Safety

Microneedling is a well-established cosmetic treatment, and most side effects are mild and short-lived. But it isn't right for everyone, and using it safely means knowing when not to. Please read this page before your first session.

Who shouldn't microneedle

Don't microneedle, or speak to your GP or a dermatologist first, if any of these apply to you.

Skin in the area

  • Active acne or breakouts
  • Any infection, including bacterial or fungal infections and cold sores
  • Open wounds, cuts, grazes or sunburn
  • Eczema, psoriasis, rosacea or dermatitis that is flaring
  • Raised moles, warts, birthmarks or any lesion that is changing. Always avoid these areas.

Scarring and healing

  • A tendency to form keloid or raised (hypertrophic) scars
  • Conditions or treatments that affect healing, such as poorly controlled diabetes, a weakened immune system, or current or recent chemotherapy or radiotherapy

Medications

  • Isotretinoin (such as Roaccutane) in the last 6 months
  • Blood thinners, or a bleeding or clotting disorder
  • Medicines that suppress the immune system

Other

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • A history of cold sores in the area. Microneedling can trigger a flare, so speak to your pharmacist or GP first.
  • A known metal allergy
  • Fillers, anti-wrinkle injections, laser treatments or peels in the area within the last 2 weeks
  • Under 18

If you're unsure whether microneedling is right for you, speak to a healthcare professional before you start.

Key considerations for safe use

  • Stay within recommended depths: 0.6mm on the face, 0.6–1.0mm on the scalp, 1.0–1.5mm on the body. Deeper settings are for professional treatment.
  • Never use needle cartridges around the eyes. Use Nano only, on the bone around the eye socket, never on the eyelids.
  • Use a new, sealed cartridge every session, and never share one. See cartridge hygiene and safety.
  • Leave enough time between sessions. See how often to microneedle.
  • Patch test before your first session and before using a new product. See preparing your skin.
  • Darker skin tones have a higher chance of developing dark patches (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Keep to the lower end of the depth range, follow aftercare closely and wear SPF daily.

Possible side effects

Expected and temporary

These are normal and usually settle within a few days to a week:

  • redness, like a mild sunburn
  • pinpoint bleeding during a needle session
  • mild swelling, warmth or tenderness
  • tightness, dryness and light flaking

Less common

  • Dark patches (hyperpigmentation), more likely in darker skin tones or with sun exposure
  • Infection, usually linked to poor hygiene or reused cartridges
  • Irritation or allergic reactions to products applied during or after a session
  • A cold sore flare in people prone to them
  • Lines or marks on the skin from pressing too hard, dragging the pen or going too deep
  • Rarely, lumps under the skin (granulomas), most often linked to applying products not suitable for use on microneedled skin

When to stop and see a professional

Stop microneedling and speak to a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist if you notice:

  • redness, swelling or pain that gets worse, or lasts longer than a few days
  • warmth, pus, crusting, blisters or a fever, which may be signs of infection
  • a rash, hives or intense itching
  • dark patches, lumps, or raised lines or marks developing in the treated area
  • a cold sore outbreak after a session

Get emergency help straight away if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing.

Microneedling and nanoneedling are cosmetic procedures. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, and this guidance is not a substitute for professional medical advice.