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Meamo Sale through May 27th (Korean Standard Time)
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Meamo Sale through May 27th (Korean Standard Time)

Meamo is currently having a sale on all Meamo Labs products through May 27th (Korean Standard Time): https://meamoshop.com/meamo-labs/

  • 10% off cart totals of $100+
  • 15% off cart totals of $200+
  • 20% off cart totals of $500+
  • Free Merikit Cica Perfect Sun Cream with first time orders
  • Plus an extra 15% off with code: DIYSCIENCE

Top favorite picks:

  • Jeunetique EXO (plant-based exosomes, growth factors, petides, 3% PDRN)
  • Jeunetique PN Pro (2% PN with HA and peptides)
  • Neurovie (high purity tox)
u/DIY4thePeople — 8 hours ago
▲ 5 r/DIYaesthetic_science

Atlas of Mesotherapy in Skin Rejuvenation Textbook

For anyone wanting to take a deeper look at mesotherapy and improve their meso injection technique, the full text pdf of Atlas of Mesotherapy in Skin Rejuvenation (130 pages) is currently available here:

https://nikmedco.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Atlas-of-Mesotherapy-in-Skin-Rejuvenation.pdf

The textbook provides a comprehensive guide to mesotherapy including:

  • core fundamentals
  • explanation of active ingredients used for treatments to support skin health and repair (including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and coenzymes)
  • injection techniques (including guidance on injection depth, spacing, and methodology)
  • treatment planning
  • expected outcomes and clinical results

If you are a visual learner, this text is full of great images.

u/DIY4thePeople — 9 hours ago
▲ 0 r/DIYaesthetic_science

Does Zinc Supplementation Prolong the Effects of Botox?

Many of us have heard that zinc supplementation can prolong the effects of botulinum toxin. Is this a myth or is there any science behind it?

In “Botulinum Toxins and Zinc: From Theory to Practice-A Systematic Review” Mallat et al (2023) summarize the findings from a review of four studies including three control trials and one case report which researched the effect of zinc supplementation on botulinum toxin’s longevity.

Three of the studies found a significant improvement with zinc supplementation in botulinum toxin’s effect and longevity when used for neurological conditions and cosmetic uses.

Conclusions: Zinc supplementation shows promise for extending the effect and longevity of botulinum neurotoxin. The researchers note that larger clinical trials and objective measurement tools should be used to further understand the role of zinc in maximizing botulinum neurotoxin effect.

Have you tried supplementing with zinc to prolong the effects of your tox and have you seen a difference in its longevity?

Citation:

Mallat F, Kaikati J, Kechichian E. Botulinum Toxins and Zinc: From Theory to Practice-A Systematic Review. Clin Neuropharmacol. 2023 Jun 20. doi: 10.1097/WNF.0000000000000557. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37335837.

Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37335837/

u/DIY4thePeople — 2 days ago
▲ 4 r/DIYaesthetic_science

Get Glowing Skincare Memorial Day Sale May 19th to May 27th

Heads up that Get Glowing Skincare is having a Memorial Day Sale today through May 27th.

21% Off with code: DIYSCIENCE

Get Glowing offers free U.S. shipping and ships from the U.S.

They have a great selection of skin boosters for microneedling and mesotherapy. If you are not sure if a particular product is suitable for microneedling or mesotherapy, please ask in the comments!

If you are a sheet mask enthusiast like me, they also have a great selection of sheet masks and Korean skincare products.

https://preview.redd.it/zpdrucgpsa2h1.jpg?width=810&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a8746f0ce7d2a2caae897121e8b89698abdeb0ec

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u/DIY4thePeople — 2 days ago
▲ 0 r/DIYaesthetic_science

Microneedling Needle Depths

Here is basic reference chart for microneedling needle depths that may be helpful. This is also within the microneedling guide pinned to the sub's sidebar.

u/DIY4thePeople — 2 days ago
▲ 2 r/DIYaesthetic_science

A Review of the Efficacy and Safty of Profhilo

Hi Everyone,

This week I’ve been looking into Profhilo. I wanted to share some information about the product that can be found in “A Systemic Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Profhilo and Profhilo Body” (Sparavigna et al 2026), a review of nine studies that involved 278 participants to assess efficacy and safety of Profhilo.

Profhilo is a patented hyaluronic acid (HA) treatment used to treat skin laxity on the on the face and neck. It contains both high molecular weight HA and low molecular weight HA. In contrast to biostimulators, Profhilo does not produce any inflammatory effects and the product is described as a bioremodeling mechanism that restores fibroblast activity, reestablishes collagen and elastin, and reverses tissue laxity. Profhilo has characteristics that enable “optimal tissue diffusion” when administered with the BAP technique (bio aesthetic points). It has been classified as a Class III medical device in Europe.

The review of clinical data from the nine studies found that overall, participants who had a series of Profhilo treatments demonstrated statistically significant improvement in:

  • skin elasticity
  • skin density
  • skin laxity
  • and wrinkle severity

Adverse events reported in the studies included bruising, and a few cases of edema. All the adverse events were mild, expected, resolved after a few days, and are discussed in the manufacturer’s product inserts. None of the researchers reported any serious adverse events.

Profhilo is an interesting product in that despite not being a traditional biostimulator it has a large amount of clinical data demonstrating its efficacy in improving skin laxity, hydration, elasticity, and density, as well as reducing wrinkles and facial volume loss.

You can read the full review of the studies here: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13038071/#R2

Citation:

Sparavigna A, Cigni C, Tanzini L, Lualdi R, Grimolizzi F. A Systematic Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Profhilo® and Profhilo® Body. Plast Aesthet Nurs (Phila). 2026 Apr-Jun 01;46(2):80-92. doi: 10.1097/PSN.0000000000000637. Epub 2026 Mar 31. PMID: 41920062; PMCID: PMC13038071.

u/DIY4thePeople — 3 days ago
▲ 3 r/DIYaesthetic_science

Dermaheal SR, Dermaheal HSR, and Dermaheal SB. How can they be used and what's the difference between these skinboosters?

Dermaheal is a line of skinbooster products that contain injectable grade growth factors and biometric peptides that can be used for both microneedling and mesotherapy. Dermaheal was developed and patented by South Korean biotechnology company Caregen and was launched over 20 years ago.

People are often confused between the different available Dermaheal options. I’ve included some slides from the manufacturers product catalog that describe the applications, ingredients, and protocols for three favorite Dermaheal skinboosters: Dermaheal SR, Dermaheal HSR, and Dermaheal SB.

Dermaheal SR and Dermaheal HSR both contain 57 active ingredients including:

  • 4 Growth Factors and 1 Biometric Peptide
  • 13 Vitamins
  • 24 Amino Acids
  • 5 Minerals
  • 4 Coenzymes
  • 4 Nucleic Acids
  • 2 Brightening, Antioxidant, and Melanin Inhibiting Ingredients

Dermaheal SR and HSR both contain the same 57 active ingredients and both products are great for “skin rejuvenation, anti-wrinkle, and anti-aging effects”. Key difference: Dermaheal HSR also contains hyaluronic acid (pure hyaluronic acid 1%), this makes it a great slip for microneedling or a great choice for someone wanting increased hydration from HA.

Dermaheal SB contains 5 active ingredients including:

  • 2 Biometric Peptides
  • Vitamin C
  • Arbutin
  • Licorice Root Extract

Dermaheal SB is used for skin brightening and addressing skin pigmentation.

All three of these products can be used with microneedling or can be administered via mesotherapy.

u/DIY4thePeople — 5 days ago
▲ 4 r/DIYaesthetic_science

Video Demonstrating Placement of Smooth PDO Threads in the Nasolabial Folds

I'm linking a great video with very simple and clear explanation demonstrating the placement of PDO threads in the nasolabial folds.

Smooth threads are one of my favorite DIY treatments and this video was very helpful for me to follow the first time I placed threads in my nasolabial folds. Threads are very thin dissolvable sutures, and when placed in the correct plane under the skin they create a mild inflamatory response that triggers collagen production. Smooth threads are one of the safest and easiest treatments available with very little downtime to help address beginning skin laxicity, crepey skin, fine lines, mild wrinkles, and collagen loss. I especially like threads for the lower face, jawline, and, neck.

I'd like to post more resources on threads in the coming days. If anyone else has any helpful resources, comments, or questions on threads they would like to share, please feel free to contribute.

Link to video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiJnteUWMlM

u/DIY4thePeople — 6 days ago
▲ 11 r/DIYaesthetic_science+1 crossposts

Microneedling with Tranexamic Acid for Redness and Broken Capillaries

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to share information from a recent clinical study where tranexamic acid is used to treat redness and broken capillaries (telangiectasias). As someone who deals with Type 1 rosacea this is something I’ve been trying myself in my treatment rotation for the last year or so and I hope this information may be helpful to others.

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a synthetic analog of the amino acid lysine. It’s been used in medical settings since the 1970’s and more recently has been used as an effective treatment for melasma and hyperpigmentation. TXA’s applications for treating rosacea, particularly for reducing redness and improving the skin barrier, is a relatively more recent development over the last 10 years with topical and oral use as a medication as the most common modalities for treatment. Within the last few years, several researchers have now been looking at the effectiveness of TXA via microneedling and intradermal injections (mesotherapy) as a rosacea treatment.

Below I am linking a research article by Mohamed et al (2024). The researchers conducted a split-face study where 45 patients with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR) were treated for three sessions at two week intervals with microneedling at 0.5mm to 1.5mm depth combined with TXA on the right side of the face; and 10% TXA applied topically only on the left side.

Results: Erythema (redness) results showed statistically significant improvement on both sides of the face with either treatment modality; however, when both sides were compared, the side treated with microneedling and TXA had notably better outcomes than the side that was treated with TXA alone. Improvement of telangiectasia was also superior on the side of the face that was treated with microneedling and TXA (66.6% of patients achieved good to excellent results while the other side of the face treated with the topical application of TXA only had poor to no results). Evaluation of facial flushing also demonstrated significant improvement with microneedling and TXA when compared to TXA alone.

While limited, the data from this study is promising and demonstrates that TXA used with microneedling can be an effective and economical treatment for treating erythema (redness) and telangiectasia.

Anecdotally, I’ve been using sterile TXA with microneedling once every 4 to 6 weeks for about a year now and I’ve seen an approximately 25 to 30% reduction in the visibility of telangiectasia on my face and an even bigger improvement in redness reduction and relief from facial flushing, so I am a believer that this treatment can be effective for some people with consistent use. It’s not a miracle worker, and the results are not as immediate or pronounced as in-office treatments with a vascular laser, but it is an easy and inexpensive treatment that can be DIY’d with microneedling at home.

I would love to hear peoples thoughts and questions in the comments.

If you are wondering where you can find sterile tranexamic acid for use with microneedling, I’m providing some links to vendors with sterile injectable grade TXA  in the comments below.

PDF of study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10911261/pdf/jcad_17_2_47.pdf

Citation: Mohamed RR, Mahmoud Mohamed LG, Mansour M, Rageh MA. Topical 10% Tranexamic Acid with and without Microneedling in the Treatment of Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea: A Split-face Comparative Study. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2024 Feb;17(2):47-51. PMID: 38444423; PMCID: PMC10911261.

The information in this post is not professional medical advice and is for educational purposes only.

u/DIY4thePeople — 8 days ago
▲ 3 r/DIYaesthetic_science

Dermacure Full Face Mesotherapy Training Video

Sharing a great training video on a full face mesotherapy session from Elanora Androva, a UK-based aesthetics educator (Dermacure). She has a full suite of great training videos on her YouTube channel. I especially like this practitioner's videos because she is so calm and methodical in her treatment applications and offers very clear explanation in what she's doing and why.

Watch the full face mesotherapy training video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9JDhGUuD50&t=883s

u/DIY4thePeople — 9 days ago
▲ 2 r/DIYaesthetic_science

BAP or Mesotherapy? What Method is Best for Skin Booster Delivery

What’s the best way to administer polynucleotides (PN), Polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN), and other Skin Boosters?

What is the difference between traditional mesotherapy ("meso") and the BAP technique? Let’s discuss these minimally invasive methods of administering PN, PDRN, and other skin boosters.

Mesotherapy:

  • Mesotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses very short, thin, fine needles to make multiple tiny superficial injections across the entire treatment area
  • Very small doses of the product are placed just beneath the skin, creating “blebs” that then absorb into the dermis
  • Benefits: hydration, reduced inflammation, enhanced collagen production, improved skin/tone and texture
  • Used to treat the periocular region (around the eyes), full face, neck, décolletage/upper chest, or targeted areas
  • Products used can include PN, PDRN, exosomes, and other skin boosters

BAP Technique (Bio Aesthetic Points):

  • The BAP technique involves 5 strategic injection points on each side of the face (for a total of 10 injection points)
  • A neck BAP technique has also been developed
  • BAP points were designed to maximize product diffusion, while minimizing risk and discomfort
  • BAP is often a preferred method for beginning DIY’ers as it involves minimal injection points (faster, less discomfort, less downtime)
  • With some products, BAP is also preferred to provide deeper and longer lasting hydration and structural support
  • Not all products are suitable for BAP. The technique is often used with Hyaron, Profhilo, Nucleofill Strong, and other high-viscosity (i.e. thicker) skin boosters

Basic Diagram of BAP Technique

Which method should you use?

Both methods are effective. The “best” method to use is dependent on the characteristics of the choosen product, desired outcomes, and other considerations including comfort and timing.

*This post is for educational purposes only and is not professional medical advice.

reddit.com
u/DIY4thePeople — 10 days ago
▲ 7 r/DIYaesthetic_science+1 crossposts

PN and PDRN aka “Salmon DNA”--What are They and What’s the Difference?

For those new to the world of DIY aesthetic treatments including microneedling and mesotherapy, this is a common question, and the number of acronyms used on reddit and other online communities can be both confusing and overwhelming.

“PN” and “PDRN” also sometimes called “Salmon DNA”, are increasingly used as both a marketing term and as ingredients in the cosmetics and medical aesthetics industry in a wide range of products including “skin boosters”.

You’ve heard the terms PN and PDRN and you may be wondering what they are, and what’s the difference? You also may be wondering which one is “better” and which one should you use?

Polynucleotides (PN) and Polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN) are both highly purified natural polymers derived from the DNA of various fish species, primarily salmon and trout.

PN are longer chains of DNA fragments, with a higher molecular weight. PN products are usually in a hydrogel formulation with a relatively high viscosity (i.e. thicker) and are primarily used as injectable biostimulators. PN products are usually administered via intradermal or deep dermal injections (i.e. traditional mesotherapy or BAP). PN supports skin regeneration, boosts collagen, reduces inflammation, improves skin elasticity, and enhances hydration. Some PN products have received medical device certification in various jurisdictions including South Korea and Europe (i.e. Rejuran, Plinest, Chroma-PhilArt, Vitaran, Nucleofill, and Plenhyage).

PDRN are shorter chains of DNA fragments, with a relatively lower molecular weight. PDRN “skin booster” products generally have a lower viscosity (thinner) and more fluid properties. PDRN supports targeted skin healing, enhances skin hydration, strengthens the skin barrier and supports overall skin health.

Key Differences:

  • Collagen production: PN is the most effective for increased collagen production and creates relatively long lasting deep structural support. PDRN has some mild collagen stimulation benefits and is good for healing and repair.
  • Decreased inflammation: PN exhibits stronger anti-inflammatory effects. PDRN also reduces inflammation by supporting tissue repair.
  • Overall practical application: PN is best for overall skin rejuvenation, anti-aging, and long-term structural support. PDRN is helpful for targeted healing, repair, and hydration.

Final Takeaway:

Both PN and PDRN can improve the condition of skin and reduce the visible signs of aging. The effectiveness of both PN and PDRN is highly dependent on the formulation of the product used, and the method of administration.

References:

Kim ST. Comparison of Polynucleotide and Polydeoxyribonucleotide in Dermatology: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Perspectives. Pharmaceutics. 2025 Aug 7;17(8):1024. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics17081024. PMID: 40871045; PMCID: PMC12388916.

reddit.com
u/DIY4thePeople — 11 days ago
▲ 3 r/DIYaesthetic_science

New Study on the Antiaging Effects of Polynucleotides (PN)

Hi All,

I am sharing a recently published study (January 2026) from the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology which discusses the efficacy of polynucleotides (PN) for improving skin quality and antiaging which I thought was a very good read.

In the study a 2 % PN product (Plinest) is used on 66 patients on the face, neck, and chest. Patients had 3 sessions of intradermal injections (i.e. mesotherapy) spaced 2 to 3 weeks apart. Results were evaluated 3 months after the final treatment.

Results: “Clinician‐reported outcomes showed visible improvement in 100% of facial treatments, with 53.5% rated as ‘marked’ or ‘excellent’. In the neck and décolleté areas, moderate to significant improvements were observed in over 93% and 88% of cases, respectively. Patient satisfaction ranged from 97% to 100%.”

“Across all treatment areas, patients consistently rated their outcomes even more favorably than physicians, even though clinician assessments were already highly positive. This trend was particularly pronounced in the neck and décolleté areas, where patient- reported improvements exceeded those noted by physicians”

No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions: PN “demonstrated a favorable tolerability and performance profile in real‐life aesthetic practice, supporting its role in improving skin quality and reducing signs of aging.”

If anyone wants to read the full text of the study it is here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/399400011_A_Real-Life_Assessment_of_Injectable_Polynucleotides_High_Purification_Technology_in_Aesthetic_Medicine_for_Skin_Rejuvenation#read

Please share your thoughts and questions so we can discuss!

Study Citation:

Eliana, Lanza & Anna, Perna & Stefania, Bizzarri & Concetta, Santoro & Luisa, Cerutti & Agnieszka, Dybala & Andrea, Brunoro & Laura, Boffi & Carolina, Prussia & Simone, Saretta. (2026). A Real‐Life Assessment of Injectable Polynucleotides High Purification Technology in Aesthetic Medicine for Skin Rejuvenation. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 25. 10.1111/jocd.70532.

u/DIY4thePeople — 12 days ago
▲ 2 r/DIYaesthetic_science

Nucleofill Online Workshop

Hi All,

For those interested in 2.5% PN Nucleofill Strong (or other PN products in the Nucleofill line), or for those already familiar with Nucleofill, but wanting to do a deeper dive to expand your knowledge and dial in your skills--

There is a full recording of a Nucleofill professional workshop available at the link below, including a summary of the product line clinical data, detailed injection protocols, and a demo video on injection technique:

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YaQ7_jrBGc

This post is not professional medical advice.

u/DIY4thePeople — 12 days ago
▲ 2 r/DIYaesthetic_science+1 crossposts

Is Medicube's One-Day Pink Drop Ampoule Safe for Microneedling?

A poster asked if Medicube PDRN Pink One Day Serum, advertised as the "One-Day Pink Drop Ampoule with high-purity Salmon PDRN 99%" is safe for microneedling. Let’s discuss and find out!

The Good:

• This product is packaged in “hygienic” single use vials

• It contains no fragrance

• It is alcohol free and free of essential oils

• It contains some great ingredients like PDRN (aka “Salmon DNA”) and glutathione

The Bad:

• This product is formulated for cosmetic/topical use only and is not formulated for or safe for injectable use.

• The “99% PDRN” claim is a bit misleading. This product is not comprised of 99% PDRN and appears to actually contain 10,000 ppm PDRN (equal to around 1%).

Because its not formulated for injectable use and is a topical product, it should not be used for microneedling at needle depths greater than 0.5mm which is the threshold for “medical depth”. That doesn’t mean its not a good product---it could still be used for cosmetic depth microneedling (needle depth less than 0.5mm) or for topical use an after-care product.

I've posted the full list of ingredients below.

https://preview.redd.it/2aujw7gn9zzg1.png?width=643&format=png&auto=webp&s=99341682cf343b3d9be180ee437db7976eabde61

https://preview.redd.it/basuv2po9zzg1.png?width=792&format=png&auto=webp&s=a40482bf051187201ca393a252e33f62fed29bc9

reddit.com
u/DIY4thePeople — 13 days ago
▲ 52 r/DIYaesthetic_science+1 crossposts

Microneedling for Treating Wrinkles on the Neck

I am sharing some images from the open-access article "Efficacy and Tolerability of a Microneedling Device for Treating Wrinkles on the Neck" (Alqam et al. 2022) for those of us who are curious about using microneedling to treat the neck area for wrinkles and loss of elasticity. The article summarizes the results of a study where 35 participants recieved four months of microneedling treament (four treatments spaced four weeks apart). Participant satisfaction rates were high even 30 days after one session of microneedling. The article concludes that microneedling may have beneficial effects for other areas of the body other than the face. I'll link the full text article below for anyone interested, I thought it was a good read, its at least worth skimming the abstract and relevant data!

Thoughts on this study?

Have you seen results from microneedling your neck and are you doing any other neck treatments?

Link to full text article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9472661/

u/DIY4thePeople — 14 days ago
▲ 18 r/DIYaesthetic_science+2 crossposts

New Introductory Guide for DIY Microneedling

Hi Everyone,

We've compiled a brief foundational and introductory guide for DIY Microneedling that I am posting as text below, and will also link on the sidebar of the sub (r/DIYaesthetic_science) as a PDF document you can download. We hope this will be useful to anyone new to DIY microneedling. Please share your thoughts and questions. More advanced DIY'ers--we welcome your feedback for what you think is missing, how it can be improved, or anything you feel that might be misinformation!

DIY Microneedling – Part 1: Introductory Guide

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses tiny sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries to the skin, triggering the body's natural healing response. Microneedling has been demonstrated to significantly increase collagen and elastin production.

Compared to other aesthetic procedures and treatments, microneedling has minimal down time and is considered minimally invasive and safe for most skin types if proper technique and thorough hygiene practices followed.

Benefits of Microneedling

• Improve skin texture, skin elasticity, and skin tone

• Reduce fine lines and soften appearance of wrinkles including forehead lines, crow’s feet, and deeper wrinkles

• Minimize appearance of scars and stretch marks

• Reduce appearance of pores

• Reduce appearance of sunspots and hyperpigmentation

Frequency of Microneedling Sessions

The frequency of microneedling sessions depends on individual skin needs and concerns. Generally, multiple sessions are required to obtain significant results. It is recommended to space medical depth microneedling sessions at least 4 to 6 weeks apart to allow for a full cycle of new collagen production and to achieve antiaging benefits.

Depth of Microneedling Sessions

Microneedling depths typically range from 0.25mm to 2.0mm (depths deeper than 2.0mm are generally not recommended for DIY/at-home microneedling without advanced expertise). Depth should be selected based on skin concerns, treatment goals, skin thickness, and the area being treated. For overall anti-aging benefits and to achieve collagen stimulation, it is generally recommended to use a depth between 0.5mm to 1.5mm.

https://preview.redd.it/4w418hy2jszg1.png?width=733&format=png&auto=webp&s=0d841ace2c47dbaf4af36d538fc20f78ec978c85

Needle length (mm) and skin structure targeted (Image source: Shutterstock)

Safe Practices for DIY Microneedling

Microneedling can be safely performed at-home with proper preparation, technique, and aftercare, including strict adherence to hygiene. Here are some tips for safe microneedling:

• Sanitize tools and workspace using 70% isopropyl alcohol

• Always use a new and sterile needle cartridge for each microneedling session

• Thoroughly cleanse skin and pat dry using a clean towel (important: if using a topical numbing cream, thoroughly wipe it off after the numbing period and cleanse skin again)

• Disinfect cleansed skin with hypochlorous acid spray or 70% isopropyl alcohol

• Wear sterile nitrile gloves or thoroughly cleanse and disinfect hands with an antiseptic skin cleanser such as Hipiclens

• Hyaluronic acid, serums, or “glides” used in conjunction with medical depth microneedling (> 0.5mm) must be sterile (i.e. mesotherapy or injection grade products in single-use vials). Alternatively, sterile saline (i.e. 0.9% injection grade saline) can be used for glide

• Gently glide the device without applying excessive pressure or “dragging”

• Use consistent, light pressure, aiming for mild redness (erythema) and some pinpoint bleeding (optional)

Contradictions and Considerations*

• Consider stopping all actives (i.e. retinoids and exfoliating acids) at least 2 to 3 days before microneedling

• Avoid chemical peels and filler at least 2 weeks before microneedling

• Wait at least 1 to 2 weeks after neuromodulator injections (Botox) before microneedling

• Never microneedle over active acne or cold sores

• Always research manufacturing information and product ingredients to understand risks and potential side effects of any serums, glides, or other products used in conjunction with microneedling

*Note that the above list is not exhaustive and is not professional medical advice.

Recommendations for Aftercare

Taking steps for proper aftercare can help accelerate healing and will lower the risk of any adverse reactions from microneedling. Here are some tips and considerations for aftercare:

• Microchannels can remain open for several hours after microneedling, at which time you can continue to apply hyaluronic acid to soothe skin and supply hydration--you may also choose to apply a clinical grade growth factor serum or exosomes to accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, increase collagen and elastin production, and enhance results

• Redlight therapy after microneedling may help accelerate healing and further stimulate collagen production

• Avoid washing your face for the first 24 hours after microneedling

• Avoid makeup and sunscreen for the first 24 hours after microneedling

• Avoid retinols and acids for at least 3 days after microneedling (sensitive skin types may need to avoid for up to 7 days)

• Avoid taking NSAIDs (i.e. Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin) for at least 3 to 7 days after microneedling (these area anti-inflammatory drugs that can interfere with the body’s natural healing response and disrupt collagen production)

• Avoid sun exposure for at least 1 to 3 days after microneedling and continue to minimize intense sun exposure for at least 1 week (or better yet—forever! Hats and sunscreen are your friends)

Final Takeaway

Microneedling is a science-backed aesthetic treatment that utilizes the skin’s natural healing response to stimulate skin renewal. By creating controlled micro-injuries, microneedling triggers collagen production and can improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and can reduce the appearance of scars.

If you’ve chosen to DIY microneedle at home, or are considering DIY microneedling, it’s important to self-educate, stay up to date on current research, and adequately prepare, so that you can create your own safe and effective treatment plan.

Disclaimer: The information in this post is not professional medical advice and was written by a DIY enthusiast who is not a medical professional or a licensed esthetician.

References & Links to Recommended Further Reading

Alqam M., Wamsley C.E., Hitchcock T.M., Jones B.C., Akgul Y., and Kenkel J.M. (2023) Efficacy and Tolerability of a Microneedling Device for Treating Wrinkles on the Face. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023; 22:206–213. URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.14985

Alster, T.S., and Graham, P.M. (2018) Microneedling: A Review and Practical Guide. Dermatologic Surgery, 44(3), 397-404. URL: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318997589_Microneedling_A_Review_and_Practical_Guide

Refrigeri, Flavio (2026) The Clinical Impact of Microneedling Depth on Dermal Remodeling and Skin Quality Outcomes in Aesthetic Practice. World Scientific Research Journal. 50, 2 (Apr. 2026), 103–105. URL: https://openresearch-hub.com/index.php/wsrj/article/view/1838/1788

Setterfield L. (2013) The Concise Guide to Dermal Needling (Expanded medical edition). Victoria, CA: Acacia Dermacare Inc. URL for Full Text Free Download: https://oceanofpdf.com/authors/lance-setterfield/pdf-the-concise-guide-to-dermal-needling-third-medical-edition-revised-and-expanded-download/

Coming Soon:

DIY Microneedling – Part 2: Basic Supplies

DIY Microneedling – Part 3: An Introduction to Serums, “Glides”, and After Care Products

reddit.com
u/43Phantom_ — 10 days ago
▲ 2 r/DIYaesthetic_science

Welcome to DIY Aesthetic Science!

This is a space for those interested in DIY microneedling, DIY mesotherapy, and other DIY aesthetic treatments for anti-aging and self-improvement. All skill levels are welcome here, including DIY beginners, DIY-curious, and more advanced and expert-level DIY'ers.

This group is intended to be a non-judgmental, supportive, and collaborative space to ask questions, educate, exchange ideas, share results, and stay up to date in safe techniques, best practices, and the latest science in DIY aesthetics.

We acknowledge and value other DIY subs including r/DIYaesthetics, r/DIYaestheticsAdvanced, r/DIYHEAVEN, and r/DIYmicroneedling. This sub is not intended to be a replacement for, or a competitor with those communities, but rather another collaborative space for like-minded DIY enthusiasts to share and gain access to information, education, and safety in DIY aesthetic treatments and the latest in aesthetics science.

As this sub is in its infancy and just getting started, we welcome your ideas and feedback for what content and information you'd like to see in this space. Currently, we are planning to initially post a couple of open access and easy to digest introductory guides on various foundational DIY aesthetic treatments (i.e. microneedling, mesotherapy, and more) to make this space more accessible and productive for all. We welcome more advanced DIY'ers to share their input in these materials, and we welcome new DIY'ers to share what you feel is missing and what you'd like to see to help you get started or advance in DIY.

We are also hoping for this to be a space to move beyond influencer product hype by encouraging posts and commentary that incorporate clinical data and published scientific literature on relevant topics so that we can all grow together in expanding our knowledge of best practices and the newest advancements in aesthetics science.

Please share your thoughts to let us know how we can make this community most useful to you. We welcome your input on what type of discussions and content you’d like to see here.

reddit.com
u/DIY4thePeople — 14 days ago