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Is it a good idea to try micro needling at home?

QI’VE heard a lot about at-home derma-rolling. Do you think it can be effective?

AGOOD question! At-home microneedling rollers are dotted with short (about 0.2mm) little needles that open up tiny channels to the skin’s upper layers, helping active ingredients penetrate deeper for improved results such as better-moisturised skin.

It’s fundamentally different to medical microneedling, where a professional will use a device with 0.5 to 1.5mm needles that reach the deep dermis, causing micro-injuries that boost fresh collagen production.

I quite like my at-home roller, but please heed these important thoughts from clinical facialist Kate Kerr (katekerrlondon.

co.uk): ‘Most over-the-counter skincare is designed only to penetrate the skin’s very outer layer; apart from actives, it often contains ingredients ( such as emulsifiers and silicones) that should not go any deeper. This means needling with anything but certain professional serums may cause issues.’

She also advises against needling with retinols or acids (way too much stimulation) and, if your skin is delicate, to use a light hand, twice a week at most. She prefers a ‘stamp’ model over a roller, as the latter can cause tiny skin tears.

Oh, and both your device and skin need to be scrupulously disinfected each time you use them. So proceed with caution!

Ingeborg van LotrIngen is beauty director at Cosmopolitan. email questions to inge@dailymail.co.uk.