Microneedling And Why It’s The Dependable Classic We All Need In Our Lives

I had a particularly illuminating dinner conversation with a friend recently who’s sworn off lasers and is now a full microneedling convert. Her (very) compelling argument centred around the fact that it all comes down to the skin barrier, why it’s so important to protect it, and how it’s connected to ageing. More and more research is showing that lasers can have a tendency to disrupt the skin barrier, while microneedling supports it. And since a strong, healthy skin barrier is one of the biggest factors in how well our skin ages, it’s a pretty convincing case.

And in a world full of high-performance skin treatment overload, it’s easy to overlook a simple classic like microneedling. There are no dramatic before-and-afters on social media, no futuristic devices promising to rewind your age by 10 years, and no instant fixes. But what it does offer is a steady and foundational way to support long-term skin health, with noticeable results along the way, and this, we will always sign up to.

So we sat down with Dr Karen Doherty to talk about the benefits of microneedling, as one of her clinic’s most requested treatments.  The principle is simple: controlled micro-injuries stimulate the skin’s natural healing response, boosting collagen and elastin production. The result? A gradual, but noticeable improvement in skin tone and texture — with little to no downtime.

In an industry often obsessed and fixated on trends, Microneedling is like committing to a dependable exercise routine for your skin – what you put in, is what you get out.

Microneedling is one of the most versatile treatments we offer. It encourages the skin to regenerate itself naturally, stimulating collagen and elastin production with minimal downtime compared to other invasive treatments such as laser and energy based devices. It’s a great all-rounder treatment for improving skin texture, tone, and overall skin health without relying on heat or harsh chemicals – making it incredibly effective across a wide range of skin concerns.

Microneedling is typically suitable for most skin types, but can be especially effective for anyone with concerns such as acne scarring, uneven texture, fine lines, and dullness. Results can vary depending on the overall skin health goals, for instance, someone targeting acne scarring may require 5-6 sessions over several months, while someone looking for a general skin refresh and radiance could see visible improvements after just 2-3 sessions.

Although newer technologies like laser or energy-based devices offer fantastic results, Microneedling remains one of my most trusted and foundational treatments. I often refer to it as an ideal ‘entry point’ into aesthetic treatments as it’s very effective, well-researched, and less intensive than deeper resurfacing methods. At DR KD, it remains a core part of our treatment offering because it delivers consistent results, and is a great option for patients seeking both preventative care and targeted correction.

Yes, anyone with active acne or certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, or very sensitive skin may not be ideal candidates for Microneedling. I always recommend a full consultation pre-treatment to really assess if Microneedling is appropriate and safe for your skin at that time.

Oh, absolutely. As we approach our mid-to-late twenties, collagen does begin to decline – Microneedling helps to stimulate its production, keeping the skin firm and resilient, where you might otherwise see laxity. When performed regularly, Microneedling can be a really powerful part of a ‘preventative aging’ routine, especially when paired with a high-performance skincare such as; Growth Factors or Exosomes (both of which we use in the DR KD clinic).

I think that there’s often a fear around the idea of needles or discomfort, but in reality, the treatment is very tolerable – especially with the topical numbing cream that we apply for 30 minutes pre-treatment. Another misconception is that it’s only for people with ‘problematic’ skin, when in fact it can be beneficial for almost anyone looking to support their long-term skin health. If someone is hesitant to try it, I would highly recommend booking a face-to-face consultation with an aesthetics practitioner to discuss your overall skin health goals, that way they can really analyse your skin needs and hopefully ease some of your concerns.

Think of Microneedling as a way to supercharge your results. By creating micro-channels in the skin, it enhances the absorption and efficacy of any active topical ingredients applied following treatment, allowing those skincare products to work even harder and provide deep regeneration that topical products alone often can’t achieve.

Unfortunately I don’t think that they can really be compared. In-clinic Microneedling is performed with professional-grade devices and medical expertise – ensuring both your safety and treatment efficacy. At-home dermarollers often lack precision, and improper use can lead to irritation, inflammation, or even damage. I’ve seen patients come in with compromised skin barriers after trying it themselves at-home. When it comes to treatments that involve controlled ‘injury’, your safety should never be compromised and I would highly recommend leaving it to the professionals!