right option for you.

Variety of issues

The process of microneedling is used to treat a variety of issues – mild wrinkling, scar reduction, skin rejuvenation, and treating hair loss (to name a few).  Like all skin care methods, how you treat the condition depends on what it is and how severe it is.  To treat various issues, microneedling devices come in a variety of designs.

Dermapens look almost like a standard pen, but have a set of needles on one end and use a motorized stamping motion to inject micro needles into the skin.  This device works well with small areas.  Dermastamps are larger than the dermapens and have more needles, though they are used in the same way.  The most common device is the dermaroller which is shaped like a manual lawnmower with a handle and a rolling cylinder on the end.  The cylinder head is covered with micro needles and is rolled across larger areas of skin.  Dermarollers come in various sizes and can contain a single row of needles or multiple rows.

Comparing Methods

Microneedling is only one of many options. Some people want to start simple by purchasing over the counter products such as topical lotions and creams, or anti-aging formulas.  The problem is that these types of products are not easily absorbed into the skin and rarely deliver on their promises.  Others want dramatic results and seek out plastic surgery for all their needs.  Invasive surgery is fraught with high risks and major side effects, including long recovery times.  Many choose ultrasound technology, aesthetic lasers therapy or radio frequency procedures for more immediate results.  There are still risks, recovery and significant side effects with some of these.  The side effects of microneedling are minimal at best and very temporary, such as slight reddening of the skin which generally is gone within an hour or two of treatment.

Image from Pinterest

Comparing Costs

How much a treatment will cost depends on what it is and whether it is at home or in a clinic. Home devices are far less expensive than any treatments at any spas. The products you purchase at home are intended for you to do your own treatment, so you aren’t paying for a technician’s time on top of the treatment. While having your microneedling procedure done at a spa costs more than if you do it yourself, it still costs less than most other methods done in the clinics.

Also consider that final expenses. For example, the initial cost of removing hair from your legs is only a few dollars for a razor at home as opposed to hundreds of dollars with a laser in the clinic.  However, the cost of purchasing at home product builds up over time, eventually exceeding the cost of the clinic visits. When you purchase your own micro-needling device, it is not a one time purchase. The device is not as durable as those in a clinic, so you will need to replace it after a certain number of uses.

At Home or at a Clinic

The end result depends on which treatment and whether it is at home or in a clinic. Microneedling devices for home use are not built the same as the ones cosmetic practices purchase. The technicians at a clinic are professionally trained to understand all aspects of the procedure, from what device is right for each area, potential problems, the right products to use in conjunction with the treatment and so on. Not only that, but they must maintain a clean and sterile environment at all times, something many home users aren’t careful about.

Making the Final Choice

You need to take all the factors into consideration – is it within my budget, will it be effective on my skin issue, will it get the results I want, how convenient is it for me – before making a choice. What works for someone else won’t necessarily work for you. Get recommendations from others and talk to your dermatologist to see what they offer. Ultimately, the final decision is up to you as it is your skin, so it needs to be what works best for you.