If you're even remotely interested in skincare, you've probably heard of microneedling or seen it come across your social feeds. Though the cosmetic treatment is traditionally done by a professional in a clinical setting, DIY microneedling is gaining popularity.
Microneedling involves puncturing the outer layer of skin with tiny holes using fine needles. The goal is to create "micro-injuries" without scarring to stimulate the natural healing process. When the skin regenerates following a microneedling session, you might see improved appearance of texture, pore size, post-blemish scars, or less visible fine lines. It can even help topical products absorb deeper into the skin.1
Doing this in the comfort of your home is undoubtedly appealing—hello, convenience and cost savings. But does at-home microneedling actually work, or can it make things worse? Let's look at the risks and approaches to DIY microneedling and explore safer, science–backed alternatives.
What Is At-Home Microneedling?
At-home microneedling is a DIY treatment that uses a derma-roller (with a rolling head), stamp-style tool, or pen with tiny metal needles ranging from 1 to 3 millimeters in length. The idea is to pierce the outermost layer of skin (epidermis) to promote collagen production through the skin's natural healing ability.2
Why At-Home Microneedling?
One of the main draws of at-home microneedling is that professional microneedling treatments are often pricey, sometimes several hundred dollars per session, whereas the DIY tools can be relatively inexpensive. Going to an in-person dermatology office or med spa can also be time-consuming.
Many people try it in the hopes of achieving some of the many research-backed beauty benefits of microneedling, like smoother-looking skin, even texture, improved elasticity, and an all-around brighter appearance. Depending on their concerns and skin types, they may be looking to address fine lines, acne scars, visible pores, or dull skin.
However, at-home results aren't guaranteed. Without proper training on technique, aftercare, and education about needle sizes and length, you could be setting yourself up for failure.
The Risks of DIY Microneedling Tools
Here's what you could be risking with DIY microneedling devices:
- Infection: When you puncture the skin or draw blood to the surface, germs and dirt from your fingers or an unsterilized tool make their way in and lead to an infection.
- Scarring or skin barrier damage: Pressing too hard with a derma-roller or microneedling pen or using these tools too often could cause micro-tears, possibly damaging your skin barrier. Pigmentation changes (like dark patches) and scarring are also possible.
- Irritation, inflammation, or flare-ups: Using a derma-roller on inflamed or sensitive skin could cause or exacerbate irritation. You could also worsen blemishes, rosacea, or eczema flare-up.3
Microneedling can be safe when done by a trained, licensed esthetician or healthcare provider in a clinical setting. But there's no guarantee of safety or satisfying results when you do it yourself in front of a bathroom mirror, so it’s important to avoid rushing into this procedure without proper education.
Does At-Home Microneedling Actually Work?
At-home microneedling can work. But only with proper tools, sterilization, and knowledge, which the average person doesn't have.4 Post-care is also crucial, which you might be more inclined to skip or get wrong without clinical guidance.
With shorter needle lengths than what's used with professional microneedling treatments, the results usually aren't as drastic. To see any noticeable changes, you may need to do consistent treatments, but there's also a risk of overdoing it and causing damage.5
A Safer Alternative: Rael's Microcrystal Technology
If you're looking for something safer and easier to do at home, consider topical skincare products containing spicules. Many people wonder, “What are spicules?” They're tiny, crystal-like particles naturally derived from marine sponges that gently stimulate the skin’s surface to encourage renewal and absorption—all without the need for invasive techniques. Rael's Microcrystal line includes two facial serums, each formulated with this technology.6
Benefits of Spicule Serums
Why spicules? The naturally occurring, needle-shaped structures gently pierce the skin to create microchannels, allowing other ingredients to go deeper for better absorption. And to address a common concern, “Are spicules safe for skin?” Yes, our dermatologist-tested formulas are clinically proven to be safe for sensitive and blemish-prone skin. Unlike traditional microneedling, there's no bleeding and no downtime.7
Our dermatologist-tested formulas are specifically designed for blemish-prone skin in have been clinically tested to be safe for sensitive skin. The Microcrystal technology is combined with ingredients that complement the spicules by reducing the look of redness, supporting the healing process, and reinforcing the skin barrier.
Microcrystal 2000 vs. 5000: Which One Should You Use?
Our Microcrystal 2000 night serum is for beginners and those with more sensitive skin types. It has a lower spicule count for milder stimulation and can be used two or three times a week, possibly more once your skin acclimates.
The Microcrystal 5000 spicules skincare formula has a higher concentration of spicules. It's meant to be used just once a week for a more intensive treatment that resurfaces larger areas and improves the appearance of overall skin texture.
Whatever product you choose, carefully follow the instructions.
- Don't overdo it with too much serum or use it too often
- Apply it only at night before your barrier cream
- Use an SPF during the day
- Listen to your skin
Microneedling Doesn't Have to Be Risky
If you don't want to risk possible skin damage with microneedling, don't! You have other options. Needles aren't necessary for achieving clearer, glowier skin.
With consistent use, Rael's spicule system can deliver noticeable improvements in your complexion. Explore our thoughtfully formulated clean skincare line to see what you can add to your at-home routine.
Sources:
- Jaiswal S, et al. "Microneedling in Dermatology: A Comprehensive Review of Applications, Techniques, and Outcomes." Cureus, 23 Sep. 2024, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11499218/. Accessed on August 18, 2025.
- Alster T, et al. "Microneedling: A Review and Practical Guide." Dermatologic Surgery, Aug. 2017, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318997589_Microneedling_A_Review_and_Practical_Guide. Accessed on August 19, 2025.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). "Microneedling Devices: Getting to the Point on Benefits, Risks and Safety." 20 Sep. 2021, https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/microneedling-devices-getting-point-benefits-risks-and-safety. Accessed on August 19, 2025.
- Singh A, et al. "Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons." Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 2016, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4976400/. Accessed on August 19, 2025.
- Alqam M, et al. "Efficacy and tolerability of a microneedling device for treating wrinkles on the face." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 11 Apr. 2022, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.14985. Accessed on August 19, 2025.
- Zhang C, et al. "Enhanced Skin Delivery of Therapeutic Peptides Using Spicule-Based Topical Delivery Systems." Pharmaceutics, 8 Dec. 2021, https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/13/12/2119. Accessed on August 18, 2025.
- Han DH, et al. "Subjective Skin Improvement and Safety of the Spicules-containing Cosmetics." Journal of Convergence for Information Technology, 28 Aug. 2021, https://koreascience.or.kr/article/JAKO202124458091064.page. Accessed on August 18, 2025.
- Zhang S, et al. "Skin Delivery of Hydrophilic Biomacromolecules Using Marine Sponge Spicules." Molecular Pharmaceutics, 1 Aug. 2017, https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.7b00468. Accessed on August 18, 2025.