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From Instagram and Facebook to TikTok and YouTube, microneedling is everywhere on social media right now. But, much like previous beauty trends that went viral (remember the DIY chemical peel craze?), not everything you see online is safe to try at home. And while there are tons of potential microneedling benefits, collagen induction therapy is often better left to licensed professional estheticians, not skincare enthusiasts.
In other words, it may be time to say goodbye to that microneedling device you were influenced to buy on TikTok Shop or Instagram. However, that doesn't mean you have to ditch at-home collagen induction therapy altogether. Here’s an esthetician-approved guide to substituting microneedling at home with a safer alternative — called nano channeling — instead!
Before we dive into the risks, let’s start with the basics: What is microneedling, exactly? At-home microneedling typically uses a device, such as a microneedling pen or roller, which is lined with sterilized needles ranging from 0.1 to 3.0 millimeters long. Applying this device creates microscopic wounds in the dermis that help enhance cellular turnover and promote collagen and elastin production.
So, what makes microneedling at home tricky to do safely? Well, there are several microneedling side effects, like swelling and skin tearing, which can be exacerbated when the process is performed by a novice instead of a professional. These effects can be worsened if the at-home device is not properly sanitized, leading to painful acne breakouts or even infections and scarring.
Likewise, using the too-long needles of many devices can cause bruising across the treatment area — and actually create more damage than can be productively healed.
Pro Tip: The allowed needle length varies among professional estheticians, dermatologists, and physicians. For skincare enthusiasts microneedling at home, I recommend a needle length that does not exceed 0.5 millimeters. Even that must be used carefully, though!
I know what you’re thinking: Now that I’ve put the kibosh on microneedling at home, how’s a skincare lover going to safely perform collagen induction therapy from the comfort of their own vanity? The answer is with nano channeling! I think you’re really going to love nano channeling to boost collagen production and improve your skin.
Nano channeling, sometimes referred to as microchanneling, is the next evolution of microneedling. Instead of a pen or roller device, it involves a wand-like device that replaces long needles with a safer, more sterile replaceable silicone microchip. Not only does nano channeling create smaller wounds that decrease the risk of swelling and skin tearing, but it also causes less inflammation with reduced downtime.
When compared to microneedling, the silicone microchip of nano channeling devices still stimulates beneficial collagen and elastin production, but in safer way — especially if you’re not an experienced esthetician. Rather than minor wounds, nano channeling creates ultra-fine channels that fuel cellular turnover and facilitate better absorption of serums. Let’s dive into how to perform nano channeling at home!
If you want to nano channel like the pros, there’s one device I cannot recommend enough: The Skin Wand Pro. This revolutionary handheld device's replaceable silicone tip penetrates precisely 0.15 millimeters into the skin, a depth that is proven to trigger collagen production and skin tightening in the targeted areas. It’s also been designed to be just as easy for skincare enthusiasts to use as it is for professionals like me.
Pro Tip: Watch me demo the Skin Wand Pro on my YouTube channel, where I share more insider tips!
It’s important to point out that, like microneedling at home, you shouldn’t use the Skin Wand Pro if you’re currently on Accutane (isotretinoin) for acne or have active breakouts. You should also alternate days if you’re currently using a vitamin A treatment, such as tretinoin or Retin A.
Otherwise, the Skin Wand Pro can help push beneficial serums and ampoules deeper into the skin for greater efficacy, whether you want to target dark spots or dryness, or accomplish other skincare goals. The process of pushing those serums deeper into the skin is called nano infusion. Here are my top nano infusion and serum pairings:
Like any at-home skincare device, there are a few tips and tricks to maximize efficacy when working with the Skin Wand Pro. The biggest is to apply your skincare first — not only will serums and ampoules provide a bit of glide, letting the device sweep across the face more easily, but they will be pushed into the skin with the silicone microchip.
Next, do a bit of digging to understand the many ways you can use your Skin Wand Pro (spoiler alert: there are tons!).
There’s a good reason why microneedling equipment is best left in professional treatment rooms and not your personal vanity. Microneedling at home comes with inherent risks, like painful swelling and skin tearing, that can end up distracting from your skincare journey — not enhancing it. That’s why I tell my clients to join me in the safer nano channeling revolution instead!
Want to know where else you can join me? The Christine Byer Beauty Club, your premier destination for one-on-one skincare support! Access personalized support, access exclusive savings, and score the opportunity to win a FREE consultation with me! Even better, there’s a 14-day free preview, so you can explore everything the Club has to offer before officially joining. I hope to see you there!
Trying to keep our skin healthy and glowing is a lifelong process. It protects us, shields us, and defines us in a lot of ways! But every layer of the skin acts as our armor in a different way. On the very top, we all have a "skin barrier" that requires its own care for long-term health.
