The Interlude

I have a horrible habit of making impulse purchases. And quarantine has only strengthened my ability to convince myself that I should buy something I absolutely do not need, and yet, must have. On my latest trek to CVS, I found my latest impulse buy: microneedle patches.

In the absence of fillers and elective dermatology visits, microneedle patch manufacturers claim to create a filler-like effect using tiny needles to deliver hyaluronic acid, a highly-moisturizing ingredient, to the skin. The needles create tiny ruptures in the outer layer of the face, triggering a regenerating effect. As a result, the skin becomes more susceptible to nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.

For just $4.99, I could not resist the urge to test the patches out on my massive forehead wrinkle in an at-home science experiment. (The patch’s suggested use included under eye areas and laugh lines, but I was not about to put microneedles near my eyes.)

I washed my face with a gentler cleanser than I normally use because dermatologists suggest avoiding harsh products in preparation for the treatment. For example, experts advise that clients cut retinol products from their routine for 48 hours before a professional microneedling procedure.

After patting my skin dry, I applied the sharp side of the patch to my forehead, as well as my right laugh line (my left one is more shallow and I only had one patch left.) The directions call for the patch to be kept on for three hours and be pressed into the skin every few minutes to increase effectiveness. The application of the patch did not hurt, but did feel like the prongs of a tiny plastic doll brush pressed into my skin.

It was harder than I expected to keep the patches on for three hours. About 30 minutes in, the patch on my laugh line started itching profusely, and did not stop until I took it off. The laugh line patch also made it pretty difficult to eat or drink anything, putting a wrench in my plans to have a cold one on my couch.

But the results made it worth it. I noticed an immediate difference after removing the patches. My right laugh line looked a lot closer in depth to my left, and my forehead wrinkle was less pronounced. While the effects somewhat subsided the next morning, I still could see a noticeable difference.

Photos of my face before (left) using microneedle patches and immediately after removing them (right).

For people who are unsure about professional-grade microneedling — be it because of its expense, a fear of needles, or skin sensitivity issues — microneedle patches can be a great introduction to the procedure. Beyond the mild itching I experienced on my laugh line (likely because of the patch’s location) I had no pain, swelling, or other negative side effects. However, microneedling can cause bleeding, bruising, infection, and peeling; and may not be safe for people who have had recent radiation treatments, or suffer from psoriasis or eczema, Healthline reports. Excessive microneedling can also lead to more permanent rupturing of the skin. A dermatologist told Elle Magazine that overdoing microneedling can cause the skin to look like plastic.

With one use, the patches appeared to successfully fight signs of aging on my face. What remains to be seen is whether incorporating them into my largely nonexistent skincare routine will reduce further cleaving of my freakishly large forehead wrinkle.

Editor’s note: Do not attempt to alter your skincare regimen or use skincare products without consulting a physician.

All products mentioned in this story were purchased by or gifted to the author. No brands paid for or sponsored this article.