Microneedling has taken the skincare world by storm, promising smoother, firmer, and rejuvenated skin. But before you grab a derma roller and start DIY microneedling at home, let’s talk about why at-home microneedling is a very bad idea and why professional microneedling in Cardiff at Sebastian Rose Medical Aesthetics is the gold standard for safety and results.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a skin treatment that involves creating micro-injuries in the skin using fine needles to stimulate collagen production. This process helps with concerns such as:
Fine lines and wrinkles
Acne scars and hyperpigmentation
Uneven skin tone and texture
Skin laxity and dullness
However, how microneedling is performed and who is performing it makes a huge difference in the outcome—and your safety.
At-Home Microneedling: Why It’s a Bad Idea
Many at-home microneedling devices, like derma rollers, claim to offer professional-like results, but the risks far outweigh any potential benefits. Here’s why:
1. Most People Do Not Understand Skin Anatomy
Microneedling is more than just rolling needles over the skin. Professionals understand the structure of the skin, the precise depth needed for different concerns, and how the mechanism of action works. The difference between superficial treatment and deep collagen remodeling lies in expertise, not just tools. Without this knowledge, you could be causing more harm than good. Merely owning a gun doesn't make you a good shot!
2. Derma Rollers Rip the Skin
Unlike professional microneedling pens that create controlled vertical micro-channels, derma rollers drag across the skin, creating uneven, jagged tears. This can lead to micro-scarring, uneven healing, and long-term damage, especially when used incorrectly.
3. What Are These Devices Actually Made Of?
Most at-home microneedling tools use cheap, non-medical-grade metals that dull quickly, increasing the risk of skin tearing, infections, and uneven penetration. Professional microneedling devices use high-quality, medical-grade needles that are sterilized and single-use, ensuring precision and safety.
4. Increased Risk of Infection
At-home derma rollers cannot be properly sterilized in the same way as medical-grade microneedling devices. Reusing rollers or not sanitising your skin properly can introduce bacteria and lead to infections, making skin concerns worse instead of better. Also, do YOU know how to properly sterilise your skin?
5. Poor Needle Penetration = Limited Results
Home devices use shorter, blunter needles (typically 0.2mm – 0.5mm) that only superficially puncture the skin. This means they are not effective for deep collagen remodeling, which is needed to treat scars, wrinkles, and pigmentation.
6. What Are You Putting on Your Skin Afterwards?
Many people apply serums or skincare products immediately after at-home microneedling, but here’s the problem: most skincare products are designed for use on intact skin, NOT to be injected into the dermis. This can introduce irritants, bacteria, and even toxic ingredients directly into your bloodstream, leading to serious reactions and compromised skin barrier function.
At Sebastian Rose Medical Aesthetics, we provide you with the post-procedure skincare you need to ensure that your skin heals properly, your skin barrier is restored, and that you get the best possible results—not damage.
7. Harmful Social Media Trends & Dangerous Practices
Social media is full of misinformation and dangerous skincare trends, with influencers pushing at-home microneedling kits and unsafe aftercare products. Some beauticians, non-medical practitioners, and even occasional medical professionals have been seen applying Vitamin C masks immediately after microneedling, which can cause severe irritation and long-term skin damage.
Even worse, we’ve recently seen microneedling treatments being combined with Sculptra, a practice not approved by Sculptra’s manufacturer. This is incredibly dangerous and can lead to long-lasting, irreversible nodules, disfigurement, and granulomas. Anyone promoting this treatment clearly does not understand how Sculptra worksand is either making up their own protocols or blindly copying harmful trends from social media.
Professional Microneedling in Cardiff – The Right Way to Do It
At Sebastian Rose Medical Aesthetics, we offer medical-grade microneedling treatments that are superior to at-home devices in every way. Here’s why:
Medical Professional vs. Beauty Therapist vs. At-Home
Factor | At-Home Microneedling | Beauty Therapist Microneedling | Medical Microneedling (Sebastian Rose) |
Needle Depth | 0.2mm - 0.5mm | 0.5mm - 1mm | 0.03mm - 3mm (customised) |
Sterilisation | Minimal control, high risk of infection | Moderate control | Strict medical-grade protocols |
Collagen Stimulation | Superficial, minimal effect | Moderate | Deep, powerful collagen remodeling |
Skin Concerns Treated | Mild texture issues | Mild to moderate skin concerns | Advanced scars, wrinkles, pigmentation |
Safety & Risk Level | High risk of infection and damage | Moderate risk | Safest, under expert supervision |
Why Choose Sebastian Rose Medical Aesthetics for Microneedling in Cardiff?
✔️ Performed by a highly qualified medical professional – Ensuring safety, precision, and real results
✔️ Medical-grade microneedling device – Stronger, more effective than standard derma rollers
✔️ Tailored treatments– Customised needle depth, number of sessions, and skincare post-treatment ✔️ Minimised risk – Strict hygiene protocols to eliminate risk of infections or skin damage
✔️ Faster, long-lasting results – Deep collagen stimulation for visible skin improvement
Advanced Add-On Treatments for Maximum Results
At Sebastian Rose Medical Aesthetics, we offer cutting-edge injectable treatments that can be used alongside microneedling to dramatically enhance results. These treatments are not available to people at home, and nothing compares to the advanced protocols we use in a clinical setting. Here’s what we offer:
Exosomes – These regenerative powerhouses contain growth factors and extracellular vesicles that supercharge skin healing and collagen production, leading to faster recovery and enhanced skin rejuvenation.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) – A treatment using your own blood’s growth factors to accelerate healing, improve skin tone and texture, and stimulate deep collagen production for long-lasting, natural skin renewal.
Polynucleotides – A next-generation skin regeneration treatment that stimulates fibroblasts and supports deep tissue repair, making it an excellent choice for anti-aging and skin strengthening.
WOW Fusion – A tailor-made mesotherapy cocktail that includes vitamins, hyaluronic acid, and skin-loving nutrients, delivered through microneedling to hydrate, brighten, and refresh the skin.
Sunekos – A unique injectable that stimulates collagen and elastin while providing deep skin hydration, particularly effective for treating fine lines, wrinkles, and tired-looking skin.
Skin Boosters – Intense hydration and skin plumping treatments that restore moisture levels, improve skin elasticity, and create a healthy, glowing complexion.
These injectable treatments are powerful on their own, but when combined with microneedling, they penetrate deeper into the skin and provide exponentially better results. No at-home microneedling device can come close to replicating this level of skin transformation!
Beware of Fake Products & Social Media Scams
We’ve seen a worrying trend of people trying to buy professional-grade skincare and injectables from social media sellers or foreign websites. This is extremely dangerous. Using imitation products can lead to serious skin reactions, infections, or permanent damage.
🔴 Manufacturers of professional skincare and injectables have strict supply chains and security protocols. 🔴 If someone is selling these products outside of an authorised medical clinic, they are likely counterfeit and could be contaminated, expired, or completely ineffective. Always trust licensed professionals with your skin and avoid purchasing products from unauthorized sources.
Using imitation products can lead to serious skin reactions, infections, or permanent damage. Don’t risk it—trust only licensed professionals with your skin.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Your Skin, Not a Cheap DIY Gadget
While the idea of at-home microneedling may seem convenient or cost-effective, the reality is that it comes with significant risks and minimal rewards.
At-home microneedling is not safe, not effective, and not worth the risk. If you’re serious about improving your skin safely and effectively, professional microneedling in Cardiff at Sebastian Rose Medical Aesthetics is the clear choice.
📍 Ready for real skin transformation? Book your professional microneedling consultation today!
