Have you noticed your skin looking softer, thinner, and less firm since your 50s? You’re not alone. After menopause, hormonal changes slow down your skin’s natural repair process, leaving you with fine lines, sagging around the jawline, and a loss of glow. Fine lines and wrinkles, as well as dark spots, also become more common concerns for women over 50.
This is the exact moment when many women start hearing about microneedling facial treatment but also feel unsure: Is it safe? Does it really work? Should you go to a clinic, or try it at home?
This article is written for every woman who has ever looked in the mirror and thought: “There must be a better way to help my skin look firmer without surgery.”
Ms Longevity is going to break it all down for you: what microneedling is, why it’s so effective after 50, the difference between clinic and at-home treatments, and how to make sure you’re doing it safely.
What Is a Microneedling Facial Treatment?
Microneedling is a non-surgical treatment that uses very fine needles to create thousands of tiny, controlled “micro-injuries” on the surface of your skin. These microchannels stimulate your body’s natural healing response, increasing the production of collagen and elastin two of the most important proteins for firm, youthful skin.
This process triggers the skin’s wound healing response, activating skin cells to repair and regenerate the skin.
In simple terms:
- The needles create micro-injuries
- Your skin responds by repairing itself as part of the skin’s healing process, involving the activation of skin cells
- New collagen and elastin are produced
- Your skin becomes firmer, smoother, and more radiant over time
Microneedling has been used by dermatologists and skin specialists for over a decade because it works with your body rather than against it. It is considered a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure and, in some cases, a form of medical treatment for skin rejuvenation and scar reduction, typically performed under professional supervision.
Types of Microneedling Techniques
Microneedling itself is an umbrella term. There are several techniques and devices that fall under this category, and understanding them can help you choose the one that’s right for your needs. These different microneedling procedures vary in depth, technology, and intended results.
Nano-Needling (Superficial Treatment)
Nano-needling uses extremely tiny silicone or stainless-steel tips to gently exfoliate and create micro-channels in the very top layer of the skin. These are not as deep as traditional microneedling and are designed to:
- Improve absorption of serums
- Smooth surface texture
- Brighten dull, tired-looking skin
- Cause almost no downtime, with minimal redness
Nano-needling is perfect for very sensitive skin or as an entry point before moving on to deeper microneedling.
Oscillating Pen Devices (Traditional Microneedling)
This is the classic form of microneedling device, often performed in clinics and also used at home with safe, high-quality devices. A small, pen-shaped tool oscillates fine needles up and down, puncturing the skin in a very controlled way. The benefits include:
- Stimulating collagen and elastin production
- Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
- Improving scars, texture, and firmness
- Mild redness for 24–48 hours
The depth of penetration can be adjusted depending on the area of the face and the condition being treated.
Derma Rollers (Manual Microneedling)
This older method uses a roller covered in small needles that you roll across the skin. While still effective, it is less precise than oscillating devices because the needles enter the skin at an angle rather than vertically. This can cause more trauma if used incorrectly, which is why many professionals now prefer pen-style devices.
Consistent and proper use of derma rollers is important to maintain results over time.
Radiofrequency Microneedling (Advanced Professional Treatment)
This combines microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy. RF microneedling is considered an advanced microneedling technique, typically performed by specialised practitioners for more severe skin issues such as deep acne scarring and advanced skin rejuvenation.
As the needles penetrate the skin, they deliver heat energy into the deeper layers, tightening collagen fibres and stimulating new collagen growth. RF microneedling is only available in a professional clinic and is particularly effective for:
- Neck Sagging Skin
- Deep lines
- Skin tightening along the jawline and under the eyes
- Skin Laxity
Which Technique Is Best for You?
- Nano-needling: Great for surface texture, sensitive skin, and glow.
- Oscillating pen microneedling: Ideal for overall rejuvenation and fine lines.
- Derma roller: A lower-cost alternative, but less precise.
- RF microneedling: Best for those seeking advanced skin tightening.
No matter which technique you choose, the key to success is using the correct depth, sterile tools, and following a plan that suits your skin health age.
Comparison of Microneedling Techniques
To make it easier to see the differences between each method, here’s a quick comparison table:
Technique | Depth of Treatment | Downtime | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Nano-Needling | Very superficial (top layer only) | None to mild redness | Brightening, serum absorption, sensitive skin |
Oscillating Pen Devices | Adjustable (0.25mm – 2.5mm) | 24–48 hours redness | Collagen stimulation, fine lines, scars, overall rejuvenation |
Derma Rollers | Fixed depth, angled penetration | 24–72 hours redness | Budget-friendly, general skin improvement (less precise) |
RF Microneedling | Deeper layers + RF heat | 3–5 days redness | Advanced tightening, deep lines, significant sagging |
Ms Longevity’s Tip: Choosing the right method depends on your skin health age, goals, and how much downtime you’re comfortable with.
For many women, combining oscillating pen treatments with professional radiofrequency treatments gives the best long-term result.
While at-home devices can be effective, they may not always deliver the same results as professional procedures due to differences in device strength and technique.
Why Microneedling Matters More After 50
As we move into our 50s, three key changes happen in our skin:
Collagen production slows down, leading to thinner, less elastic skin.
Cell turnover decreases, so skin looks duller and takes longer to heal.
Sun damage and pigmentation become more pronounced.
Microneedling facial treatment directly addresses these issues by forcing your skin to regenerate. The specific skin concern you wish to address, such as fine lines, sagging, or uneven tone, will help determine the most suitable microneedling approach.
1. Collagen Production Drops
By the time we reach menopause, collagen production slows by up to 30%, leading to significant changes in the skin’s structure. Collagen is a key protein that provides strength and elasticity to the skin, but as its production decreases, the skin becomes thinner and less firm.
This loss of collagen results in noticeable signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging, making the skin appear less youthful and vibrant.
2. Cell Turnover Slows Down
Younger skin has a natural ability to renew itself every 28 days, keeping it smooth, radiant, and fresh-looking. However, as we age, this renewal process slows down significantly.
By the time you reach age 50, the cycle can take anywhere from 50 to 60 days. This slowdown means that dull, older skin cells linger on the surface for much longer, contributing to a less vibrant and uneven complexion.
Regular exfoliation and proper skincare can help support your skin’s natural renewal process as it ages.
3. Hormones Shift and Repair Slows
Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining the health and appearance of your skin. It helps keep your skin plump, hydrated, and elastic by supporting collagen production and moisture retention.
When estrogen levels drop, such as during menopause, the skin can become thinner, drier, and more fragile, leading to increased sensitivity and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
This hormonal change is a natural part of ageing, but highlights the importance of proper skincare to support your skin’s changing needs.
Microneedling facial treatment directly addresses these issues by forcing your skin to regenerate. It doesn’t rely on creams or fillers to temporarily mask problems; it encourages your own cells to do the work.
Benefits of Microneedling Facial Treatments
Key results you can expect:
- Firmer skin with better elasticity
- Smoother texture and reduced fine lines
- Smaller-looking pores
- Healthier glow and more even tone
- Gradual lifting effect around jawline and eyes
- Noticeable skin tightening and rejuvenation
Microneedling results include not only improved firmness and texture but also overall skin rejuvenation and tightening, making it an effective option for long-lasting improvements in skin appearance.
These results come gradually, not overnight, allowing for a more subtle and steady transformation. For women in their 50s, this slower, more measured approach feels natural and aligns with the skin’s changing needs as it ages.
It gives the skin time to adapt and improve without any drastic or sudden changes, creating a more balanced and comfortable experience.
The Microneedling Procedure: What Happens During Treatment?
If you’re considering microneedling treatment, you might be wondering exactly what happens during the procedure.
Also known as collagen induction therapy, this minimally invasive cosmetic procedure uses a specialised microneedling pen equipped with tiny needles to create controlled, microscopic punctures in your skin tissue.
These tiny punctures trigger your body’s natural healing process, stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin key ingredients for youthful, resilient skin.
Watch Full Microneedling Treatments - What To Expect
Preparation and Consultation: Getting Ready for Your Session
Before your first microneedling treatment, proper preparation and a thorough consultation are essential for the best results. During your complimentary consultation, your practitioner will assess your skin and discuss your main skin concerns, such as fine lines, uneven skin tone, or acne scars. Together, you’ll develop a personalised treatment protocol tailored to your needs and goals.
Professional Microneedling vs. At-Home Microneedling
One of the most common questions I hear from clients is: “Should I go to a clinic, or can I do this at home?”
The good news is that both options can deliver excellent results it’s not a case of one being better than the other. The real difference lies in how you prefer to fit microneedling into your lifestyle.
While both professional and at-home microneedling can be effective, more research is needed to fully compare their long-term safety and effectiveness.
Clinic Microneedling Treatments
If you enjoy the experience of being cared for in a professional setting and prefer someone else to do the work for you, then a clinic can be a great choice. Professional microneedling sessions are delivered using microneedling devices under the supervision of trained therapists. The biggest advantages of the clinic route are convenience and the reassurance of someone guiding the session.
At-Home Microneedling Treatments
With the right training, support, and equipment (like the ones provided through Ms Longevity), you can achieve the same long-term results at home. Home microneedling allows you to build a consistent routine without the time and cost commitment of visiting a clinic. It also gives you the freedom to combine treatments with serums and rituals that fit your skin goals.
Which One Should You Choose?
It really comes down to:
- Cost: Clinics are more expensive per session, while at-home is an investment upfront with little ongoing cost.
- Time: Clinics require travel and appointment scheduling; at-home allows you to do it at a time that suits you.
In my practice, I’ve seen equally fantastic results from both approaches. The most important factor isn’t where you do it, but that it’s done correctly, safely, and consistently. This is why I place so much emphasis on providing safe devices, training, and ongoing support for at-home microneedling so you can feel confident achieving the same outcomes in your own home.
Can You Combine Microneedling with Other Skin Treatments?
Absolutely! Microneedling can work beautifully alongside other non-invasive treatments. Other treatments, such as topical serums, radiofrequency, or platelet-rich plasma, can be combined with microneedling to enhance results and address a wider range of skin concerns. Combining therapies is often the key to accelerating results and targeting different layers of skin health.
Here are some of the most common combinations:
LED Light Therapy
LED light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to reduce inflammation, speed up healing, and stimulate collagen production. When used after microneedling, the micro-channels created in the skin allow the LED light to work even more effectively. Many women notice reduced redness and quicker recovery when they pair these two treatments.
Chemical Peels
Gentle chemical peels can be used between microneedling sessions to exfoliate dead cells and improve skin tone. It’s important to avoid doing a peel immediately before or after microneedling; instead, peels are usually scheduled in the weeks between sessions. This combination smooths texture and enhances your overall glow.
Targeted Serums and Active Ingredients
One of the biggest benefits of microneedling is that it temporarily increases your skin’s ability to absorb active ingredients. After treatment, applying serums containing hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C, or growth factors helps these potent nutrients penetrate deeply for maximum benefit. (This step should be done with professional guidance so only safe, sterile products are used on open micro-channels.)
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
In-clinic, some practitioners combine microneedling with PRP (often called the “vampire facial”), where your own plasma is applied to the skin during treatment. This can supercharge healing and collagen production.
Why Combination Treatments Work So Well
Each treatment targets a slightly different mechanism of skin renewal. While microneedling triggers collagen production by creating micro-injuries, LED soothes inflammation, and peels or serums work on surface brightness and nourishment. Together, these treatments form a powerful synergy, especially for women over 50 who want to improve skin texture, tone, and firmness without surgery.
Important: Always allow your skin to fully recover between treatments. Your therapist (or your at-home skin plan) can help you create a safe schedule that layers these therapies effectively.
Is Microneedling Safe?
Microneedling is generally safe when done correctly with sterile equipment. The most important safety factors are:
- Hygiene: Always use clean tools.
- Depth: Professional treatments are deeper; at home, you must stay superficial.
- Skin Health: Avoid microneedling if you have active skin infections, open wounds, severe acne, or active acne.
This is why guidance is so important, especially for at-home microneedling. Done the right way, it is a game changer; done incorrectly, it can harm your skin.
Potential Side Effects: What You Need to Know
Microneedling is generally a safe and effective treatment for a variety of skin concerns, but it’s important to be aware of potential side effects. Most commonly, you may experience mild redness, swelling, or irritation in the treated area—these effects are temporary and usually resolve within a few days as your skin heals.
In rare cases, more serious side effects like infection or scarring can occur, especially if aftercare instructions aren’t followed closely. If you have darker skin tones, you may be at a slightly higher risk for pigmentation issues, so it’s important to discuss this with your practitioner before starting treatment. For those addressing acne scarring or other persistent skin concerns, multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve optimal results.
Always communicate any concerns with your practitioner and follow their guidance to minimize risks and support your skin’s healing process.
Aftercare and Recovery: Healing Beautifully
Proper aftercare is key to maximizing the benefits of your microneedling treatment and ensuring your skin heals beautifully. After your session, your practitioner will provide specific instructions tailored to your skin, but here are some general guidelines to follow:
- Avoid sun exposure and skip wearing makeup for at least 24 hours to protect your healing skin.
- Use gentle, hydrating skin products and avoid harsh exfoliants or active ingredients until your skin has fully recovered.
- Apply recommended topical products such as soothing serums or creams to support collagen production and enhance your results.
- Keep your skin moisturized and drink plenty of water to aid the healing process.
Most people notice improvements in skin texture and tone within a week, with continued benefits as new collagen forms. By following your aftercare plan, you’ll help your skin recover quickly and enjoy a smoother, more radiant complexion.
How Many Microneedling Sessions Are Needed?
The number and spacing of microneedling sessions, whether done in a clinic or at home should always be guided by one key factor: your current skin health age.
Skin Health Age vs. ChronologicalAge
Your skin health age is a measure of how well your skin has aged in relation to your actual biological age. Lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, stress, diet, and skincare habits can cause your skin to age faster than your chronological age. For example, you may be 50 years old but your skin behaves more like 60.
This difference is important because the older your skin health age, the slower your skin cell turnover. Slower turnover means you need to allow more time for your skin to recover and build new collagen between treatments.
Using the Skin Age Calculator
Before deciding on your microneedling schedule, use a Skin Age Calculator to determine your skin health age. This will help guide how often you should space out your sessions:
- If your skin health age is 60: Allow roughly 60 days between microneedling sessions.
- If your skin health age is 45: You can schedule treatments closer together, about every 45 days.
- If your skin health age matches your biological age (for example, 50): Follow that timeline (every 50 days).
Clinic and At-Home Protocols Are the Same
Whether you choose professional microneedling or at-home microneedling, the recommended frequency is the same. The difference is simply where you choose to have the treatment done not how your skin responds to it.
By using your skin health age as a guide, you are tailoring your microneedling routine to match how your skin repairs itself. This ensures your skin has enough time to complete the repair cycle, produce collagen, and prepare for the next session.
The Importance of Consistency
Microneedling is not a one-off treatment. Your results depend on regular and consistent sessions carried out at the correct interval for your skin. Each session triggers a wave of healing and collagen production that builds on the previous one.
Think of it like exercise or healthy eating consistency over time gives lasting changes. Even if your treatments are spaced further apart due to a higher skin health age, sticking to the plan matters more than doing them more frequently.
Why This Approach Works
Instead of a fixed schedule (such as every 4–6 weeks), using your skin age as the guide means you’re working with your skin, not against it. This personalised approach:
- Reduces the risk of overstimulation
- Allows collagen to form fully
- Gives long-lasting results
In short: the key to microneedling results is not doing it more often it’s doing it at the right pace for your unique skin health age, and staying consistent with your plan.
How Much Does Microneedling Cost?
The cost of microneedling treatment can vary widely depending on the treatment area, the number of sessions needed, and the clinic’s location. On average, a single session ranges from £150 to £400. Keep in mind that multiple treatments are often recommended for optimal results, especially if you’re targeting more stubborn skin concerns like acne scarring or stretch marks.
Many clinics offer package deals or discounts for booking several sessions as part of your treatment plan, so be sure to discuss your goals and budget during your consultation.
While microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure, it’s an investment in your skin’s long-term health and appearance delivering noticeable improvements in scarring, skin texture, and overall radiance with the right approach.
Some clinics may also offer add-on treatments such as topical serums, mesotherapy serums like exosomes, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to enhance the results of microneedling. These options may come at an additional cost but can provide even more significant and long-lasting improvements.
Overall, the cost of microneedling varies depending on several factors and it’s essential to do your research and find a reputable and experienced provider who can tailor the treatment to your specific needs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and compare prices between different clinics before making a decision. Your skin deserves the best care possible, so make sure you’re investing in a safe and effective treatment for optimal results.
Before and After: What to Expect From Microneedling
Immediately after:
- Your skin will look red, like mild sunburn.
- It may feel slightly tight or sensitive.
Next 48 hours:
- Redness fades.
- You may notice slight flaking or dryness as old skin sheds.
After 2–4 weeks:
- Skin starts looking brighter, firmer, and more even.
After a full course:
Fine lines soften, sagging improves, and skin regains its natural glow.
Recovery and Post-Treatment Care
After any type of microneedling treatment, the skin goes through a natural healing process. During this period, what you apply to your skin matters just as much as the treatment itself.
For the first 24–48 hours:
- Avoid makeup and harsh skincare products (such as retinols, exfoliants, and acids)
- Use only gentle, hydrating serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or growth factors to support healing
- Keep your skin clean and protected with a simple cleanser and a soothing, non-comedogenic moisturiser
- Always apply SPF if you are exposed to daylight, even indoors
From day 3 onwards:
- As redness subsides, you can gradually return to your normal skincare routine, but continue to prioritise hydration and protection.
Key rule: Think calm and replenish, not active. Let your skin focus on collagen production during this time, and avoid introducing new, strong active products until the skin has fully recovered.
Is Microneedling Right for You?
Microneedling may be a good option if:
- You are seeing fine lines, sagging, or dullness
- You want to address skin damage from sun exposure or aging
- You prefer a natural, non-surgical approach
- You want to take an active role in your skin health
It may not be right for you if you have:
- Active skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis flare-ups)
- Pustual Acne
- Very thin, fragile skin that bruises easily
Key Takeaways: Why Microneedling Could Be Your Next Step
Microneedling is one of the few non-invasive treatments that works with your own biology to:
- Stimulate collagen and elastin
- Restore firmness and glow
- Help you feel more confident in your skin
And the best part? It does all this without fillers or surgery.
Ready to Explore Microneedling?
If you want to explore microneedling as part of your long-term skin longevity plan:
- Download my free Skin Longevity Blueprint to learn how to prepare your skin for best results.
- Subscribe to the newsletter for practical, evidence-based advice on safe at-home microneedling and skin health over 50.
Remember: Go beyond skin care when looking to improve skin health for younger looking skin…
