We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

Tackle fine lines and wrinkles with these high-tech skincare tools

Tiny needles coming into contact with your skin might not seem like the relaxing facial you were after, but it does provide some serious benefits. The treatment is called microneedling, and it can help improve everything from wrinkles to age spots.

Microneedling has been used in clinics since the 90's, but, thanks to the latest DIY beauty craze, is now available to use in your own home (with smaller needles involved, of course).

Ready to get rolling? Read on for more info on these clever devices and the best ones to buy.

As mentioned, it does involve small needles, but how exactly does it work?

We'll hand over to our expert, Dr Amiee Vyas, to explain:

"Microneedling is a popular aesthetic treatment with a myriad of benefits from anti-ageing – improving fine lines and wrinkles – to tackling hyperpigmentation, scarring, hair-loss and more,” she says. “During the procedure several tiny sterile needles are used to produce multiple reversible micro-channels in the skin, this activates normal wound healing, thereby stimulating collagen and elastin production.

“The microchannels serve as an excellent delivery system for therapeutic medical agents (e.g peptides and proteins) as well as cosmeceutical serums, so essentially your skin products work better."

While it suits most skin colours and types, if you're currently experiencing any of the below, it's best to stay clear of the treatment:

While microneedling treatments in a clinic are guaranteed to give you glowing skin, it's also pricey and might not be accessible to everyone. Which is where at-home microneedling and derma rolling tools come in to play.

The needles are much smaller than what you'd get professionally, but they can still have an impact.

"The first thing to say about purchasing kits is never to choose the cheapest option,” says Dr Vyas, “and always buy from a reputable supplier and always start with a short needle length around 0.25mm to ensure you don’t tear the skin. Unlike clinic treatments, the goal of home treatments is never to produce blood spots, always cleanse the skin and roller before use, follow the instructions for your particular kit and only use a gentle pressure."

Remember to thoroughly cleanse your device before and after use to sterilise it, too.

GP and Clinical Dermatology Expert, Dr Sonia Khrana, also advises: "Make sure you store your device appropriately, so that the needles do not get damaged. Prior to using it each time, you should inspect it closely. Discard your device if you see it is damaged, as blunt or bent needles can cause micro-tears in the skin, leading to scarring and hyperpigmentation.

“Make sure it’s clean and clean your hands and face thoroughly before using. Do not microneedle over active acne or active skin conditions, or over keloid scars. It’s also important not to treat the same area too much."

That depends on how sensitive your skin is, and whether you're a newbie to microneedling or not.

Dr Vyas says: "Initially, I don’t advise to use more than once a week. This can slowly be increased to 3-5 times weekly as tolerated. If you're having regular peels, injectables or other skin treatments it’s vital to let your treatment provider know you also use a home roller."

Skin will likely be sensitive and red after a treatment, even flaking can occur at times, which is why taking care of your skin is vital after microneedling.

"Due to the nature of the procedure, it is best to be cautious following the treatment and not to use anything too active on the skin,” recommends Dr Vyas.

“Products containing potentially irritating ingredients such as vitamin C or retinol may be too strong and need to be used a few days after the procedure to allow the skin time to heal. Instead, the use of hyaluronic acid post treatment is encouraged, due to it being both soothing and deeply hydrating.”

And finally, using daily sun protection is a must after such treatments. Dr Vyas recommends using a mineral sunscreen, which are gentle on the skin. If your skin is particularly irritated, you can use ice packs or cool compresses to help soothe it.

Our panel of 92 beauty testers tried a variety of at-home microneedling and derma roller tools, to find the best.

For eight weeks, they assessed each one on whether they saw a difference in the look of their pores, scarring, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and whether skin looked brighter, firmer and clearer.

We also asked an expert to use a VISIA complexion analyser to assess testers' skin after four and eight weeks of using each tool. The machine judged any improvements in brown spots, wrinkles, pores and overall skin texture.

This kit comes with everything you need to prep skin and look after it post-treatment, including an LED red light therapy option and microcurrent movements, providing skin with the full works.

It was our panel's top choice for minimising pores and was pain-free for everyone. After using for just one minute a day, most of our testers saw softer, smoother and brighter skin. The majority reported that wrinkles appeared reduced, leaving testers with a more refreshed look.

Key specifications Length of needle (mm): 0.3 What's in the box: GloPRO tool, face attachment, pH balancing gel cleanser, vitamin C facial moisturiser, Nightly Retinol + Peptide Anti-Ageing serum, 5 x clarifying prep pads, 2 x AAA batteries, sanitising spritzer container (empty, should be filled with 70% or higher isopropyl alcohol).

Face Gym is a celeb secret for a sculpted pre-red carpet look, so we were keen to see if its range of at-home tools had the same effects.

Did it work? Our testers thought so, with the majority saying it left skin firmer and more toned. Nearly all found scarring and wrinkles appeared less prominent, with complexions appearing more refined and radiant. It impressed our testers so much, most said they'd continue to use it.

Key specifications Length of needle (mm): 0.25 What's in the box: 4 x treatment roller heads, one handle

Not only is this the perfect needle size for beginners (0.25mm), but it was also irritation free and rolled over skin easily.

The tool itself is petite, which, while great for travelling, did take some testers longer to get round their whole face. However, most reported more toned, smoother, clearer skin, with age spots and pigmentation looking less noticeable.

Key specifications Length of needle (mm): 0.25 What's in the box: Tool

One for the more experienced among us (due to the size of the needling at 0.5mm), this affordable option comes in at under £15.

Despite the larger size of the needles, one tester found it did the job, helping reduce breakouts, wrinkles and blackheads. Due to the low price point, the device itself didn’t win any points for style, but it didn't cause any long-lasting irritation or redness, and improved almost all testers' scarring.

Key specifications Length of needle (mm): 0.5 What's in the box: Tool

This device, from celeb-favourite skin expert Jamie Sherrill, is unique, as it requires a stamp and lift action rather than rolling.

It allowed our panel to target specific areas of the face and left most with smoother, softer skin. It did a great job at boosting glow, while the device itself required minimal effort to use. It stood out for reducing the look of brown spots, too.

Key specifications Length of needle (mm): 0.2 What's in the box: Tool

This tool comes with a handy storage case, which makes it super easy to store and keep clean. One tester commented that "it renewed the texture of my skin” leaving it looking “younger, brightened and glowing”, while it also left everyone with softer, smoother skin.

It helped minimise the look of pores, with all saying it banished any irregular skin texture. It impressed our panel so much, all said they'd continue to use it in the future.

Key specifications Length of needle (mm): 0.3 What's in the box: Tool, 50ml sanitising spray, clean and treat tonic spray, protective storage case