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SkinPen vs Microneedling at Home: Why Professional Treatment Matters

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Why Professional Microneedling Treatment Matters

Microneedling has become one of the most popular treatments for improving skin texture, tone and overall quality. With the rise of at home microneedling devices, many patients now ask whether professional treatments are truly necessary. While both approaches aim to stimulate collagen, the difference in safety, effectiveness and long term results is significant.

At L’Atelier Aesthetics, we exclusively use SkinPen, the first FDA cleared microneedling device, because when it comes to skin health, precision and clinical expertise matter.

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What Is SkinPen Microneedling?

SkinPen is a medical grade microneedling treatment performed by trained professionals in a clinical environment. It uses sterile, single use needle cartridges to create controlled micro injuries in the skin, stimulating the body’s natural healing response and boosting collagen and elastin production.

SkinPen is used to treat a wide range of concerns including acne scarring, fine lines, pigmentation, enlarged pores and overall loss of firmness. Because the depth and speed are fully adjustable, treatments are tailored precisely to each individual’s skin type and concerns.

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What Is Microneedling at Home?

At home microneedling typically involves rollers or pen style devices purchased online for personal use. These devices are designed to create superficial micro channels in the skin and are often marketed as an affordable alternative to professional treatments.

While at home devices may appear convenient, they are not comparable to medical microneedling. The needle depth is limited, results are minimal, and improper use can increase the risk of irritation, infection and long term skin damage.

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We always value your feedback. You can read all our patient reviews on our Google Profile

Your feedback is always important to us, as it helps us to improve our systems and processes in our continual pursuit of excellence. If you have any suggestions, comments, or concerns please get in touch.

Always a pleasure to visit L’Atelier. Duncan is so gentle with the needle. I hardly felt a thing.
 Marie Duckett
Marie Duckett
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Lovely I felt well looked after and found the whole experience perfect
Vivienne Wheeler
Vivienne Wheeler
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Absolutely love L’Atelier. Firstly the clinic itself is beautiful and very clean/sterile. Secondly the staff are all extremely friendly and professional and there was zero wait time, which is rare. I had a treatment with Duncan who was extremely knowledgable. Normally I get nervous trying new doctors but with Duncan I felt confident I was in safe hands.
Elle Mills
Elle Mills
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I came in for a 30 minute consultation with Duncan and felt I learnt a lot about my options moving forward. I felt comfortable and in very safe hands. I’m looking forward to booking an appointment soon!
Daisy Musters
Daisy Musters
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Frequently Asked Questions on SkinPen and Microneedling at Home

If you are considering SkinPen or microneedling at home, many patients begin with similar questions. How do these treatments work? What results can you expect? And which option is truly safe for your skin?

Both approaches aim to improve skin quality by stimulating collagen rather than adding volume. However, they differ significantly in how they are performed, how deeply they treat the skin, and the level of results they can achieve. Professional SkinPen treatments are designed to deliver controlled, medical grade microneedling, while at home devices are limited in depth and consistency.

If you are looking for a proven microneedling treatment that delivers visible, long lasting improvement while protecting skin health, SkinPen is an excellent choice. It offers refined skin texture, improved firmness and collagen regeneration within a safe clinical setting.

A personalised consultation at L’Atelier Aesthetics allows us to assess your skin, understand your goals, and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach for you.

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Is SkinPen better than microneedling at home?

Yes. SkinPen is a medical grade treatment performed by trained professionals, allowing for deeper collagen stimulation and safer, more effective results than at home devices.

Can microneedling at home damage my skin?

It can. Incorrect needle depth, poor hygiene and overuse may lead to irritation, infection, pigmentation issues and a weakened skin barrier.

Does SkinPen microneedling hurt?

Most patients describe SkinPen as very tolerable. A topical numbing cream is applied before treatment to maximise comfort.

How many SkinPen treatments will I need?

Most patients benefit from a course of three treatments spaced several weeks apart, depending on skin concerns and desired results.

What skin concerns does SkinPen treat?

SkinPen is effective for acne scarring, fine lines, enlarged pores, uneven texture, pigmentation and overall loss of firmness.

Is SkinPen safe for all skin types?

Yes. SkinPen is suitable for all skin tones and types when performed by a trained professional, making it a safe option for many patients.

What downtime should I expect after SkinPen?

You may experience redness similar to mild sunburn for one to two days. Most patients return to normal activities within twenty four hours.

Can I use at home microneedling between SkinPen treatments?

At home microneedling is not recommended. Medical grade skincare is a safer and more effective way to support results between treatments.

When will I see results from SkinPen?

Initial improvements can be seen within a few weeks, with continued improvement over several months as collagen production increases.

Is SkinPen suitable for acne prone skin?

Yes, but a consultation is essential. SkinPen can improve acne scarring and texture when active acne is properly managed first.

SkinPen vs At Home Microneedling: The Key Differences

Treatment Depth and Results

One of the most important differences is depth. SkinPen treatments reach the optimal layer of the skin where collagen stimulation occurs. At home devices are restricted to very shallow penetration, which limits results and does not effectively address deeper skin concerns.

Safety and Hygiene

SkinPen treatments are carried out in a sterile medical environment using single use needle cartridges. At home devices are reused and difficult to sterilise properly, increasing the risk of bacteria entering the skin and causing inflammation or infection.

Customisation

Every SkinPen treatment is personalised. Depth, speed and treatment area are adjusted by an experienced practitioner based on your skin condition and goals. At home microneedling follows a one size fits all approach, which can lead to under treatment or over stimulation.

Skin Integrity and Healing

Professional microneedling supports the skin’s natural repair process while protecting the skin barrier. Incorrect technique at home can disrupt the barrier, leading to sensitivity, pigmentation issues and prolonged redness.

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Why L’Atelier Aesthetics Chooses SkinPen

At L’Atelier Aesthetics, patient safety and results are paramount. SkinPen meets our standards for clinical evidence, safety and consistency. Treatments are performed by trained professionals who understand skin anatomy, wound healing and how to optimise outcomes while minimising risk.

We believe microneedling should be a medical skin treatment, not a DIY skincare trend.

Is At Home Microneedling Ever Recommended?

For most patients, at home microneedling is not recommended. Those with acne, pigmentation, sensitive skin or compromised barriers are particularly at risk of adverse reactions. Professional treatments ensure your skin is assessed properly and treated safely.

If you are looking to maintain results between professional treatments, medical grade skincare is a far more effective and safer option than at home needling devices.

Learn more about Microneedling

L’Atelier Aesthetics is based at the heart of Harley Street, London’s renowned medical district.

We serve central London and patients from around the UK and abroad. Find us on 101 Harley street by clicking the ‘Get Directions’ button below.

Opening hours
Monday
9:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
9:00 - 19:00
Wednesday
9:00 - 19:00
Thursday
9:00 - 19:00
Friday
9:00 - 17:00
Saturday
10:00 - 15:00
Sunday
Closed
L'Atelier Aesthetics
101 Harley St, London W1G 6AH
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