Short answer: microneedling at home uses a fine-needle device at a gentle depth (0.25-0.5mm) to support the look of smoother, firmer, more even skin. Below is how to prepare, perform it safely, and which serum to pair. Shop at-home microneedling devices and skin boosters.
Looking to refresh your skin and soften the look of fine lines, scarring or uneven texture? Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic technique that's hugely popular for good reason. In this guide we cover what microneedling is, how to prepare, a step-by-step at-home method, and the aftercare that keeps your skin looking its best.
What is microneedling?
Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses a device with fine needles to create tiny micro-channels in the skin's surface. This prompts the skin's natural renewal response and is associated with the appearance of a smoother, firmer, more youthful-looking complexion.
You can microneedle areas of the body as well as the face. Many people use it to soften the appearance of C-section, surgical or chickenpox scarring, and the look of crepey skin above the knees or on the neck. A note on depth: gentle at-home microneedling sits at 0.25-0.5mm. Deeper needling is a clinical treatment and should be performed by a trained skin therapist, so don't attempt deep depths at home.
How to prepare for microneedling
1. Choose the right device. For at-home use, invest in a quality device with sterile, single-use needle heads and adjustable lengths. Derma stamps and electronic microneedling pens are popular choices.
2. Clean your skin. Wash with a gentle cleanser to remove makeup, dirt and oils, then pat dry with a clean towel.
3. Numb if needed. For comfort, you can apply a topical numbing cream around 30 minutes before. Wipe off the excess before you start.
4. Work in a clean, well-lit space. Keeping everything sterile helps protect your skin.
Step-by-step at-home microneedling
Materials needed:
- A sterile microneedling device (derma stamp or pen)
- Numbing cream (optional)
- A serum or skin booster: salmon DNA PDRN serum, exosomes or hyaluronic acid
- A gentle moisturiser and clean towels
Step 1: Sanitise. Wash and sanitise your hands. Needle heads come individually packaged and should be discarded after a single use.
Step 2: Apply numbing cream (if using), leave ~30 minutes, then wipe off the excess.
Step 3: Section your face (forehead, cheeks, chin) so you cover every area evenly.
Step 4: Microneedle and apply serum. Hold the device at a 90-degree angle. Glide gently over each section in vertical, horizontal and diagonal passes, around six to eight light passes per area, listening to your skin. Use light pressure; there's no need to push hard. Keep enough serum on the skin so the device glides smoothly.
Step 5: Apply serum again. In the few minutes after needling, your skin is primed to absorb. Reapply your PDRN or exosome skin booster to support hydration and comfort.
Step 6: Mask. Apply a hydrating sheet mask after your serum.
Step 7: Red light (optional). Use an LED red light device to help your skin feel calm and comfortable afterwards.
Step 8: Moisturise. Finish with a gentle moisturiser. Avoid heavy or irritating products straight after. Browse our hydrating salmon DNA skincare.
Aftercare: keeping your skin radiant
1. Avoid makeup for at least 24 hours to let skin settle.
2. Sun protection. Skin is more sensitive afterwards, so use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ and limit sun exposure for about a week.
3. Hydrate. Drink plenty of water and use hydrating products to keep skin looking plump.
4. No harsh products. Skip retinoids, exfoliants and strong actives for about a week; keep to gentle, hydrating skincare.
5. Keep a consistent routine of gentle cleansing, hydration and SPF.
6. Space your sessions. Allow around 4-6 weeks between treatments, depending on your skin and goals.
Final thoughts
Microneedling is a lovely way to refresh the look of your skin at home or with a professional. The key is good preparation, gentle technique and consistent aftercare. Always listen to your skin, and consult a skincare professional or dermatologist for advice tailored to you.
Microneedling is only as good as the serum you pair with it. The right PDRN or exosome skin booster helps the treatment support hydration and a smoother-looking finish. New to it? A microneedling bundle pairs a device with the right serum in one go.
Shop at-home microneedling devices & bundles →
Frequently asked questions
What depth should I microneedle at home?
For at-home use, stay gentle, around 0.25-0.5mm. Deeper needling is a clinical treatment and should only be done by a trained skin therapist.
What serum should I use with microneedling?
A PDRN, exosome or hyaluronic acid serum is ideal because it absorbs well through the micro-channels and supports hydration and a smoother-looking finish.
How often can I microneedle?
Most people space sessions around 4-6 weeks apart, depending on skin type and goals.
Does microneedling hurt?
At a gentle at-home depth most people find it very tolerable, and an optional numbing cream can make it more comfortable.
Disclaimer: This is general cosmetic information, not medical advice, and does not cover every precaution or interaction. At-home microneedling should be done at a gentle depth with sterile, single-use heads. Deeper treatments should be performed by a trained professional. Not suitable for those with fish allergies (for salmon DNA serums). If unsure, consult an appropriate professional.
Microneedling and skin needling before and after: what results to expect
In Australia, "skin needling" and "microneedling" describe the same at-home technique; skin needling is simply the more common local term. Whichever you call it, the before-and-after change is gradual rather than instant, because your skin's natural renewal response builds over the weeks following each session.
In the first 24-48 hours your skin may look flushed and feel slightly tight; this settles quickly. Most people notice a fresh, hydrated "glow" within a few days. Improvements in the appearance of texture, fine lines, enlarged-looking pores and uneven tone typically build across a series of sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart.
Microneedling before and after one treatment: after a single gentle session expect temporary radiance and plumper-looking skin rather than a dramatic change. The cumulative look-of-smoother-skin benefits, softened scarring and fine lines, generally show after three to six consistent sessions paired with the right PDRN or exosome skin booster. Tip: photograph your skin in the same spot and lighting each time so your own before-and-after is honest.
Derma stamp vs microneedling pen vs nano needling
Choosing your first device is one of the most common questions we get, so here's the plain-English version:
- Derma stamp: a manual device you press straight down (no dragging). Ideal for targeted areas like a single scar, the lip line or the brow. Gentle, controlled and very beginner-friendly.
- Microneedling pen (skin needling pen): a motorised device that needles rapidly for fast, even coverage across larger areas like the cheeks and forehead. Most have adjustable depth, so keep it at 0.25-0.5mm for home use.
- Nano needling: uses ultra-fine silicone tips that work at the very surface without creating true micro-channels. It's the gentlest option, ideal for sensitive skin and for boosting serum absorption between deeper sessions.
All three pair best with a salmon DNA PDRN serum or exosome skin booster. New to it? A microneedling bundle pairs the device and serum for you.
Starting with a derma stamp? Our complete derma stamp guide walks through safe depths, step-by-step technique and aftercare in detail.
More frequently asked questions
What does microneedling look like before and after?
Immediately after, skin often looks flushed for a day or two. Over a series of sessions many people see the appearance of smoother texture, softer fine lines and a more even tone. Results are cumulative and vary from person to person.
Is skin needling the same as microneedling?
Yes, they're two names for the same collagen-induction technique. "Skin needling" is the term used most often in Australia; "microneedling" is more common internationally.
What's the difference between a derma stamp and a microneedling pen?
A derma stamp is pressed straight down by hand and suits small, targeted areas. A microneedling pen is motorised for fast, even coverage of larger areas. Both should stay at a gentle 0.25-0.5mm depth at home.
How many skin needling sessions before I see a difference?
Most people notice an immediate short-lived glow, with appearance benefits building over roughly three to six sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart.
